Internet Usage Policy

The White Cloud Community Library is pleased to offer access to the wealth of information available on the Internet via NCATS (The Newaygo County Advanced Technology Services).  While the Internet offers global access to information, not all sources on the Internet provide information that is accurate, current or legal.  The White Cloud Community Library is unable to monitor or control the content of Internet materials, which can change rapidly and unpredictably.

 

 STAFF ASSISTANCE

THE LIBRARY STAFF PROVIDES ASSISTANCE LIMITED TO BASIC START UP OF THE INTERNET.  The staff is not familiar with all Internet resources, and individuals new to the Internet should consider taking classes or reviewing videos, books, and/or other materials in order to familiarize themselves with Internet applications.

  

CHOOSING AND EVALUATING SOURCES

The White Cloud Community Library has no control of the Internet and its resources and assumes no responsibility for the quality, accuracy, or currency of any Internet resource.  Neither the White Cloud Community Library, nor its officers, director or employees, shall be liable for any damages (direct or consequential), including lost profits, for any information obtained or provided on the Internet.  Users should evaluate Internet sources just as they do printed publications, questioning the validity of the information provided.

Patrons must understand that connections to specific sites on the Internet may be unavailable for technical reasons beyond local control, including an overloaded host computer at the destination site, a restricted/pass-worded authorization at the destination site.

   

USER RESPONSIBILITIES

Patrons should be aware that the Internet contains material of a controversial nature.  Viewing of certain materials in the public library may be considered improper in time, place or manner. While patrons are free to access whatever Internet sites they wish, the library must also respect the rights of other patrons. THE LIBRARY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO END AN INTERNET SESSION AT ANY TIME IF IT IS CREATING A DISTURBANCE.  Any patron leaving an offensive screen on at the end of a session, inadvertently exposing others to material and/or images they may find personally unsuitable, shall be denied access to the Internet for1 month. Further such occurrence will result in a $20 fine, plus permanent loss of Internet use. (Updated 11/13/02)

It is prohibited to use the Internet for illegal or criminal purposes, infringe on copyright materials, or to seek access into unauthorized areas. This includes tampering with the set-up configuration of the software and hardware, altering screen-savers, icons, and passwords.  In the event that a user attempts and/or succeeds to interfere with or disrupt services, equipment, or other users, the Library Director shall suspend that user’s privilege of using the Internet stations.  THE PATRON WILL BE CHARGED FOR REPAIR OF DAMAGE CAUSED THROUGH CARELESSNESS OR INTENTIONAL MISUSE OF EQUIPMENT, WITH A $20 CHARGE FOR ALTERING SCREEN-SAVERS, ICONS, AND/OR PASSWORDS.

The Library considers Internet use private and confidential within the limits of the public environment, the technology of the equipment, and the requirements of the law.  Therefore: ONLY ONE INDIVIDUAL MAY BE AT THE COMPUTER STATION AT A TIME (unless a parent is supervising a child).

  

CHILDREN’S USE OF THE INTERNET

PARENTS OF MINORS ARE EXPECTED TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR CHILD’S USE OF THE INTERNET IN THE SAME MANNER THAT THEY WOULD FOR THE USE OF BOOKS, MAGAZINES, VIDEOS OR OTHER MATERIALS.  Library personnel do not monitor or supervise Internet access except for the length of time in use.  Parents or legal guardians, not the Library staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children.  PARENTAL SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN SEARCHING THE INTERNET IS ADVISED.  (See “Questions about Youth, Libraries and the Internet” produced by the Michigan Library Association.  Copy available at Front Desk.)

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RULES GOVERNING USE
  

SIGN-UP

Sign-up must be done in person.  No reservations will be taken over the phone.  To sign up for the Internet, patrons must have their own debt-free (no fines, no overdue or lost materials) library card with them.  There is a 60 minute time limit per day, per patron; the minutes will be tracked, with the patron expected to leave the Internet station at the end of the allotted time.  (updated 2/26/02)

 One person per terminal, unless a parent is supervising a child.

PLEASE NOTE: Internet computers are shut down 5 minutes before closing time.  Please allow time to end your session accordingly.

COPIES 

Copies made from the Internet are 20 cents per page.  They are printed out, and to be paid for, at the front check-out desk.   Any copies not picked up will be charged to your library card.

PLEASE NOTE:  Downloading is NOT available at any library terminal.

NOTICE

Due to passage of Michigan Public Act 212, effective October 1, 2000, 
all patrons age 17 and under will be required to have an Internet/computer user registration card signed, in person, by a parent/guardian.  The form 
will denote whether the parent/guardian gives permission for the minor 
to use a filtered or unfiltered Internet computer.  This form MUST be on
 file at the Library BEFORE any minor patron will be allowed to 
use the Internet computers.

- Updated 3/16/2001

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