Purpose
The Glenview Public Library offers free internet access available as part of its mission to connect people to knowledge and information. Internet access is considered an integral resource for Library users and, as such, is available throughout the Glenview Public Library at designated public computer workstations and through “Wi-Fi” wireless access.
Policy
- Library patrons are cautioned that the Internet is not a secure medium and all transactions, files, communications, and other information provided on the Internet may be vulnerable to unauthorized access and, therefore, should be considered public. Library users are solely responsible for protecting their personal information while using the Library’s Internet connections. The Library will not release a library user’s Internet usage records except as required by law.
- The Internet is a vast and unregulated information network. Provision of access does not mean or imply that the Library endorses or sanctions any content, commentary or viewpoint found on the Internet. Some information available on the Internet is not accurate, current or complete. The Library makes no guarantees, either expressed or implied, with respect to the quality of the content of the information available on the Internet.
- The Library does not monitor and has no control over information on the Internet and neither assumes nor accepts any responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to the Internet or an individual’s use of the Library’s Internet connections.
- Access to the Internet is available in public areas that are shared by people of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities. Library users are asked to consider this when accessing potentially controversial, offensive or disturbing information and images. The Library reserves the right to require individuals to discontinue the display of information and images that disrupt the orderly operation of the Library.
- Parents or legal guardians, not Library staff, are solely responsible for deciding which Internet resources are appropriate for their own children. The Library uses filtering software on all public computers located in the Youth Services Department. Filtering software cannot guarantee the appropriateness of sites on the Internet for any particular age group, nor can it guarantee that sites with legitimate research or other value will not be blocked. It is up to parents or legal guardians to monitor which computers in the Library their children access. Children who use the Internet unsupervised may be exposed to inappropriate and disturbing information and images.
- The Library reserves the right to set time limits and priority use restricts for internet workstations as conditions warrant.
- Wireless internet access is unfiltered and may be accessed through computers and devices not owned by the Library. Parents and guardians are hereby notified and encouraged to place appropriate controls or restrictions on the use of personal mobile devices that their children may use in the Library.
- The Library neither assumes nor accepts responsibly for any damages to any users’ devices, equipment or software which may occur while the user is accessing the Internet via the Library’s wireless internet connection.
- All computer and internet resources provided by the Glenview Public Library are to be used in accordance with federal, state, and local law and the Library’s behavior policy.
- Violation of these policies and guidelines may result in suspension or revocation of library privileges. Use of computers for illegal activity may also be subject to prosecution by law enforcement authorities.
Guidelines
1. Children up to age 13 are advised to use the public computer workstations provided in the Library’s Youth Services Department. All public computer workstations in this area are filtered. Children requiring unfiltered internet access may unitize the computers on the second floor.
2. The public computer workstations in the Youth Services Department are designated for children, teens and adults accompanied by children.
3. The following behaviors are prohibited while using the public computer workstations and internet resources provided by the Library:
- Conducting illegal activity, accessing illegal materials, or exhibiting materials considered obscene by local community standards as defined in Sec. 46-51 of Municipal Code Village of Glenview, Illinois.
- Violation of software licensing agreements.
- Intentional propagation of computer viruses.
- Deliberate tampering with any library computer equipment or network security.
- Damaging the Library’s computer system, software, or data.
- Manipulating or bypassing Glenview Public Library computer systems or databases to override established limits including, loading or downloading software from the Internet or using personal software programs on the Library’s computers.
- Computer use that in any way interferes with or impedes the use by others.
Adopted by the Glenview Public Library Board of Trustees on December 15, 2011
Revised: November 15, 2012; March 17, 2022