GRRL Technology Policies

GRRL Technology Policies admin

Introduction
Chapter 1. Technology Goals
Chapter 2. Downloading
Chapter 3. Internet Acceptable Use
Chapter 4. Public Access Computers (for youth and adults)
 

Introduction

GRRL makes technology available to patrons and staff members to provide access, resources, and support. GRRL is aware of changing information needs and is committed to providing continuous service improvement.

 

Approved Date: 03/16/04
Revised Date: 07/16/24

Chapter 1. Technology Goals

The library strives to increase digital equity and inclusion. GRRL’s technology goals are:

  1. providing open access to information,

  2. having reliable and useful technology resources,

  3. managing technology resources cost-effectively,

  4. maintaining suitable protection of personal and other confidential information. 

 

Chapter 2. Downloading

Unauthorized software must not be installed or executed on library computers. The downloading of viruses, "worms", or similar destructive agents, is not permitted for any reason.

 

No personal files may be saved or downloaded to the library computers except where a file is downloaded to be moved to another site or removable media. 

 

Data downloaded from the Internet may contain malware. The library maintains one or more malware defenses. However, every user is responsible for maintaining malware protection for their own device(s). The library assumes no responsibility for damage to removable media or non-library devices that may result from downloading files from the Internet.

 

Approved Date: 03/16/04
Revised Date: 03/16/10, 07/16/24

Chapter 3. Internet Acceptable Use

All library users are expected to abide by their local library’s Rules of Behavior. Illegal use of the library Internet services and computer stations is prohibited. By using library computers and/or Internet services, library users agree that staff has the authority to make final determinations regarding rule infractions. The use of the library's computer workstations and Internet services is a privilege.

 

The following activities could be considered cause for suspension of computer and/or Internet privileges or cause for trespass:

  • using equipment and/or Internet service in the library to access, disseminate or exhibit material that is obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors as defined by Minnesota state law (see statutes below);
  • placing or viewing unlawful information or images on the system;
  • altering or placing files or programs on the library's computers;
  • sending any files or portions of files likely to result in damage to the recipient's databases or networks or the library's databases or networks;
  • sending unsolicited spam, "chain letters" or "broadcast" messages;
  • violating copyright or licensing agreements;
  • using another’s library card or fraudulently using duplicate library cards or guest passes for computer access;
  • circumventing computer management software or security measures;
  • causing excessive congestion of the network or interfering with the computer use of other library users;
  • vandalizing or damaging library equipment.

 

In compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), software filters have been placed on all computer stations with Internet access. Internet users 17 or older may request that staff remove the filter when using the computer stations to provide access for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. Library users who obtain unfiltered Internet access are not excused from any provisions or restrictions of this policy.

 

It is essential that each user of Internet and computer services recognize the responsibilities that stem from having access to vast services, sites, people and quantities of uncensored information. Users are reminded to be considerate of others when viewing material. GRRL cannot fully protect library users from encountering images or ideas that may be considered controversial. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Users need to analyze information on the Internet with the same or greater scrutiny that they apply to other sources of information.

 

GRRL recognizes and affirms the rights and responsibilities of parents/guardians/caregivers to control the use of library materials and resources by their own children. The Internet is an unregulated medium. GRRL cannot guarantee restriction of access to sites by minors. It is up to the parent/guardian/caregiver to monitor their own children regarding their Internet and computer use. The library is committed to making reasonable efforts within constitutional limits to prevent minors from viewing materials that could be deemed harmful.

 

GRRL recognizes library users’ rights to privacy and confidentiality in accordance with the Minnesota Data Practices Act. GRRL avoids maintaining records that could compromise user privacy. Library users must be aware, however, that personal identification information should only be shared with caution. Parents/guardians/caregivers should discuss with minors the dangers of relaying personal facts over the Internet.

 

The USA PATRIOT ACT (US Statute 50 U.S.C. Sec 206, 214-220) overrides state law related to privacy and library use. If GRRL receives a valid order or warrant under these provisions, staff must provide anything requested by that order. This may include computer use records. Section 215 requires that the library not inform library users about these specific warrants.

 

Approved Date: 05/14/96
Revised Date: 07/09/02, 05/11/04, 05/11/10, 03/15/11
Reviewed Date: 07/16/24

Chapter 4. Public Access Computers (for youth and adults)

GRRL may provide workstations designated for use by children. Given the nature of the Internet as described above, however, GRRL recommends that parents, guardians and caregivers work closely with children in selecting Internet resources consistent with personal and family values. Since these values may vary significantly from individual to individual and family to family, any restriction on usage by children must be initiated by the parents, guardian or caregiver. The library, however, reserves the right to restrict access based upon an individual's violation(s) of the Internet Acceptable Use Policy. Parents, guardians or caregivers, once they have decided to restrict children in their care from access to the Internet, should communicate that decision to the child.

 

Approved Date: 03/16/04
Revised Date: 07/16/24