Bemis Public Library Internet Access Policy

Bemis Public Library Internet Access Policy

General Guidelines

The Library provides public access to a variety of information resources, including those available on the Internet. The Internet is a vast and unregulated global information network. It contains a wide variety of material and opinions from diverse viewpoints. The Library does not monitor use of the Internet, nor does it have control over the content of Internet sites. The Library assumes no responsibility for the quality, accuracy, or currency of any Internet resource.

Internet Filters

Bemis Public Library complies with state and federal law guiding the use of filtering software in public libraries. Internet connected computers and wireless access are filtered to screen obscene and sexually explicit websites in accordance with the Federal Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and Colorado's Internet Protection Act. No filtering software is infallible. Filters may falsely block material that is appropriate in a public library setting, or they may fail to block access to illegal or objectionable material. A Request to Change Internet Access form may be obtained at the Information Desk.

Internet users must be cautious in the selection of sites they choose to use. The Internet is not secure or private. The Library is not responsible for any misuse of personal information you provide online.

Confidentiality and Privacy

The library follows state and federal law regarding privacy of library patrons' records and information. When a computer session is ended, all information about that session is ordinarily deleted. As part of its regular practice, the library does not retrieve any information including websites visited, passwords, credit card numbers, or any other information a patron has entered. Bemis Public Library will release records, including those related to Internet usage, only as required by law. Patrons are advised to exercise caution when providing personal identification and financial information

Patron Responsibility

Bemis Public Library requires that Internet workstations be used in a responsible manner, respecting the rights of others, not invading the privacy of others, and not engaging in any activity that is harassing or defamatory. The Library is a public place that is shared by people of all ages and backgrounds. We strive to balance the rights of individuals to access a wide range of information resources with the right of patrons and staff to work in a public environment free from harassment. The Library may terminate an Internet session if sites are accessed which are inappropriate for viewing in a public setting.

The Library is not responsible for any damage to patron devices, including viruses, which may occur when using a Library computer.

Children's Use of the Internet

As with other Library materials, restriction of a child's access to, and use of the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or guardian, not the Library or its staff.

Parents should supervise their child's use of the Internet. All the computers in the Children's area are filtered; however, no filtering software is foolproof. Users may inadvertently or accidentally be exposed to sites which a parent may find to be personally objectionable or inappropriate for their children. Filtering software is not a substitute for parental involvement in a child's use of the Internet.

Additional Rules

Computers should not be used for illegal activity, to access illegal materials, or to access materials which are obscene. Users who access the Internet and other electronic services on Library computers are responsible for using them in an ethical, legal and considerate manner.

Prohibited use of Library computers includes, but is not limited to:

  • Engaging in any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating or hostile environment for the public or staff.
  • Representing oneself as another person online.
  • Using the Internet to transmit obscene, threatening, or harassing materials.
  • Viewing, displaying, or printing explicit graphical images which are in violation of Federal or Colorado law.
  • Damaging or destroying equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library or others, including adding, altering, or deleting files on Library workstations, hard drives, or other Library computer equipment, and propagating computer worms or viruses.
  • Violating computer system or network integrity, including attempts to bypass network security functions, obtain passwords, or alter the configuration of Library workstations in any way.
  • Violating copyright laws or licensing agreements.
  • Using the computers for any other illegal purposes.

NOTE: Failure to comply with the above rules, procedures and policies, or the Library's posted Bemis Public Library Rules, may result in the patron's temporary or permanent loss of Library privileges. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in an appropriate manner.