Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Sheridan Public Library (Library) offers access to the Internet in keeping with its desire to meet the educational, informational, and entertainment needs of the community.

The Library has no control over resources on the Internet and is not responsible for the content of materials therein. Patrons are responsible for the information they encounter. Parents or legal guardians of minor children are responsible for their children’s use of the Internet, and are encouraged to share their child’s computer experience.

In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the Library has installed filtering software designed to prevent access to material that may be harmful to minors. However, users should be aware that filtering software may unintentionally block sites that have legitimate research value or fail to block objectionable content. Filtering software is not a substitute for parental involvement and oversight.

The following guidelines offer the Library’s definition of acceptable Internet use. Failure to abide by this agreement will result in suspension or revocation of Internet use privileges.

• Patrons must login to access the Internet via the Library’s computers. Patrons using their own computer or other device must comply with the same rules governing Internet usage as those who use the public computers offered by the Library.

• Access to the Internet via the Library’s resources (using the Library’s computers or the Library’s wireless Internet access) implies agreement with this policy.

• Users must refrain from inappropriate Internet conduct. Examples of such are, but not limited to, the following:

• Use of the Internet to violate any local, state or federal law.
• Use of the Internet to send, receive or display material that is obscene, subversive, offensive or illegal.
• Any use which damages or alters computer equipment, systems, or software.

The privacy and/or safety of electronic transmissions cannot be guaranteed. Furthermore, since patron computers are located in public areas of the Library, what is displayed on the monitor may be seen by others. If a patron chooses to bring in his/her own computer, device or software for use in the Library, the Library is not responsible for damage to that computer, device or software or for corruption of the data.  This includes corruption caused by virus or spyware infection. Patron’s use of the Library’s wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) is at their own risk. Privacy is not guaranteed on the Wi-Fi network.

Library staff has sole authority for determining if patron behavior is inappropriate. Computer usage may be monitored.

Library staff has the authority to end an Internet session and/or revoke Internet use privileges if inappropriate behavior occurs.