Computer Use Policy

1. Background

a. The Library is committed to the principles of intellectual freedom and the freedom to access information from a variety of sources.

b. The Internet is an information resource that enables public library customers to access a diverse variety of information beyond that contained in the library’s own collection.

c. Some content may offend or may be illegal under the laws of the State of Kansas.

2. Library Responsibilities

a. The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library uses Internet filtering software and/or other means to block content on all of its Internet access computers.

b. The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library provides access to recommended, ageappropriate sites through its web site.

3. Customer Responsibilities

a. As stated in the Unattended Child Policy, “The Library does not act in loco parentis (in place of parents) and Library staff does not have the authority to take responsibility for your child.”

b. Customer may:

i. Download files from a Web site directly to any supported portable storage media.

ii. If age 18 or older, request authorized Library staff to unblock a filtered website or to disable a filter when using a Library computer pursuant to this Policy.

c. Customer shall:

i. Respect the legal protection provided by copyright license to software, books, articles and other electronic files.

ii. Respect the privacy of others.

d. Customer shall not:

i. Access illegal Internet sites as defined by law.

ii. Regardless of age, access web pages or sites that contain materials that are defined in Kansas statutes as “obscene” (KSA 21-4301) or child pornography. Customers younger than age 18, shall not access web pages or sites that contain materials that are defined in Kansas statutes as “harmful to minors” (K.S.A. 21-4301c). It will be considered a violation of policy if a user clearly demonstrates intent to violate policy even if no violation occurs.

iii. Gain or try to gain unauthorized access to restricted resources or entities.

iv. “Hack into or interfere” with other users, system operations, integrity or security of the library computer network or any computer system.

v. Attempt to gain access to another person’s files or passwords.

vi. Intentionally obtain copies or modify files, passwords, or data that belong to the Library or its users.

vii. Harass others with messages, prints, images or software programs.

viii. Load or run any software other than that which resides on the Public Access computers.

ix. Tamper with, mishandle, damage or attempt to damage computer hardware.

x. Interfere with, deliberately attempt to circumvent, or tamper with the filtering software.

4. Printing

a. The Library makes available at a nominal charge printing from public access computers.

5. Limitation of Liability

a. The Library assumes no liability for loss or damage to the user’s data, the user’s portable storage media or for any damage or injury arising from invasion of the user’s privacy or from viruses that may infect the user’s portable storage media or files.

b. The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library cannot guarantee that Internet filters will block offensive and /or illegal materials.

6. Enforcement and consequences for violating policy

a. The Library electronically monitors all of its computers for violations of this policy.

b. Staff is authorized to take immediate action to protect the security of computers and the network or to enforce any part of this policy. This includes confiscating portable storage media, requiring a user to leave the computer or the premises, and contacting law enforcement authorities.

c. The Library considers violations of this policy as a violation of the Customer Code of Conduct. Penalties imposed under the Customer Code of Conduct may be imposed for any violation of this policy.