ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
FOR THE INTERNET

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ACCESS BY MINORS   |   RULES OF CONDUCT   |   PENALTIES FOR NONCOMPLIANCE   |   DISCLAIMER   |   SECURITY AND CONFIDENTIALITY   |  REVISIONS

Westminster Public Library and Front Range Community College Library affirm the guidelines found in the Library Bill of Rights.The Libraries provide access to information in a wide variety of formats including online subscription research resources and free access to the Internet. The Libraries have no control over the information, images or views shared over the Internet.

All computers with Internet access are located in public areas of the Libraries.In order to create an environment that is comfortable for all library users, computer users should refrain from visiting websites that display obscene material.

To access the Internet, library patrons log on using their library card and pin numbers.Visitors may obtain a visitor’s card for this purpose.To use the Internet, all library patrons, regardless of age, must accept this Acceptable Use Policy at login.

ACCESS BY MINORS

Parents or legal guardians must decide which library resources are appropriate for their children.In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act and Colorado House Bill 04-1004 (Internet Protection for Library Users), the Libraries have installed software to filter sexually explicit websites.The filter operates at all times on the computers in the children’s areas of the Libraries and on any library computer where a child under 17 years of age is logged in.

No filtering software is 100% effective.Westminster Public Library encourages parents and guardians to educate themselves and their children on the safety issues regarding Internet access. We recommend viewing Child Safety on the Information Highway http://www.safekids.com , produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Get NetWise, a project of the Internet Education Foundation.

If the filter blocks a site a minor wants to see, he or she may access the site with a parent’s permission using the parent’s card.Automation Services staff will override the filter only for sites that are obviously blocked in error.

RULES OF CONDUCT

COMPLIANCE

The Libraries will take appropriate action to insure compliance with this policy.Violation of the rules may result in loss of access.Unlawful activities will be dealt with in an appropriate manner, including notification of police if necessary.

DISCLAIMER

Downloading from the Internet is done at the user’s own risk.The library is not responsible for damage to any user’s disk or computer, or any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron use of library computers.

PUBLIC USERS’ SECURITY

Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities.Westminster Public Library and Front Range Community College Library will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources by members of the public except as required by law or as necessary for the proper operation of the Libraries.

REVISION

This policy may be revised from time to time.

Last updated: May,2006