Internet Use

The Lake County Library is pleased to provide access to the Internet. The library is committed to providing resources that help meet the informational, recreational, and cultural needs of the community. The Internet allows the library to provide access to information beyond the confines of its own collection. It allows access to ideas and information from around the world.

Disclaimer

Due to the constantly changing nature of the Internet, the Lake County Library has no control over the information or its quality, accuracy, or currency. It is an unregulated global entity. As such, while it offers access to a vast array of tools and resources that are personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, it also enables access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing, and/or controversial. The library assumes no responsibility for the content of these or any other Internet sites. Each individual should determine the appropriateness of the material for his/her own needs.

The Lake County Library will not assume any responsibility for damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of the Internet.

User Responsibility

Each individual user must accept responsibility for determining which electronic resources they will access and determine for themselves the value of the content. The Internet may contain material of a controversial nature. Not all information found on the Internet is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. The library cannot censor access to material nor protect users from offensive information. Since the Internet is not secure, each user accepts personal and financial responsibility for information transmitted or received.

Children's Access & Usage

The Lake County Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents and guardians to determine and monitor their children's use of library materials and resources. Restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or guardian; the library does not have the right or responsibility to act in the place of the parent (in loco parentis). There will be some resources that parents or guardians may feel are inappropriate for their children. Parents or guardians should let their children know if there are materials that they do not want them to use. Parents or guardians are encouraged to work closely with their children in selecting and using materials and resources. Parents or guardians are encouraged to supervise their children's Internet sessions.

Ethical & Acceptable Use

All users of electronic resources are expected to use these resources in a responsible manner consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which they are provided. It is unacceptable to use the Lake County Library's computers for any purpose which violates the law or library policies. Unacceptable use includes but is not limited to the following:

  • Harassment of other users;
  • Sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics, which contain extremes of sex or violence that, are an end to themselves or which may reasonably be construed as obscene by contemporary state-wide standards.
  • Libeling or slandering other users;
  • Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library or other users;
  • Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material;
  • Violation of software license agreements;
  • Installing or downloading software;
  • Violation of computer security.

Violation of Policy

Users violating these or any other library policies and guidelines will be advised of the policies and asked to comply. Users who persist in violating these policies after a previous warning will be restricted from using the library's computers. Illegal acts may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.

Approved by the Board of Supervisors on December 21, 1999.