Internet Usage Policy

The Internet is an unregulated medium.  As such, while it offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, it also enables access to some material that may be offensive, incorrect, outdated, false, disturbing, and/or illegal.  Patrons are accountable for the material they choose to display in a public setting.

The Langley Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content.  The Internet is a global entity and library patrons use is at their own risk.

Children under the age of 18 must obtain parental permission and parent and student must sign this document.  The signature is (are) legally binding and indicate(s) the party (parties) who signed has (have) read the terms and conditions carefully and understand(s) their significance.  The Langley Public Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by children.  It is not possible for Library Staff to control specific information children may locate.  It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian for setting standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources.

Library Staff is available to introduce Internet access and provide initial instruction on its use.  However, staff may not be familiar with every application you might wish to use.  Because of the many Internet applications available, the Langley Public Library cannot provide complete technical support.  The Langley Public Library does reserve the right to monitor all Internet activity by a user.

Terms and Conditions for Acceptable use:

The Langley Public Library observes "no tolerance" in regards to policy.  Violation of any part of the policy will result in cancellation of Internet privileges if the user does not observe legal and ethical guidelines set forth.

1. The user must have a Langley Public Library card.
2. The user must sign in with the Librarian before using the computer.
3. The Librarian will print pages at the user's request at the rate of  .10 per page for all pages after the first three pages, .50 per page for color copies.
4. Information may be saved or downloaded only to a diskette which may be purchased from the library for $1.00.  No documents may be saved to the hard drive.  Downloading files from the Internet may only be done by the Librarian.  The diskette may be kept in a file at the Library for future use.  Once the diskette has been removed from the Library, it may not be used again.
5. Use of the Internet will be first come, first serve.  If there are patrons waiting, computer use will be limited to 30 minutes.  
6. Individual users must assume responsibility for their own use of the Internet through the Library's connection.
7. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children's use of the Internet through the Library's connection.  
8. Children 8 years or younger must be under the direct supervision of a responsible adult.  This does not include Library Staff.
9. Release forms must be signed in the presence of the Librarian.  Release forms will not be set home for signatures.

Access is a privilege--not a right.  The access entails responsibility.  Inappropriate use will result in cancellation of Internet privileges.  The Librarian will deem what is inappropriate use and her decision is final.

1. Harassment of other library users by displaying offensive material.
2. Harassment of other users on-line by any means.
3. Agreeing to meet somebody via the Internet, no chat rooms.
4. Responding to offensive messages.
5. Sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics, which may be construed as obscene
6. Using resources that are not educational, informational or recreational.
7. Using the Internet for commercial business or financial gain.
8. Downloading or printing copyright-protected material.
9. Sending of "chain letters" or "broadcast" messages to lists or individuals, and any other types of use, which would cause congestion of the workstation.
10. You cannot send or receive e-mail messages.
11. Not respecting the privacy of others, misrepresenting oneself as another user, attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others or by seeking unauthorized access to any computer components or computer system or altering software components.
12. Destruction or damage to equipment or other library property.

Copyright Langley Public Library 1999 - 2008