Acceptable Use Policy

Acceptable Use Standards for Internet and Indianapolis Public Library Computers

In furtherance of the mission of the mission to inspire lifelong learning, the Indianapolis Public Library (“Library”) provides patrons computer use and access to the internet. The Library also provides patron access to the internet on their own personal devices via public wireless connections or hotspot connectivity. Use of the Library computers, access to the internet and all electronic traffic originating from Indianapolis Public Library provided connections shall be in accordance with these Acceptable Use Standards. Failure to abide by these standards may result in the loss of internet, computer and Library privileges.

Cooperative Use

The Library has installed a PC Management system that governs the use of computers in the Library. PC users must facilitate the fair use of the Library's limited resources by observing time limits on PC use and surrendering use of the terminal when allotted time has elapsed. The Library reserves the right to terminate a PC session that disrupts Library services or that involves user behavior that violates the Library's policies. Tampering with or defeating time limits will result in the loss of some or all Library privileges consistent with the Library's policy on inappropriate behavior.

Acceptable Use

Use of the Library's computers and all internet access through Library connectivity shall be guided by the following principles:

• Respect for the privacy of others.
• Adherence to the legal protection provided by copyright and license to programs and data.
• Responsible use of the internet.
• Consideration for the security and functioning of computers, computer networks, and systems.
• Adherence to Library policies governing the security and functioning of computers, computer networks, and systems.

Unacceptable Use

It is not acceptable to use the Indianapolis Public Library computers or internet access for:

• Any purposes which violate U.S., state, or local laws or regulations, including those governing obscenity, child pornography and materials harmful to minors.
• Transmitting threatening, obscene, or harassing materials, including the use of profanity or offensive language.
• Intentional or unintentional disruption of network users, services or equipment, harm to other computer systems, including excessive bandwidth utilization.
• Altering, damaging or sabotaging computer hardware or software belonging to the library or others.
• Distribution of unsolicited advertising.
• Tampering with computer or network security.
• Disconnecting library equipment, including monitors, network cables, and electrical cords.
• Making unauthorized entry into any systems accessible via Library computers or internet access.
• Representing oneself as another person.
• Developing and/or propagating programs that harass other users or cause harm to other computer systems (e.g. computer "viruses" and "worms").
• Violating federal, state or international copyright laws, including copying, file sharing, downloading, or distributing commercial software or other works or material (e.g. music, movies, or other audio or digital material) in violation of copyright laws.
• Violating database licensing agreements.
• Accessing or loading pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit material.
• Other uses deemed inappropriate at the discretion of Library management.

Illegal acts involving the Library's computers may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.

Internet Safety Policy

In addition to the useful and educational information available on the internet, a great deal of content exists that is not appropriate for children. Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding which library resources are appropriate for their own children. The Library’s enforces a policy of internet safety that includes measures to block or filter internet access for both minors and adults to certain visual depictions. The Library's technology protection measure is a specific system that blocks or filters specific internet sites. It protects against access by adults and minors to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography or harmful to minors.

Filtering software is not foolproof. It diminishes the likelihood that searchers will inadvertently retrieve text or images that some may find offensive but does not eliminate that possibility. Filters sometimes block access to sites that users would consider both inoffensive and useful. Library staff reserves the right to check all workstations of suspicious/inappropriate activity. In accordance with the Children's Internet Protection Act, no one under the age of 18 is permitted to access computer sites, email, chat rooms, social networks, or other forms of direct electronic communication that contain obscene or sexually explicit material or other material harmful to minors.

To address issues of safety and security of minors when using email, chat rooms, social networks and other forms of direct electronic communication, parents and legal guardians should urge minors to follow basic safety guidelines, including never providing personal information (name, address, phone number etc.), never arranging via a computer to meet someone, and never responding to messages that are threatening or suggestive, remembering that people online may not be what they say they are.

The Library does not condition a child's use of our public use internet terminals on the collection of any personally identifiable information from the child. Please see the full text of the Library's e-Privacy Statement.

Parents of minor children assume responsibility for their children's use of the internet through the Library's connections. Parents and children are encouraged to read Netsmartz Safety Tips and to explore the additional resources at Netsmartz, a resource for parents and children of all ages.

Disclaimer

The Library provides access to the internet as a service of convenience to the public. The internet and its available resources contain a wide variety of material and opinions from varied points of view. Users need to be good information consumers, questioning the validity of the information. Not all information found on the internet is accurate, complete, current, legal or acceptable to all individuals. Users may encounter material that could be considered inappropriate.

The Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems, or any consequences thereof. The Library’s wireless networks and mobile hotspots are offered as unsecured wireless networks. Users should use wireless access accordingly. Conducting business or personal transactions such as credit card purchases, stock trades, bank transactions, etc., or accessing systems where such personal or business data are stored is not recommended. The Library's computing environment and internet connectivity, including connectivity via wi-fi or hotspots does not maintain sufficient safeguards to protect such activities.

Users of Library computing resources should be aware of the possibility of contamination by computer viruses and Trojans. Viruses may also spread to other computers including the user's own personal or business computers via email, or via media such as floppy, CDROM, or USB Flash Drives. Users are therefore warned that it is not possible to provide a 100% virus free environment, and that the user accepts such risks while using the Library's computing resources.

Reviewed by the Library Board of Trustees, December 16, 2024