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internet policy
The Internet and the Library's mission
The Highland Park Public Library offers access to the Internet,
a world-wide electronic information network. It is offered in support of the
Library's mission to provide materials, resources and services to help community
residents obtain information to meet their educational, professional, cultural,
and social needs. The Internet presents the Library with an unprecedented
opportunity to fulfill its mission by expanding the scope of information
available to community residents.
Global nature of the network
As Internet resources are "global" in nature, the Library does
not, and can not, control the information available.
- The Library encourages patrons to evaluate carefully the information
obtained via the Internet. While there are many highly dependable and useful
sources, other sources may be unreliable, inaccurate, or out-of-date. Some
sources may be offensive or controversial. Library staff is available to
assist users in making judgments about the reliability or currency of certain
types of information and sources, but cannot provide definitive analyses of
particular sources.
- As with all materials, Library staff will help patrons locate sources of
useful information, as well as recommend age appropriate materials for
children.
- The Library is not responsible for any direct or indirect damages which
may arise in connection with a patron's use of the Internet.
Patron responsibilities
It is the Library's view that patrons should be free to select
the sites which they deem appropriate to their needs.
- Internet content is protected by the First Amendment which guarantees the
freedom of speech. The Library does not use filtering software for information
content. Individual users have the right to define what material or
information is consistent with their personal beliefs.
- The Library does not deny access to electronic information networks based
solely on age. Parents are encouraged to monitor and supervise their
children's use of the Internet and to discuss with their children issues of
appropriate use and network safety.
- Patrons are prohibited from: damaging or altering
computer equipment or software or connecting their own hardware to the library's
data network; violating system security; violating licensing
agreements; using the network to harass other users; violating a Federal or
State law including, but not limited to, accessing material that is obscene or
child pornography as defined by the
Illinois Criminal Code, 720 ILCS 5/11-20 &
720 ILCS 5/11-20.1.
- The use of the Internet falls under the Library Behavior
Policy.
Library procedures
The Library may set procedures to assist staff and patrons in
the use of electronic resources. Such procedures include, but are not limited
to, the following: time limits for access; limits on use of e-mail and chat
rooms; cost recovery for printouts; specific instructions for downloading;
restrictions on the use of personal software on Library computer equipment;
restrictions on the use of the workstations for other purposes.
Use of the Internet in
the Youth Services Department is limited to children age 14 or younger.
Breach of policy
Violation of any aspect of this policy (or of established
Library procedures) may result in loss of Library privileges.
Adopted September 9, 1997
Revised November 11, 2003
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Highland Park Public Library, Highland Park, Illinois. Permission for reproduction
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