All electronic traffic originating from the Indiana State Library’s (the “Library”) connection to the Internet shall be in accordance with the following acceptable use standards. Failure to abide by these standards may result in the loss of Internet access, computer or library privileges, and could result in financial responsibility and/or criminal prosecution.
The Library’s public computers shall be used for educational, informational, and recreational purposes only and not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.
Use of the Library’s public computers is on a first come first serve basis. The Library reserves the right to limit access to public computers if other patrons are waiting for access to public computers. The Library has a computer with special hardware and software features to assist with accessibility.
Access to the Internet is provided to enhance the Library’s collection of information resources. While the Library attempts to ensure the accuracy and usefulness of our own web site, not all Internet sources are current, accurate, complete, or consistent with community standards. The Library is not responsible if the user finds information and/or images that are inaccurate or offensive. Computer users are encouraged to be critical consumers of information obtained from the Internet.
The Library is not responsible for any damage that may arise from downloading or saving files. In order to provide a quality connection to Internet resources for all patrons, video streaming is not permitted.
The library assumes no liability for the performance or quality of any products purchased over the Internet, and cannot guarantee the confidentiality of personal or financial information transmitted over the Internet.
Computer/Internet users must abide by all state and federal laws including, but not limited to, copyright laws, privacy laws, laws related to the unauthorized access or tampering of computers or computer systems or networks, and the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
Computer/Internet users may not:
- access, view, show, or print illegal content including, but not limited to, material that can be categorized as harassing, obscene, child pornography or material otherwise harmful to minors;
- destroy or alter equipment or install software onto a public computer;
- violate software, database, or website license agreements or acceptable use policies; or
- use the State Library’s computers in a malicious or disruptive manner (Malicious or disruptive use includes, but is not limited to, distribution of unsolicited advertising; propagation of computer worms, viruses, or other malicious code; tampering with computer or network security; violating or otherwise infringing upon the privacy of others; using the network to make unauthorized entry into any systems accessible via the library’s computers; developing and/or implementing programs that harass other users; misrepresenting yourself as someone else or attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others.);
- engage in the unauthorized use, disclosure, or dissemination of personally identifying information regarding minors.
In accordance with the requirements of CIPA and the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Library employs the use of an internet filter to guard against accessing, inadvertently or otherwise, Internet content that is obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors. However, no filter can protect against all such content and thus, children under the age of 17 (“minors”) who are using the Internet must be supervised at all times by their parent or other adult caregiver. Parent or adult caregiver supervision is required to ensure the safety and security of minors using the Internet.
Sometimes filters will inadvertently block access to forms of expression that are legal and constitutionally protected. In order to allow use of the Internet for bona fide research or other lawful purposes, the Library may turn off the filter at a public computer upon the request of an adult user. The Library may also unblock a particular website upon request after the Library determines that the website does not contain obscene content, child pornography, or content deemed harmful to minors. In the event the Library disables the filter, the user is still prohibited from accessing content that is prohibited by this policy.
In consideration of the Library providing patrons with access to the Internet, patrons agree to hold the Library harmless and agree to indemnify the Library for any and all liability resulting from the patron’s use thereof.
The Library will not disclose personally-identifying or information of its patrons to any outside organization unless required to do so by law or by legal process.
The Indiana State Library reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.
Date Approved by ILHB 10-10-2014