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Internet Access & Acceptable Use Policy

Policy

To support its vision of Bringing People and Ideas Together, the Oakville Public Library makes Internet access available to all library users in all library branches. The Library recognizes the Internet as an innovative and valuable tool. The resources available through the World Wide Web complement the library's print and non-print collections.

As with all other library resources, the principle of intellectual freedom applies to Internet access. The Oakville Public Library Board endorses the Canadian Library Association Statement on Intellectual Freedom (Appendix 1). As such, all users, including children, have access to Internet resources.

Recognizing that the Internet is a constantly changing unregulated global network, the Library does provide a mix of filtered and unfiltered computers in all branches, using a commercial content filter. Filtering software on selected workstations is intended to block sexually explicit or hate material. However, no filter currently available is capable of blocking all content that may be offensive or disturbing to some users. The library assumes no liability in the event the filter is not 100% effective.

All users have access to all workstations. Public awareness and parental guidance remain key to making the best possible use of Internet resources. The Library cannot and does not act in place or in absence of a parent or guardian and is not responsible for enforcing restrictions which a parent or guardian may place upon a minor's use of this technology.

The Library reserves the right to review patterns of use of Internet workstations to ensure that its Internet policy is being followed.

The Oakville Public Library does not offer electronic mail accounts or online chat. However, users should be aware that these services may be accessed through other Internet sites at all of the library's workstations.

The Library assumes responsibility for information developed by staff on the Library's web site. Beyond this, the Library does not control or monitor any of the information available through the Internet, nor can staff review all materials available via this technology. The Internet is unregulated, enabling access to ideas, information and images beyond the confines of the Library's mission, collection, selection criteria and collection policies.

The Library Does Not Assume Responsibility For The Following

1. The accuracy, currency, completeness or appropriateness of material on the Internet.

2. Any damages - direct or indirect - arising from a user's connection to Internet services, including wireless services (filtered). Library users make use of the Library's wireless network at their own risk. The wireless network is not secure, and is not encrypted. Any information sent or received using the wireless network could be intercepted by a third party.

3. Infringement of copyright, software licenses or other intellectual rights by Internet users.

Your Responsibilities As An Internet User

By clicking on the "I Accept" button on the screen, you agree to follow the Oakville Public Library Internet Access and Acceptable Use policy.

You are working in a public environment shared by users of all backgrounds and sensitivities. Please show consideration for fellow library users when accessing the Internet. Refrain from displaying content (text or images) that might reasonably offend others. Do not display overt sexual images on the screen. Respect the privacy of others. Staff will respond to complaints or observed incidents of misuse of the Internet by any user.

You are responsible for the information which you access via the Internet. You must be prudent and take responsibility for evaluating the quality and validity of information found on the Internet. Many resources are excellent and authenticated while others may be inaccurate, outdated, or controversial.

All workstations in the children's areas in the Library branches are filtered. In all other areas you have a choice of filtered or unfiltered access. You are responsible as a parent or guardian to provide ongoing guidance and education to your children regarding Internet use, responsibility, values and good conduct in a public space. You can best judge your child's readiness for the Internet and are responsible for monitoring the web sites accessed by your children. As with other communications media such as television, there is some content on the Internet which is either not age-appropriate or which you may find controversial or disturbing, especially for your children.

You are responsible for any and all expenses incurred, or the potential repercussions to yourself or to a third party, as a result of having entered personal/banking/credit card information via your Internet use, using a Library workstation or using the Library's wireless network.

You are responsible for any damage you cause to the Library's computer equipment. Misuse or abuse of computers or programs is not acceptable.

You are responsible for any direct or indirect damages that result from your use of Internet Services, or any losses or damages sustained by the Oakville Public Library as a result of your use of the Internet service.

You may not install, modify, delete or download software.

You may not use the Library's computers for illegal, unethical or criminal purposes, or to seek access into unauthorized areas. This includes harassment, libel or slander (as per civil law) and display or dissemination of hate literature, child pornography, illicit drug literature or obscene material (as per criminal law).

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Criminal Code of Canada are available in the Library for consultation. Complaints about illegal content will be passed on to the police.

You are responsible for any infringement of copyright or software licenses or other intellectual rights that could result from the copying or distribution of materials found on the Internet.

To maximize all users' access to the Library's electronic information resources, Internet use is limited on a per session basis and to a daily maximum number of hours per user.

You are responsible for charges levied by the Library for printing from Internet workstations.

You are asked to close all programs and log out at the end of your Internet session.

You may use only your own library barcode and PIN numbers to access the Internet. Guests will be logged on by library staff.

Consequences For Violating Internet Access & Acceptable Use Policy

Failure to observe and comply with the Oakville Public Library's Internet Access and Acceptable Use policy shall result in loss of use of Internet and Library privileges, and in some instances, criminal prosecution. Depending on the severity of the incident, staff will ask the offender to leave the web site, leave the workstation, or leave the library. Failure to comply may result in a Letter of Trespass banning the offender from all Library facilities.

Public Awareness

The Library urges parents and guardians to become familiar with the internet. Information on child online safety and evaluation information found on websites is available at the Library's homepage.

Staff will assist individual users to navigate the Internet and access information as time and knowledge permits. Formal sessions may also be offered to the public.

Appendix 1

Canadian Library Association Statement on Intellectual Freedom
Approved by Executive Council - June 27, 1974; Amended November 17, 1983; and November 18, 1985.

All persons in Canada have the fundamental right, as embodied in the nation's Bill of Rights and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, to have access to all expressions of knowledge, creativity and intellectual activity, and to express their thoughts publicly. This right to intellectual freedom, under the law, is essential to the health and development of Canadian society.

Libraries have a basic responsibility for the development and maintenance of intellectual freedom.

It is the responsibility of libraries to guarantee and facilitate access to all expressions of knowledge and intellectual activity, including those which some elements of society may consider to be unconventional, unpopular or unacceptable. To this end, libraries shall acquire and make available the widest variety of materials.

It is the responsibility of libraries to guarantee the right of free expression by making available all of the library's public facilities and services to all individuals and groups who need them.

Libraries should resist all efforts to limit the exercise of these responsibilities while recognizing the right of criticism by individuals and groups.

Both employees and employers in libraries have a duty, in addition to their institutional responsibilities, to uphold these principles.

Effective Date: September 25, 2008
Next Review Date: 2011
Supersedes Policy Dated: September 23, 2004