The Internet Policy, Acceptable Use Policy and Internet Use Disclaimer should be read carefully as they explain the Library’s service, expectations and the Library’s and user’s responsibilities. Our purpose is to offer an information and educational resource, in support of our mission, accessible to all Potterville Benton Township District Library patrons. This policy incorporates the Library’s continued commitment to and support of Library Privacy Act (Act No. 212 of the Public Acts of 2000) and confidentiality as do any guidelines or policies regarding library materials (electronic or otherwise).

General Statements Regarding the Internet

• Internet access via Library computers, the computer network and the Library’s wireless connection is available at all times that the library is open, unless the library is experiencing technical or other service difficulties. Use of library computers is limited to one (1) hour session per day. If another patron is waiting to use the computer, access must be relinquished after 30 minutes.
• Library computers are provided for public access to the Internet, the card catalog, reference databases and productivity software. Software may not be installed on any public computers. The Users shall refrain from use of personal software, the attachment of equipment (except storage media to save or retrieve personal files) to the Library’s computers or the modification of any operating system or network configuration. Users are not permitted to change the security setup, operating systems, the network configuration or any other configuration of any Library computer workstation without authorization. Patrons who wish to have a permanent record of their work need to save files and documents on their own portable media. Library computers do not allow users to permanently save documents or personal files to the hard drive. The User shall be responsible for repayment of any costs to the Library for damage to the computer terminals or
• system.
• Printouts are printed to a network public printer for a fee of $.20 per page for black and white or $.50 per page for color. Please ask staff to assist you when printing if you are unsure. The patron is responsible to pay for all pages that are printed. Users of the Library’s wireless Internet access may or may not be able to print depending on the type of mobile device that they have.
• The Library is not responsible for the security of any personal information, files or communications disclosed on the Internet from the Library computers or using the wireless Internet connection; therefore, patrons proceed at their own risk.
• The librarian(s) will be happy to help you as much as possible but library staff cannot provide in-depth technology training or support. If you need more assistance than we can provide, we will assist you in finding educational library materials, handouts, web resources and classes that are available. However, the Library cannot guarantee that staff will always be available to assist users at all times the Library is open.
• In compliance with Section 6, 1982 Public Act 455, MCL 397.606, Michigan Library Privacy Act, all Library computers used for children and young adult are configured to filter out obscene matter and sexually explicit materials that is harmful to minors. In addition, accounts provided to minors under the age of 18 will only be permitted access to computers that filter obscenity and sexually explicit material that is harmful to minors. Unrestricted Internet access is available only to individuals 18 years of age or older or minors accompanied by and sitting at the workstation with their parent or guardian. In all cases, the Library requires that a responsible adult accompany children.
• By using the Internet at the Potterville Benton Township District Library you agree to abide by the Internet Acceptable Use Policies and the Internet Use Disclaimer. Misuse of the computers or the Internet connection will result in the loss of your Internet or Library privileges for a set period to time, or by denying access to specific services and/or programs pursuant the procedures outlined in the section entitled Disciplinary Process.

Internet Acceptable Use Policies

All use of the Library computers, computer networks and wireless connections at the Potterville Benton Township District Library Internet Connection shall be in accordance with these Acceptable Use Policies. Failure to abide by the Polices will result in the loss of Internet and/or programs pursuant the procedures outlined in the section entitled Disciplinary Process.

Acceptable Use

• Use of the Library’s Internet Connection shall be guided by the following principles:
• Respect for the privacy of others. Patrons should be sensitive of others’ values and beliefs when accessing potentially controversial information and images.
• Users must respect intellectual property rights and obey the copyright laws of the United States and all other intellectual property rights. Responsibly for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user. The library disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting for such use.
• Consideration for the security and functioning of computer networks and systems; for example, users shall not use Library computers or networks in any manner that harass other users, or cause harm to other computer systems or hardware., Examples of such programs are computer “viruses” and “worms”.
• Library patrons must use the computers and equipment in a manner that does not damage the equipment or change the configuration of any of the software on these computers.

Unacceptable Use

• It is illegal to use the Potterville Benton Township District Library Internet Connection for any purposes which violate federal, state or local laws, including but not limited to transmission of materials lacking in serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value and child pornography.
• It is not acceptable to interfere with or disrupt network or wireless users, services or equipment. Disruptions include, but are not limited to: distribution of unsolicited advertising, propagation of computer worms and viruses, vandalizing the data of any other user and use of the network to make unauthorized entry to any other.
• It is assumed that information and resources accessible via the Internet are private to the individuals and organization which own or hold rights to those resources and information, unless specifically stated otherwise by the owners or holders of those rights. It is not acceptable for an individual to use the Library’s Internet Connection to access information or resources unless permission to do so has been granted by the owner or holder of rights to those resources information. Users must respect the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to others; and by not seeking disallowed access to any computer system via the Internet.
• Illegal use of equipment is not acceptable.
• Michigan Law prohibits users from allowing minor’s access to sexually explicit materials harmful to minors. Internet users shall not permit any minor to view sexually explicit materials or any other material deemed harmful to minors.
• Failure to abide by the Policies set forth by the Potterville Benton Township District Library will result in the loss of Internet and/or library privileges for a set period of time, or by denying access to specific services and/or programs pursuant the procedures outlined in the section entitled Disciplinary Process.

