INTERNET ACCESS and WIRELESS NETWORK POLICY

The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population and information content. Library patrons use it at their own risk.   Your use of Internet resources carries with it a responsibility to evaluate the quality of the information accessed.  The availability of information does not constitute endorsement of the content by the Belmond Public Library.

The Belmond Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. Access to some sites will be denied due to our filtering software.  This does not guarantee that all materials considered inappropriate or offensive by some people will be inaccessible.  Since the library’s computers are in public view of patrons of all ages, all Internet users are asked to please use discretion when accessing Internet materials on the computer screen.  It shall be the responsibility of Internet users to protect the public from viewing materials on the screen that may be offensive or inappropriate to others while using the Internet service.  Failure to do so could result in the loss of your library Internet privileges.

Internet users may not send, display or receive text or graphics that may reasonably be construed as obscene and offensive; nor send, receive, or display text or graphics that are legally defined by state and federal law as obscenity or child pornography. Federal law prohibits those under the age of 18 from viewing pornography.  Any actions that violate state, local, or federal law will be prosecuted, and the user will lose Library Internet privileges.

Certain information is not free, and the patrons are responsible for any fees incurred. 

The Library cannot guarantee confidentiality over the Internet.   Users will assume all risk/liability of personal information on the Internet.  

Restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. 

Patrons using the Internet should be knowledgeable in basic computer operation.  Library staff can offer only minimal instruction, as time permits.  

The library will not reveal computer use information to any other agency or third party unless presented with a legal subpoena to do so.


Patrons use the Belmond Public Library wireless network at their own risk.


The library assumes no responsibility for patron's personal equipment, software or data, including theft or physical damage of equipment.  Patrons must take responsibility for their equipment. 

 GUIDELINES FOR USE OF ALL LIBRARY COMPUTERS:

Available computers may be used on a walk-in basis.  If all computers are busy, patrons can request to have their name put on the computer waitlist. Time spent on any of the computers is limited to one hour while school is in session and one half hour when school is not in session.  However, if no one else is waiting to use it, the time may be extended until another patron requests to use it.  Once a patron’s time has been used, they may request additional time by having their name put on the waitlist. Patrons may also reserve a computer, according to the previously stated guidelines.  Reservations will be taken only one day in advance.  Latecomers forfeit the unused portion of their reserved time. 

Patrons MUST sign in with a library staff member before using the computers, and sign out when finished.  

Use of headphones is needed for all audio files. If a patron does not have their own set, earbuds are available at the circulation desk for $1.00 each.

All computer sessions must end fifteen minutes before the Library closes.

Only one person at a time will be allowed at a computer, with the exception of a parent accompanying their child.  Other exceptions may be made at the discretion of the librarian on duty.

There will be a charge of 20 cents a page for black and white printing, and $1.00 a page for color printing. A copy of printing costs is posted at each computer station.

Monitoring and any restriction of a child's access is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. 

Users may not:

1.   Use any library workstation or the library's wireless network for illegal or criminal purposes, including:

A.   Violation of Iowa State law, which makes it illegal to download or purvey child pornography, purvey pornography to children or to commit fraudulent acts using the Internet.

B.   Violation of US copyright law (Title 17, US Code) which prohibits the unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of “fair use”.  (Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials, including text, images, programs, or data, without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.  Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user; the Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.  The Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from accesses to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems or any consequences thereof.)

2.  Use Library workstations or wireless network to gain unauthorized access to the       Library’s or any other organization's networks or computers systems.

3.  Make any attempt to alter or damage computer hardware or software.

4.  Install or download software.

 The library staff reserves the right to adjust the guidelines as needed.

Adopted by Library Board of Trustees on July 20, 1998
Revised March 22, 1999; May 17, 1999, Revised August 2004, Revised June 19, 2006, September 18, 2006, Revised April 16, 2007, Revised December 2007, Revised February 21, 2011, Revised February 17, 2014, Revised September 2016
Reviewed February 2020
Revised and approved by Library Board February 20, 2023