Acceptable Computer Use Policy
The Board of Directors of the Henika District Library recognizes the need to 1) properly manage its computer hardware and software, and 2) to preserve an environment free of offensive intrusions into the sensibilities of all library visitors, especially minor children.
The Henika District Library Board of Directors employs filters on all of its computers. While filters can provide fair and reasonable assurance that objectionable content will not be displayed, there is no guarantee that objectionable material will not be viewed.
In order for patrons to use the Internet all they need to do is sit down at an open computer, enter their 14 digit library card number (without spaces) and their PIN, read and agree to the terms of the Library’s Acceptable Use Policy, and open Internet Explorer.
Certain restrictions exist with regard to computer use, including:
- library computers shall not be used for unethical, fraudulent or unlawful purposes including any activities prohibited by any applicable federal, Michigan or local laws, including uses that violate the law or encourage others to violate the law, uses that cause harm to others or damage to their property, uses that jeopardize the security of access of the computer network or other networks on the Internet, uses that compromise the safety and security of minors when using e-mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications
- Minors may use social networking websites provided they abide by the terms and restrictions of those sites.
- Children below the age of ten must have a parent/guardian seated with them at all times in order to use library computers.
- PC Cop imposes a one hour time limit on all users. In the case of persons involved in distance learning or job searching, time may be added to their sessions by arranging with library staff for extra time.
All patron printing is governed by PC Cop. Patrons wishing to print may follow instructions to send their print jobs to the print kiosk. A library staff member will confirm the size of the job, collect the appropriate fee and send the job to the printer.
Computer use and Internet access are privileges, not rights. A user violates this policy by his or her own actions or by failing to report any violations by others that come to their attention. Library staff is authorized to terminate any user’s session immediately if a violation is detected, according to the suspension periods listed below:
- First violation – two week suspension of privileges
- Second violation – six-month suspension of privileges
- Third violation – permanent suspension of privileges.
WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS: The Henika District Library offers free, wireless internet connectivity to the general public. The access point name for users is WAY-PUB-AP.
Wireless internet access will allow patrons to:
- Have immediate internet access using their own computers or PDAs (personal digital assistants) rather than waiting for an available library computer,
- Connect to the internet without time limits,
- Download files to their own computers,
- Use their own software and have access to their own files.
Wireless users should be aware that:
- Wireless access is filtered and therefore is only available to users who are adults, or to minors (under 18 years of age) who are accompanies by a parent or guardian, in compliance with Michigan PS 212. Internet use is monitored. Users who are found to be using the wireless network to access pornography or other sexually explicit material will be barred from using the network.
- Users are responsible for adherence to any copyright, licensing and other laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, pornography and defamatory speech.
- A wireless network is less secure than a wired network. Be a savvy user!
- Staff assistance is not available to help users with downloading, configuring, connecting or operating equipment. If you need more assistance than we can provide, we will help you find available resources and classes.
- Use of the Library’s wireless network is at the user’s own risk. The Henika District Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of the wireless network. The Library makes no guaranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the wireless Internet service provided.
- Gaming devices are not to utilize the wireless network.
- Printing is not available on the wireless network.
Adopted: 11/18/04
Revised: 12/09/04 : 01/12/06 : 04/13/06 : 11/09/06 : 03/08/07 : 08/15/08