Library Board approved September 17, 2008. Revised October 23, 2018. Revised October 22, 2024.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to define the appropriate use of technology resources at Oak Park Public Library (“Library”) by Library Technology Users (“Users”). This includes technology and resources accessed with equipment in the Library, loaned by the Library, and/or via the Library’s wireless Internet connection. This policy is to be used in conjunction with A Library for Everyone, other library policies, and all federal, state, and local laws and regulations concerning the use of property and computing resources. The use of public library computers or wireless connections constitutes acceptance of this Computer and Internet Use Policy. The use of public library computers, the library’s network to access the Internet, or wireless connection constitutes acceptance of this Computer and Internet Use Policy.
VALIDITY OF INFORMATION
The Oak Park Public Library has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and makes no guarantees, either express or implied, regarding the quality of content or information available on the Internet. The Internet offers access to a wealth of information and Internet sites, including useful ideas, information, and opinions from around the globe. It’s important to remember that not all information encountered online is reliable, accurate, or appropriate. As such, we encourage Library Technology Users to engage in critical evaluation of online content.
The Library’s provision of Internet access to Users does not mean or imply that the Library endorses, sanctions, or promotes any content, commentary, or viewpoint found on the Internet.
RESPONSIBLE USE
Access to the networks and the information technology environment at the Oak Park Public Library is a privilege. All Library Technology Users must respect the rights of other users, the Library’s equipment, and all applicable license and contractual agreements. Users must comply with legal standards and respect copyright laws. The User should protect personal data. The Library is not liable for information security on public networks.
All Users of public computers or wireless Internet shall:
- Sign up for only one public computer at a time.
- Report any loss or theft of their Library card immediately.
- Observe the legal protections provided by copyright and license laws and computer abuse laws.
- Observe posted time limits and regulations for public computers.
- Consider carefully before giving out personal information over the Internet.
- Log out of all accounts or lock the station before leaving a computer.
The Library reserves the right to ask users to discontinue displaying information or images that are or may be disruptive to Library patrons and staff and to terminate a session for a User’s failure to comply with this policy.
To comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requirements, the Library utilizes dedicated software to prevent access to harmful content to minors. This software does not guarantee that all sites considered objectionable have been filtered. Parents or legal guardians, not Library staff, are solely responsible for deciding which Internet resources are appropriate for their own children. Users may request the disabling of filters for research purposes. Users who believe an Internet site has been improperly blocked can request that a staff member unblock the website site address. Library staff shall decide, in their sole discretion, whether to unblock an Internet site when requested in accordance with this policy.
VIOLATIONS OF USE
The Library reserves the right to suspend the use of its computers and/or the Library by anyone who uses Library computing equipment, electronic devices, or a network for an illegal purpose or a purpose in violation of the standards outlined in this and other Oak Park Public Library policies.
All users shall specifically refrain from the following activities:
- Unauthorized Sharing of Access Credentials: It is forbidden to share or distribute account numbers, passwords, or any form of individual authorization without explicit consent from both the account holder and library administration.
- Harassment: Using the Internet to harass other users is strictly prohibited.
- Misuse of Library Technology: Any actions that cause damage, destruction, or unauthorized changes to the library’s computer equipment, software, or network security measures are prohibited.
- Prohibited Downloads: Downloading or installing executable files from any source is not permitted.
- Tampering with Technology: Modifying the configuration of hardware or software on library workstations or attempting to disable the library’s security software is strictly prohibited.
- Legal Compliance: Users must comply with all applicable federal and state laws and this policy. Engaging in illegal activities or accessing prohibited content through the library’s Internet connection is forbidden.
- Violation of Licensing Agreements: It is prohibited to use electronic information in ways that violate licensing agreements between the library and its network or database providers.
- Copyright Infringement: Unauthorized duplication of copyright-protected software, violating software license agreements, or downloading copyrighted material without lawful authorization is prohibited.
- Security Breaches: Violating system or network security protocols is strictly prohibited.
- Identity Misrepresentation: Misrepresenting your identity online to commit fraud or engage in deceitful communication is prohibited.
- Network Integrity: Connecting personal devices to the library’s wired Ethernet network without authorization is prohibited.
- Disruptive Behavior: Failure to adhere to the accountability guidelines outlined in the library’s “A Library for Everyone” policy is prohibited.
LIMITATIONS OF USE
The Library may place limitations on time and manner of computer use in order to allocate computer and Internet access as equitably as possible.
LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
The Library is not responsible for any damages suffered, damage to personal data or devices, including the corruption or loss of data, resulting from user error, computer error, equipment malfunction, or service interruptions, nor for the content accessed via the Library’s network. The Library is not responsible for the accuracy, quality, or objectionable nature of information obtained through the Internet. Because technical problems related to accessing the Internet and specific sites may occur, the Library cannot guarantee that the Internet or specific sites will always be accessible.
Persons who use the Library’s Internet access to engage in transactions that involve the disclosure of personal information and/or the transfer of money do so at their own risk. Staff shall not conduct business for Library patrons. In addition, public use of the Library’s Internet access may subject such transactions to security or privacy breaches. The Library also is not liable for actions that may be taken by other users of the system that result in such breaches.
