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Computer Usage Policy and Disclaimer

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INTRODUCTION:
Computer use includes the management of computer data networks and the resources they make available, as well as stand-alone computers that are owned and administered by the St. Joseph County Public Library. The policy reflects the ethical principles of the St. Joseph County Public Library and indicates, in general, the privileges and responsibilities of the Library computing environment..

GENERAL POLICIES:
Computer use is an integral part of library activities. Policies and procedures for gaining access to and making optimum use of Library computing resources are available to patrons at each Library agency and on the Library's website.

EXTERNAL NETWORKS:
Patrons who access networks or facilities not owned by the Library will adhere to the policies and procedures established by the administrators of these networks and facilities. (Patrons can usually obtain these from the network information center of the network in question.)

CONFIDENTIALITY:
In general, the Library will treat information stored on Library computing resources as confidential, whether or not that information is protected by the computer operating system. Requests for disclosure of information will be honored only under one of the following conditions:

• when approved by the appropriate Library administrator;
• when authorized by the owners of the information;
• when required by local, state or federal law.

Except when inappropriate, patrons will receive prior notice of such disclosures. Viewing of information in the course of normal system maintenance does not constitute disclosure.

Patrons who use electronic mail systems should be aware that electronic mail in its present form cannot be secured and is, therefore, extremely vulnerable to unauthorized access and modification..

RESPONSIBILITIES OF USERS:
The patron is responsible for correct and sufficient use of the tools available for maintaining the security of information on each computer system. The following precautions are strongly recommended:

• Computer accounts, passwords and other types of authorization that are assigned to individual patrons should not be shared with others.
• The patron should assign an obscure account password and change it frequently.
• The patron should understand that files saved on Library computing resources may not be totally secure.
• The patron should be aware of computer viruses and other destructive computer programs, and take steps to avoid being a victim or unwitting distributor of these processes.

Ultimate responsibility for resolution of problems related to the invasion of the patron's privacy or loss of data rests with the patron. The Library assumes no liability for loss or damage to the patron's data or for any damage or injury arising from invasion of the patron's privacy.

ORGANIZATIONAL PURPOSES:
Library computing resources are to be used to advance the Library's mission.

LEGAL USE:
The public and staff may use library computing resources only for legal purposes. Examples of unacceptable purposes include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Harassment of other patrons;
• Libeling or slandering other patrons;
• Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library or other patrons;
• Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications;
• Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material.
• Conducting illegal activities of any kind.

ETHICAL USE:
Library computing resources should be used in accordance with the ethical standards of the Library. Examples of unacceptable use (some of which may also have legal consequences) include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Violation of computer system security;
• Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others;
• Use of computer communications facilities in ways that unnecessarily impede the computing activities of others, such as randomly initiating interactive electronic communications (chat) or e-mail exchanges (spam), overuse of interactive network utilities, and so forth;
• Violation of software license agreements;
• Violation of network usage policies and regulations;
• Violation of another patron's privacy.

COOPERATIVE USE:
The Library endorses the practice of cooperative computing. This includes:

• Refraining from overuse of connect time, information storage space, printing facilities or processing capacity;
• Refraining from overuse of interactive network utilities;
• Refraining from use of sounds and visuals which might be disruptive to others;
• Refraining from use of any computing resource in an irresponsible manner.

SANCTIONS
Violators of Library computing resource use policies will have their Library privileges suspended or revoked in the sole discretion of the Library Administration. Violations of policies described above for legal and ethical use of Library computing resources will result in the suspension or revocation of Library privileges in the sole discretion of the Library Administration. Illegal acts involving Library computing resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

DISPLAY AND DISSEMINATION OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIALS:
Use of Library computing resources to display or disseminate sexually explicit or sexually suggestive (obscene/pornographic) material in any Library building is prohibited. Violators of this policy will be removed from the Library building and will have their Library privileges revoked.

INTERNET DISCLAIMER
Since the Internet is a global electronic network, there is no state/county control of its users or content. The Internet and its available resources may contain material of a controversial nature. The Library cannot protect patrons from all offensive information. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children's use of the Internet through the Library's connection.
Library staff cannot control the availability of information links, which often change rapidly and unpredictably. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information.

The St. Joseph County Public Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use its WWW Server or from its connections to other Internet services.

LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY:
All patrons who wish to use the Library's computing resources are required to click on “I Agree” to the following “Limitation of Liability” statement:

"LIMITATION OF LIABILITY"

By logging on to this computer you (the user) acknowledge you have read and understand the St. Joseph County Public Library Computer Usage Policy (the Computer Usage Policy) and you agree to fully comply with all terms, conditions and requirements of the Computer Usage Policy. You acknowledge and agree that any violation of the Computer Usage Policy will result in suspension or revocation of Library privileges in the sole discretion of the Library Administration.

The user also acknowledges that the St. Joseph County Public Library assumes no liability for any loss or damage to the user's data, or for any damage or injury arising from invasion of privacy in the user's computer accounts, programs, or files. In consideration for use of Library computer resources, you (the user) agree to hold harmless and indemnify St. Joseph County Public Library, its directors, officers, administrators, employees and agents, from any and all liabilities for any claims, demands, and damages to your person or property whatsoever.