SECTION VII.  COLLECTION

E.	Internet Policy

In keeping with the Library's mission to make the world of information available in a variety of formats, the William P. Faust Public Library of Westland provides public access to the Internet.

The Internet is an important but unregulated information resource.  Not all sites provide information that is current, accurate, complete or monitored.  Users of Library Internet computers receive data at their own risk.

Individuals must remember that the Library is a public place and should use discretion in viewing text or graphics that may be offensive to others.


To comply with Michigan Public Act 212 of 2000:
?The Library restricts Internet access by minors (minors are defined as persons 17 years of age and under) to workstations with content filters only.  
?Minors may use unfiltered workstations only when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, with proper identification, who remains with them at the Internet workstation the entire time the minor is at the workstation.
?Minors may only access e-mail when accompanied and supervised by a parent or legal guardian.
?Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied and directly supervised by a parent at all times in the Library.
?If a user's birth date is not contained in their library record, they may be asked to present a driver's license or State ID to determine whether they may access unfiltered workstations.  If the user cannot provide this ID, they will be restricted to use of filtered workstations.

Be aware that filtering software is not 100% effective and filtered workstations may not block all material users might find offensive.  Filtering software may also block access to related, non-offensive content.


Usage of the Internet is subject to the following:
?Internet users must sign up for a workstation at the Reference Desk.
?Basic computer literacy is expected of all users.
?Each user must present a valid library card from the Public Library of Westland, a reciprocating TLN library, or a Michicard library.  Other users may purchase a non-resident 6-month or 
12-month library card, or may purchase a Courtesy Internet Card for Library Visitors at the Reception Desk.  A library card with fines or fees of $15 or more owed will not be considered valid for Internet access until all fines or fees are resolved.
?Internet usage is limited to one turn per day, with a maximum duration of one hour unless the station is not requested by a waiting patron.

SECTION VII.  COLLECTION

E.	Internet Policy (continued)

?A maximum of two people are permitted to sit at one workstation at a time.  Usage is still limited to one hour with combination of two users.
?If no workstations are available, patrons may sign up on a waiting list.  The Library does not take advance reservations for Internet use. 
?Loss of time, work or property due to equipment malfunctions shall not be the responsibility of the Library.
?Downloading information to a diskette is permissible.
?Users may not use Library workstations to access chat rooms or play recreational games.
?The Library's workstations shall not be used for commercial purposes.
?Users may not use any Library workstation for illegal or criminal purposes.
?Users may not violate licensing agreements or copyright laws.  
?Users may not engage in any activity which is maliciously offensive, libelous, or slanderous.


Staff assistance is subject to the following:
?Library staff will show individual users how to access the Internet and explain basic navigational commands.  
?Lengthy one-on-one tutorials or staff assistance for specific searches are not possible.  
?Users who need additional instruction should attend the Library's free Internet classes.
?E-mail usage is not supported by the Library and no staff assistance will be provided.

Users who use violate the Library's Internet will have their Internet privileges suspended.  Unlawful activities will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner.

Adopted by Library Board, July 16, 1997; revised March 15, 2000; revised September 20, 2000.

William P. Faust	Policy Handbook
Public Library of Westland