Acceptable Use Policy | Mid-Continent Public Library

Mission

Mid-Continent Public Library is dedicated to providing informational, recreational, and educational resources to the people of Clay, Jackson, and Platte Counties. Mid-Continent Public Library extends the same high quality of service, although at different levels, at all locations despite community size. In an attempt to create an equal opportunity for information and to create collection diversity, the Library provides access to the internet for the public.

Accountability

Library users should use care when using the internet or using automated resources. Mid-Continent Public Library places responsibility for how automated resources are used and viewed on the Library user. Generally, the internet is an unregulated medium. However, certain laws and regulations do apply to the way information may be used that is found on the internet. Mid-Continent Public Library requires that Library users follow all international, federal, state, and local laws when using the Library's internet and automated resources.

Resources

Not all sources on the internet provide information that is current, accurate, or complete. Mid-Continent Public Library is unable to control or monitor the content of materials on the internet, which can change quickly and without warning. Library users should evaluate internet resources just as they do printed publications, questioning the validity of the information. Endorsement of any commercial site or its products or services is neither expressed nor implied. The views and opinions expressed in any referenced internet document do not necessarily reflect those of Mid-Continent Public Library.

Appropriate Material

Mid-Continent Public Library adheres to the standards required by Federal and State laws with regard to restricting access to materials deemed harmful to minors or obscene through the use of content filtering software.

Mid-Continent Public Library believes that the primary purpose of the internet is to supplement the traditional collection of the Library, acting as an informational resource.

Philosophy

Mid-Continent Public Library supports the following American Library Association statements on access to information:

Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources: Public

Mid-Continent Public Library requests the following from those who wish to use the internet:

Ownership and presentation of a valid Mid-Continent Public Library card is required to sign up for internet use.
Library users are required to sign in before each use of the internet. Personally identifying information will be destroyed promptly.
Time limits will be set at each location depending upon demands for limited resources.
All users must agree to the Acceptable Use Policy every time access is granted, whether by signature or electronic agreement.
If Library users share computers, all users must agree to the Library's policies.
No more than two persons may use a workstation at once unless by special arrangement.
The Library strongly encourages that children using the internet should be supervised by a parent, guardian, or legal caregiver.
Adults using the computer-based resources are responsible for the behavior of any accompanying children.
Only Mid-Continent Public Library employees may restart the computers. Library users may not reboot the computers and should report technical difficulties to Library staff immediately.

The following is considered inappropriate internet use and will not be tolerated by Mid-Continent Public Library:

Violation of any applicable international, federal, state, or local laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations.
Harassment of other persons or parties.
Viewing and/or printing inappropriate images or text that may be reasonably construed as obscene in an open and public setting is not appropriate.
Deliberately bypassing the content filtering software without appropriate Library staff authorization.
Destruction of, or damage to, equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library or other users.
Gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access to any computing, information, or communications devices or resources.
Unauthorized copying of copyrighted or other protected materials and the use of any peer-to-peer (P2P) services/applications to obtain aforementioned material illegally.
Violation of any computer system security.
Use of computer facilities in ways that purposefully and unnecessarily impede the computing activities of others.
Engaging in any activity that is deliberately and maliciously offensive, libelous, or slanderous.
Installing or attempting to install any software on Mid-Continent Public Library computers.

Violation of these guidelines may result in appropriate action including revocation of Library privileges.