INTERNET ACCESS POLICY

In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, Kootenai-Shoshone Area Libraries (KSAL) endeavors to develop collections, resources and services that meet the needs of the District's diverse communities. It is within this context that KSAL offers access to the Internet.

Currently, the Internet is an unregulated medium. While it offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, the Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population. KSAL does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. Library patrons use it at their own risk.

All Internet resources accessible through KSAL are provided equally to all library users. Parents or guardians, not KSAL or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents are advised to supervise their children's Internet sessions. Parents -- and only parents -- may restrict their children -- and only their own children -- from access to Internet resources.

A parent may request that their child (under the age of eighteen) be barred from all Internet computers at the library. By informing a KSAL staff member, a message will be put on the child's patron record stating that the child is barred from Internet use.

KSAL does not censor your access to materials or protect you from information you find offensive. There is sexually explicit material and other information resources which you may personally find controversial or inappropriate. Since our Internet screens are easlily viewed by other library patrons, we ask you to use good judgement in your choice of web sites. Not all sources of the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. You need to be a good information consumer, que

Guidelines for Accessing the Internet

You will need a valid KSAL library card CLEAR OF ALL BILLS OVER $1.00. In emergency or special cases. I.E. NON-RESIDENTS, a driver's license may be used as a substitute.

Computers are available on first-come, first serve basis.

It is expected that patrons wishing to use the Internet computer have a basic knowledge of the Internet or a willingness to learn on their own. Staff can provide entry into the Internet but cannot provide Internet training sessions for individual patrons. Some Internet self-help guides are available in the library for patron use. Patrons new to the Internet are encouraged to attend our Internet class.

Due to the limited number of computers and the difficulty of monitoring multiple use, patrons will be restricted to using the Internet computers once per day. Internet work session time at all KSAL branches is fixed and limited. Individual branches will set their own time limits. All Internet sessions must finish 15 minutes before the library closes.

You may not use your own software programs on the Internet Access comuter. This is to help prevent computer viruses that are common on public computers.

If you wish to use your own 3.5 inch floppy disk, you will need to have it scanned for viruses before you use it in library Internet computers. You may purchase a floppy disk from us for .50.

PRINTING COSTS IS .10 PER PAGE.

Any malicious modification or destruction of software or hardware shall result in the patron losing library privileges as well as incurring the cost of repairing any deliberate hardware damage.

No food or drink is allowed in the library.

KSAL ascribes to the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read, the Freedom to View and the Information Resources Access Statement of the American Library Association.

Have fun exploring the Internet, but please remember that manytimes you will find the specific information you need right here in our books, periodicals,

  Updated and approved by KSAL Board of Trustees, October 11, 2000