Acceptable Use Policy

The Library Network provides access to electronic information resources through the Internet to all Delaware Public Library Card holders in good standing. Internet access is provided by the Delaware Department of State, Division of Libraries. Users must enter their 14-digit barcode number and their Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access the Internet.

Libraries use a reservation system for computer use. Blocks of time are established by the reservation system on a library-by-library basis.

In order to protect computer workstations from viruses, patrons may not use their own software on workstations. Other restrictions may be imposed as deemed necessary by the Delaware Library Network Administration.

Most programs on the Internet include self-explanatory directions. While library staff is available for guidance, they cannot provide in-depth instruction.

The Library Network has no control of the Internet and its resources, and assumes no responsibility for the quality, accuracy, or currency of the information you find. The Internet is a world-wide community with a highly diverse user population, and it is your responsibility to use the resource wisely.

The Internet may contain material of a controversial nature. Children under the age of 18 years must have the permission of parent or guardian to use the Internet. Some sites accessible via the Internet may contain material that is inappropriate for children. Parents or guardians, no library staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected. Parents or legal guardians have the right to request, at their local public library, that their own child’s personal library barcode not grant access to the Internet and other on-line services.

Public libraries will provide unfiltered access to the Internet in accordance with the American Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom Statement, the Library Bill of Rights, and the ALA statement on Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks. Public libraries comply with the Delaware Children’s Internet Protection Act through the establishment of tiers of access. Library staff can provide parents with information on these tiers. Parents or legal guardians have the right to restrict their own child’s personal library barcode to the desired level of access.

Internet workstations must be used in a responsible manner, respecting the rights of others, and taking care with use of the equipment. Computer and Internet settings may not be changed.

While the library will respect user privacy when using the Internet, it should be remembered that the Internet workstations are in public areas and can be viewed by the entire community. Users are asked not to display images which will be offensive to other members of the community. Doing so may result in user being asked to leave.

Internet access may not be available due to technical problems beyond the library’s control. The library will not be held responsible for any material lost due to equipment problems.

In order to collect statistics on the use of the Internet, the library reserves the right to use anonymous activity recording. No identification of users will be associated within the statistical reporting process.

User Responsibilities

All users of electronic information resources such as the Internet are expected to use these resources in a responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which they are provided and follow these rules and regulations.

All users must conduct themselves in a responsible and legal manner while using the Library Network.

Any use of the Library Network for illegal, inappropriate, or obscene purposes or in support of such activities, is prohibited. Illegal activities shall be defined as a violation of local, state, and/or federal laws. Inappropriate use shall be defined as a violation of the intended use of the Library Network. Obscene activities shall be defined as a violation of generally accepted community standards.

A user may not allow other persons to access the Library Network by using his/her personal library barcode. A user is responsible for all activities conducted on the Library Network during sessions authorized by his/her personal library barcode.

Users must respect all copyright, licensing agreements and other contracts.

UNACCEPTABLE USE

Unacceptable use includes, but is not limited, to the following:

• Harassment, libel, or slander of others.
• Destruction of equipment, software or data belonging to the library.
• Unauthorized copying of copyright protected material.
• Any violation of computer security.
• Any violation of any use which violates maintenance agreements with service providers.

The Delaware Library Network Administration reserves the right to suspend or revoke any account or take any other disciplinary action against any user who, in its sole discretion, has engaged in obscene or unacceptable use of the Library Network.

Any user of the system who, without authorization, accesses, uses, destroys, alters, dismantles or disfigures any data, information technologies, properties, or facilities is in violation of this policy. The Delaware Library Network Administration reserves the right to monitor and/or record activities as needed to maintain the security and usability of the Library Network Internet service and the systems to which it is connected. Persons violating, or suspected of violating this policy are subject to the monitoring and/or recording of their sessions. All monitored or recorded activities and sessions are considered confidential to the user and the Library Network Administration, except as evidence in a legal proceeding.

Any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary actions which may include suspension or removal of the Library Network Internet privileges and/or legal action.