Computer Use Policy
Internet and Computer Use
All Internet resources accessible through the library are provided to all library users. A library user is anyone who enters the door of the library. This includes library patrons as well as visitors to the community who wish to use the computers.
§ Time limits are placed on library equipment in order to provide access to as many users as possible.
§ The Library filters Internet content.
• To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or "Internet filters") shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information.
• Subject to staff supervision, technology protect measure may be disabled for adults or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.
• Please be aware that no filtering system is infallible and the Rock Rapids Public Library does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy of its Internet filters. Parents are advised to supervise their children’s Internet sessions.
§ The Library is not responsible for enforcing any restrictions which a parent or guardian may place on a minor's use of this resource.
§ Use of the Library’s Internet connection in an illegal, disruptive or destructive manner may result in the loss of Internet or library privileges.
§ The Library is not responsible for any loss of data, damage to equipment, or personal liability that may occur from use of its Internet connection.
All persons under 18 years of age must have their parent or guardian come into the library to read and sign the Internet Use Policy and Agreement Form. Parents or guardians, not the library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents are advised to supervise their children’s Internet sessions.
The Rock Rapids Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information available on the Internet. The Library cannot be responsible for its content. The Internet is an un-moderated global network with a highly diverse user population and library Internet users use it at their own risk.
Internet users should avoid disclosing personal information over the Internet to preserve their own personal safety. Minors should use caution in their use of social networking sites, e-mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications, as these forms of communication can expose minors to dangerous situations. Minors should never disclose personal information, such as name, school, address, and telephone number to strangers on the Internet. Library Internet users are prohibited by law from disclosing, using, or disseminating personal information about minors without written authorization of the parent or legal guardian of the minors involved.
The library cannot assure that data or files downloaded by users are virus-free. The library is not responsible for damages to equipment or data on a user's personal computer from the use of data downloaded from the library's Internet service.
Iowa and federal laws make it illegal to download or purvey child pornography, purvey pornography to children, or to commit fraudulent acts using the Internet.
Privacy in using the Internet in the library cannot be guaranteed. There exists a possibility of inadvertent viewing by others. Customers are urged to respect the sensibilities of others when accessing information that may reasonably be offensive to someone else.
Use of the Internet workstations is for LEGAL purposes only. Internet users may not use the library's computers to display obscene materials or child pornography as determined by State and Federal Law. Other illegal activities which are also prohibited include but are not limited to:
§ software piracy
§ degrading or disrupting equipment or system performance
§ gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities
§ invading the privacy of individuals
§ engaging in any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating or hostile environment
§ violation of copyright or licensing agreements
U.S. Copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of "fair use." Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs, or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user; the library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.
Wireless Internet Access
The library provides free, unsecured, wireless Internet access for public use. The library does not provide technical support for privately owned personal wireless devices. Security for personal wireless devices rests solely with the owner of the wireless device. Personal use of the library's public wireless access is subject to the same policies regulating other types of public Internet access provided by the library.
The Library’s public wireless network is not secure. Wireless networks are transmitted via radio waves, and are therefore susceptible to potential ‘eavesdropping’, so patrons should be aware of what they are transmitting over this open network. In addition, patrons are responsible for maintaining up-to-date antivirus software, firewalls, etc. Information sent from or to your laptop can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software, usually within 300 feet. Also, wireless access is not guaranteed to be error proof or virus free.
The library cannot guarantee a connection at all times and in all places in the library.
Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance and no guarantee can be provided that you will be able to make a wireless connection to the public network.
Patrons must take responsibility for their own equipment. The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety, damage or theft of personal equipment, or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library’s network.
Misuse of the computers/Internet/wireless connection may result in the suspension or loss of privileges. The length of the suspension is at the discretion of the library staff. Minor and major violations will be subject to progressive punishment.