INTERNET ACCESS POLICY
HINSDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY
PURPOSE AND GOALS
The Hinsdale Public Library offers access to the Internet
in order to enhance the library's role as an information and
entertainment resource for the community.
ACCESS
Consistent with principles articulated in the library's POLICIES
AND GUIDELINES RELATING TO COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT AND THE
SELECTION OF LIBRARY MATERIALS (copies of which are
available upon request), access to the public Internet stations
is available to library patrons age 16 and older. The
library will try to guide users, including children, toward
accurate and useful resources on the Internet by establishing
links to recommended sites. Parents and guardians are
encouraged to discuss issues of appropriate and safe use
of the Internet with their children.
Children under 16-years-old wishing to use the public Internet
stations must have a parent sign a form giving them permission
to access the Internet at the Hinsdale Public Library. If a
parent does not wish to sign the form, they may choose instead
to be present and give their verbal permission each time the
child uses the Internet station.
A valid library card or guest card is required to use the
computers. Computers may be reserved in advance by all library
patrons, however Hinsdale cardholders will be given longer
sessions than non-cardholders. Access is also available
on a walk-in basis at all public internet computers and at
a 15-minute Internet Express station.
In order to ensure access and safe use of the library
for all patrons, three public internet zones will be designated
for use by specific user groups: adults, teens and youth services.
The adult area computers are available for use by adults and
students 12-years-old and up.
The youth services computers are available for use by children,
middle school and high school students, and adults with young
children in the library. The teen area computers are available
for use by students age 12-years-old and up.
The Library does not provide email service. However,
free third-party e-mail services are available through the
Internet.
USER AGREEMENT
Patrons using the Internet at the Hinsdale Public Library
will be required to agree to the conditions of the online User
Agreement the first time they use an Internet station.
Failure to comply with these rules or misuse of the equipment
may result in loss of computer privileges.
FEES
No fees are charged to access the Internet. Fees are
charged for disks to use in downloading information from the
Internet and for printing.
EVALUATION OF THE INTERNET ACCESS POLICY AND GUIDELINES
The effectiveness of this policy and the accompanying guidelines
will be evaluated at least once a year in order to determine
if changes are needed and report made to the Executive Director
by the Reference and Information Services Department Manager.
PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF INTERNET ACCESS POLICY
This is a public document. Copies are available from
the Reference and Information Services and Youth and Young
Adult Services Departments.
INTERNET ONLINE USER AGREEMENT
To use the Internet Services at the Hinsdale
Public Library, the user must agree to abide by the terms of
this agreement.
- Users under the age of 16 must have a parent or guardian
sign an Internet permission form.
- The user recognizes that the Library cannot be held responsible
for content on the Internet.
- The user must obey local, state and federal laws including
but not limited to copyright, fraud, obscenity and privacy.
- The Internet service will not be used for any purpose that
harasses others, that violates the library’s security
system, or that violates licensing agreements.
- Personal usage will not disrupt others, including but not
limited to display of offensive audio or visual material.
- The user will not damage or alter the library’s equipment,
software or network.
- The user will not fraudulently use another’s library
card or identification to sign up for Internet usage or loan
their card or identification to another for such use.
Failure to abide by this agreement will result in suspension
of Internet privileges and possible legal action.
INTERNET PERMISSION FORM
If under the age of 16 the following must be signed
by a parent or legal guardian:
I give permission for my child to access the Internet
at the Hinsdale Public Library. I understand that the
Library has no control over the content of the Internet,
and I shall not hold the Library responsible for what my
child views on the Internet. I have discussed appropriate
Internet behavior with my child and accept full responsibility
for supervising my child's use of the Internet.
Parent’s Signature________________________________________________Date________
Child’s Name (PLEASE PRINT)___________________________________________ Child’s
Birth Date
Child’s Card#__________ __
Staff Initials and Date__________________________________ _
