Internet Use Policy

1. The Wautoma Public Library provides Internet access for the public as an educational and recreational resource to its cardholders. All patrons are expected to comply with the provisions of this policy, whether using a device provided by the library or their own device.
2. The Internet is not controlled by the Wautoma Public Library; it is a global entity that constantly changes. The Internet presents ideas and information from around the world that can be personally, professionally, and culturally enriching. However, not all resources on the Internet are accurate, current, or meet an individual’s needs. Users are advised to exercise the same judgment with electronic resources they apply to printed materials.
3. The library cannot monitor the information presented on the Internet. As with other types of library materials, it is the responsibility of the user, parent, or caregiver to select information suitable for their needs. Parents or guardians, not the Wautoma Public Library or its staff, are responsible for their minor children’s use of the Internet. Parents have the option of restricting their children from using the Internet when signing up for a library card. The library will make reasonable efforts to enforce such requests.
4. The library cannot guarantee patrons will be able to complete their desired task due to the limitations of the hardware, productivity software, and security systems of the Internet computer stations. In addition, patrons cannot expect complete privacy. The library reserves the right to make on-the-spot decisions about sites that may be deemed inappropriate in a public setting. In such cases, Library staff does their best to apply library collection and behavior guidelines in a thoughtful and consistent manner.
5. Computers will be available from the time the library opens until ten minutes prior to the closing of the library.
6. The Wautoma Public Library assumes no liability for any loss or damage to the user’s data or equipment that may occur from the individual’s use of the library’s Internet services.
7. Printing is available at a cost from all computers and a remote printing service.
8. All users of electronic information resources are expected to use them in a responsible, ethical manner, which includes the following:
   1. Not engaging in unauthorized, illegal, or unethical activity.
   2. Not pretending to be another user.
   3. Not attempting to use, modify, or gain access to account information, card numbers, files, passwords, or data belonging to others.
   4. Making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data.
   5. Not sending, receiving, displaying, or printing text, images, or sound clips from Internet resources, chat rooms, e-mail or other sources which may reasonably be construed as legally obscene or harmful to minors.
   6. Not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.
   7. Not making changes to the setup or configuration of the software or hardware provided by the library.
9. Use of the Wautoma Public Library’s Internet services indicates acceptance of this policy and patron responsibility for the equipment provided and actions while using it. Failure to comply with this policy may result in, but not be limited to, the suspension of computer privileges at the Wautoma Public Library at staff discretion.

Updated and approved 6/6/2018, 12/13/2022 HK