Goshen Public Library Internet Use Policy

The mission of the Goshen Public Library is to enrich lives, create connections, provide equitable accessibility, cultivate community partnerships, nurture reading, and champion education and lifelong learning.

The Goshen Public Library provides Internet access in order to help fulfill this mission by making available a wealth of information resources found on the Internet. The following policy must be adhered to by any individual using the library’s Internet access.

1. Acceptable Use – Internet use in the facilities owned by the Goshen Public Library must be in support of education, communication and research and be consistent with the mission of the Goshen Public Library. Use of another organization’s network or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate to that organization. Transmission of any material or use of the Internet in violation of any U.S., state, or local regulation is prohibited. Examples of unacceptable use include, but are not limited to:

• Violation of computer security
• Vandalism of computer data, software, or hardware
• Violation of copyright laws
• Harassing or disrupting other users or patrons
• Display and/or distribution of obscenity, child pornography, or (to minors) materials harmful to minors
• Transmission of libelous, slanderous, or misrepresentative material
• Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors

Unacceptable use may result in loss of Internet access. The library’s supervisory staff will deem what is unacceptable use based on the items above and may temporarily suspend a user’s Internet access. The Director of the Goshen Public Library may take further action to deny, revoke, or suspend a user’s Internet access as warranted.

2. Access – The demand for use of the library’s Internet access may exceed the available supply. Therefore, it is necessary to manage Internet access fairly and equitably so that all users will have an opportunity to use the resource. The library may employ whatever reasonable methods it deems appropriate, including, but not necessarily limited to:

• Requiring identification
• Use of sign-up or reservation procedures
• Establishing time limits
• Parental permission and/or accompaniment for children under the age of 17

3. Internet Resources — The Goshen Public Library provides access to the Internet / World Wide Web (WWW). However, the library reserves the right to filter or limit access to and/or availability of Internet / WWW resources. The library does not offer Internet accounts, e-mail accounts, provide web space, or other related Internet services.

4. Disclaimer – The Goshen Public Library makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The Library is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of information users find on the Internet, nor is it responsible for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of its Internet access.

5. Waiver – Users are responsible for their Internet use including the information they access and display. While the library does employ measures designed to restrict access to materials harmful to children under the age of 17, parents of minor children must assume ultimate responsibility for their children’s use of or exposure to the Internet through the library. Users release the Library and its agents from any liability arising directly or indirectly from their use of the Internet.