Disciplinary Process

For violations of this Policy, the Library Director or the Director’s designee may restrict access to the computers, computer network, and wireless access or library facilities with immediate dismissal of the patron from the premises, by suspending the patron’s access to library facilities for a set period of time.

1. Incident Reports. Library Staff shall record in writing in the form of an Incident Report anviolation of this Policy that resulted in a verbal warning or a suspension of library privileges. By the end of the day on which the incident occurred and an Incident Report shall be written and forwarded to the Library Director for logging and review. The report should include physical descriptions in addition to the name of the patron. A copy of the suspension of privileges letter should be attached, if applicable.

2. Violations of the Policy – Suspension of Privileges. General violations unless otherwise provided in this Policy in Subsection 3 below, the Library shall handle violations as follows:

          a. Initial Violation: Library users observed violating this policy will be asked to cease the violation with a        verbal warning. If the patron does not comply with the request, they will be asked to leave the building for the day. If they refuse, the police may be called.

          b. Subsequent Violations: The Director or the Director’s authorized designee may further limit or revoke the patron’s library privileges in escalating responses if the infraction continues. Such limitations or revocation shall be in writing specifying the nature of the violation. Any future violation of this same rule shall result in a minimum two-week suspension of library privileges. Subsequent violations of the same rule will result in additional suspensions of increasing length.

3. Violations that Affect Safety and Security: Violation involving verbal abuse, violence, threatening behaviors, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, vandalism, drug sale or use or attempted drug sale or use, intoxication, theft or attempted theft, physical harassment, sexual misconduct or any behavior that threatens the safety and security of staff and/or patrons shall be handled as follows:

          a. Initial Violation: The police will be called immediately. If the conduct constitutes a violation of local, state, or federal law, arrest or criminal prosecution may ensue. Violations of this nature will result in an immediate minimum two-week suspension of library privileges. The initial suspension may be longer if the Library Director
determines that the patron significantly threatens the safety and security of staff and/or patrons. The Incident Report shall specify the nature of the violations.

          b. Subsequent Violations: The police will be called immediately. If the conduct constitutes a violation of local, state, or federal law, arrest or criminal prosecution may ensue. The Director or the Director’s authorized designee, may further limit or revoke the patron’s library privileges in escalating responses, which will be documental in writing. Subsequent violations of the same rule will result in additional suspension of increasing
length.

4. Reinstatement: The patron whose privileges have been limited or revoked shall attend a meeting
with the Director or the Director’s designee to review the Library Patron Behavior Policy before
their privileges may be reinstated.

Right of Appeal

Patrons may appeal a decision in writing to the Library Director within 10 working days of the date of the
letter stating why library privileges should be restored.

The Library Director or a designee will respond to the appeal in writing within 10 working days of the date the appeal was received. Any person may appeal the Library Director’s decision by sending an appeal in writing to the President of the Library Board within 10 business days. The decision of the Library Board is final.

Internet Use Disclaimer

The Internet and its available resources contain a wide variety of materials and opinions from varied points of view. Provision of access does not mean or imply endorsement or sanction by the Library of any of the information, images or commentary found on the Internet.

Since the Internet is a global, electronic network, there is not state/county/local control of its users or its content. It is not possible to use the same selection criteria which are used for other materials. In offering the Internet Connection, library staff cannot control access points which often change rapidly.

The Potterville Benton Township District Library assumes no responsibility for any loss or damages done directly or indirectly to personal data or equipment, or for any damage or injury arising from the loss of privacy arising from use of its World Wide Web connection or wireless connection.

The accuracy of information gained through this source is the responsibility of each originator/producer. Therefore, the Potterville Benton Township District Library does not guarantee the accuracy of information obtained through the Internet. You need to be a good information consumer, questioning the validity and accuracy of the information you find.

Child Safety on the Internet

Parents or those responsible for minor children must assume responsibility for and monitor their children’s use of the Internet through the Library’s connection. Unsupervised use of the Internet may expose children to inappropriate or disturbing information even if the workstation is filtered; parents should discuss Internet use and its relation to family values and monitor their children’s use of this resource.

I agree to abide by the Internet Policy and the Internet Acceptable Use Policy. I agree and acknowledge that the Potterville Benton Township District Library assumes no liability for any loss or damage done directly or indirectly to my data, personal computer equipment, or for any damage or injury arising from invasion of privacy in my computer accounts, programs, files, data, or in the case of minor children, for their access to inappropriate visual or other materials.

Amended by the PBTDL Board on December 5, 2022