Internet Use Policy

The Vermillion Public Library provides access to a broad range of information resources, including those available through the Internet. We make this service available as part of our mission to serve people of all ages, at all levels of need.

The Internet, as an information resource, enables the library to provide information beyond its own collection. It can be used to educate, to inform and to entertain. Although it is similar to books, magazines, videos and so on, it is an unregulated medium, which means not all sources on the Internet are accurate, complete, or up-to-date. It also enables access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing, obscene and/or illegal. The library does not filter, monitor, or control content, nor does it accept responsibility for materials found on the Internet. The library also assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of its computer network or from its connection to other Internet services.

Users should be advised that the Internet connection at the library is unsecured and electronic transactions and files could become public. Users are discouraged from offering personal information such as names, addresses, credit card numbers, etc., on the Internet. The library is not responsible for any loss, damage or misuse of users’ personal or private information.

The library also affirms the responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children’s use of library materials and resources. Some information found on the Internet is of a mature nature and not suitable for children. PARENTS or GUARDIANS, not the library staff, are responsible for the information selected by children.  

CONDITIONS AND TERMS OF INTERNET USE IN THE LIBRARY

1. Internet computers are located where staff can see them.

2.  The library reserves the right to ask individuals to discontinue the display of information and images that cause a disruption. Library staff also reserve the right to end an Internet session at any time if it is creating a disturbance.

3.   It is illegal to exhibit, sell, or give to a minor any material which depicts nudity, sexual conduct or sadomasochistic abuse, and which is harmful to minors. (According to South Dakota Codified Law 22-24-30) The library equipment cannot be used to display pornography. Library staff will determine what is appropriate content.

3. Software owned or supplied by users may not be installed on library computers.
   
4. Users may not save their data on the hard drives of library computers; they must supply their own formatted discs or memory devices. The library is not responsible for an individual’s lost or damaged information.
   
5. Users may not alter or attempt to alter the setup of library computers.
   
6. Computer programs protected by copyright laws must not be copied for personal use.
   
7. Misuse of library computers may result in the suspension or loss of privilege of use.

Computer users must comply with the following South Dakota codified laws concerning computer programs:

43-43B-1 Unlawful uses of a computer. A person is guilty of unlawful use of a computer if he:

1. Knowingly obtains the use of, or accesses, a computer system, or any part thereof, without the consent of the owner.
2. Knowingly alters or destroys computer programs or data without the consent of the owner; or
3. Knowingly obtains use of, alters, accesses or destroys a computer system, or any part thereof, as part of a deception for the purpose of obtaining money, property or services from the owner of a computer system or any third party; or
4. Knowingly uses or discloses to another or attempts to use of disclose to another the numbers, codes, passwords or other means of access to a computer, computer program, or computer system without the consent of the owner.

A person convicted of the violation above is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, Class 6 felony or a Class 4 felony.

USER RESPONSIBILITIES  

All users of the Internet are expected to use this resource in a responsible and courteous manner consistent with the purposes for which it is provided, including:

1. Signing an Internet use Contract. Anyone under 16 years of age will be required to have written parental or guardian permission to access the Internet.
2. Respecting the rights of others in sharing and using the Internet.
3. Being polite, non-disruptive, and using appropriate language.
4. Using the Internet for educational, informational and recreational purposes only.
5. Refraining from illegal and unethical uses.
6. Refraining from altering or in any way damaging the computer. This includes downloading software, saving information on the hard drive, or allowing viruses and other malware to be downloaded onto the computer.
7. Respecting the privacy of others by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others, or representing oneself as someone else.
8. Refraining from seeking unauthorized access to any computer system, or damaging or altering the setup of the equipment used (‘hacking’).

Please understand that:

1. Use will be limited to one hour daily and users must sign in before using a computer.   Users may sign up one day in advance. At library staff discretion, a user may be allowed to stay on longer if no one is waiting for a computer. However, as soon as a computer is needed, a user who has exceeded their allotted time will be asked to give up their computer unless they have made arrangements with staff for extra time due to important work.
2. Users are expected to show up on time for their booked slots. If a user is more than 15 minutes late, that slot will be given to another user.
3. If a user is late for their slot, they have ‘lost’ that time on the computer and the next user will be accommodated on time for their slot.
4. If a user walks away from their computer for more than 10 minutes, they will be considered done and the computer will be given to someone else if needed.
5. No more than two people will be allowed on one computer at a time.
6. The first 10 black & white printouts per day are free. After that, each printout is 10 cents. Color printouts are 25 cents each. The printer will not be stocked with paper. When ready to print, the user shall come to the desk to request paper.  The user should be ready to print before loading the paper into the printer to avoid inadvertent use of the paper by another user.
7. Internet gaming is allowed but the user’s Internet session will be stopped if the game playing becomes in any way disruptive, inappropriate or results in damage or alteration to the computers.
8. Due to myriad computer problems such as downloaded viruses/Trojans and increased disruptive social activity around the PC area, “chat rooms” and online discussion groups are no longer allowed.
9. Library staff members are available to assist but they may not be familiar with every application patrons might wish to use. Because of the many Internet applications available, we cannot provide complete technical support.

If these rules are not followed, library staff will first warn the user. If the inappropriate behavior continues, the user will be given a final warning stating that the next breech will result in being asked to leave the library and the suspension of computer privileges for the day. If behavior is seriously inappropriate, the user may have their computer privileges suspended for a longer period of time or indefin itely.

If a user feels they have had their computer use unfairly suspended, they may appeal in writing to the Library Director.

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