Internet Access Policy

The Oshkosh Public Library provides Internet access for the public. Customers can choose to use the computers provided by the library or to use their own equipment. If using their own equipment, they will still be expected to comply with provisions of the Internet Access Policy.

  1. The Oshkosh Public Library is not responsible for the information users find through the Internet workstations. The user of the Internet should be aware that he or she might encounter material that is inaccurate, controversial, offensive, or unsuitable.
  2. The Oshkosh Public Library offers the choice of filtered or unfiltered Internet access. Internet workstations in the Children’s Room are filtered. At least one filtered workstation is offered for adults/teens. The library will use the filtering service offered by its Internet service provider. If possible, that filter will be set only to prevent access to sites that meet statutory obscenity and harmful to minors criteria.
  3. The Oshkosh Public Library is not responsible for the use of the Internet by minor children. Parents or guardians are responsible to monitor their children’s Internet use and are encouraged to discuss appropriate use of Internet resources and to supervise their children’s Internet sessions. Parents have the option to restrict their children from use of the Internet or to use of filtered workstations. The library will make reasonable efforts to enforce that request by using software that complies with restrictions placed on the child’s library card, which is required to log on to the Internet workstations.
  4. All users of electronic information resources are expected to use these resources in a responsible, ethical manner, which includes the following:
    • Using resources for educational, informational and recreational purposes only, not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.
    • Respecting the privacy of others by not, for example, misrepresenting oneself as another user, and by not attempting to use, modify or gain access to account information, card numbers, files, passwords, or data belonging to others. Users may be asked to present their own library card and/or other personal identification.
    • Further respecting the privacy of others using public access workstations at the Oshkosh Public Library by not interfering with their use.
    • Respecting the guidelines of other networks or sites to which the user may connect.
    • Not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.
    • Making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data.
    • Not sending, receiving, displaying, or printing text or images or sound clips from Internet resources, chat rooms, e-mail or other sources which may reasonably be construed as legally obscene or harmful to minors.
    • Not making changes to the setup or configuration of the software or hardware provided by the library.
    • Not using one’s own software on a library workstation.
  5. The Oshkosh Public Library assumes no liability for any loss or damage to the user’s data or equipment or other injury that may occur from the individual’s use of the library’s Internet services.
  6. The Oshkosh Public Library reserves the right to monitor customers’ use of library workstations, networks and servers and personal devices being used at the library, for security purposes, conformance with procedures and acceptable-use policies and the detection of illegal activities. The privacy provisions of Chap. 43 Wis. Stat. will apply to an individual’s use of the Internet although evidence of illegal activities will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

PROCEDURES AND ACCEPTABLE USE

LIBRARY CARDS - A customer must use his or her own library card or library card number to log on at a Public Internet workstation. The individual may be asked to present his or her library card and/or other personal identification to a library staff member to verify eligibility for use of the Internet workstations. Visitors are eligible for library cards or limited-use guest passes if they present identification.

FINES - Payment of library fines and fees is required on the same basis as for the checkout of materials.

TIME LIMIT - The library reserves the right to establish daily time limits.

PRINTING - There is a charge for computer printouts.

DOWNLOADING - Downloading onto an individual’s external hard drive may be available.

PARENTAL RESTRICTIONS - Parents may restrict their child’s use of the Internet by denying access entirely or by limiting use to a filtered workstation. The parent is required to come to the library to implement or remove the restriction.

AVAILABILITY - Public Internet stations are available on each floor.

  • Use of the Family Computer Room is limited to one adult with at least one child.
  • Stations in the Children’s Department are intended to be used by children.
  • Teen stations are intended to be used by teens.
  • In addition, the library provides a homework station to be used for school assignments and related tasks.
  • Second floor stations are intended to be used by adults.
  • Filtered stations are available for customers of all ages.

ALERTS/WARNINGS/SUSPENSION

Library customers are required to follow the library’s Internet Access Policy, Procedures and Acceptable Use, and Rules of Behavior, which includes limiting noise and other behaviors that are disruptive to others.

Parents who are not attentively watching their children will be asked to end their Internet session in order to supervise their children.

Misuse or abuse of the workstation equipment or violation of the Internet Access Policy and Acceptable Use will result in suspension of Internet access privileges, wireless access privilege, and/or library privileges, as outlined below:

  • Staff may alert or terminate a user’s Internet session when policy/procedures are not being followed.
  • A user who has previously been warned because of a violation of policy or procedures will be suspended for two weeks for a subsequent violation.
  • A subsequent violation by the user will result in a four-week suspension.
  • A violation following a four-week suspension will result in a one-year suspension.
  • Behavior that appears to be Illegal will be reported to the appropriate authorities and will result in a more severe initial discipline by the library.

Written By:
John Nichols
Approved By:
Library Board
Amended/Modified:
05/27/04, 09/26/02, 04/23/01, 12/16/99, 11/18/10
Date:
11/18/10