Computer Use Policy

The Harlan Community Library provides public access to the internet to fulfill its mission to make available full and equal access to all types of information and to promote the love of reading and the joy of learning to all members of the community.

The Library supports the right to privacy and confidentiality of its patrons and maintains no records of what the patron views. The content of the internet is not filtered; therefore patrons may encounter materials they consider offensive.

Illegal use of the internet is prohibited. It is illegal to use the library’s computers to access, view, print, distribute, display, send or receive images or graphics of material that violates laws relating to child pornography. Misuse of the computers will result in a loss of privileges. Viewing material that is materially offensive to those that can view the computer screen will also result in a loss of privileges.

All patrons accessing internet content or services share a single internet connection through the library. Therefore, excessive or inappropriate use of that connection is prohibited and grounds for suspension of internet privileges. Excessive use includes but is not limited to: excessive email generation (spam), peer-to-peer networking downloads, and media or software piracy.

All patrons using the computers provided by the library are using a communal resource that must be maintained for the entire community. Therefore, installation of any software on the library’s computers must be cleared by the library director before installation. Failure to do so is grounds for suspension of library computer privileges. Audio materials may be accessed as long as the patron is using headphones to contain the sound, and the volume is low enough to be inaudible to close bystanders.

Children under the age of 18 who want to use the internet must have a permission slip signed by a parent. Permission from a parent or guardian provides acknowledgement that the library is not responsible for monitoring the content that the minor views.

The Harlan Community Library’s Board of Trustees and employees assume no responsibility for damages of any type arising from the use of the computer workstations.

Articles may be printed at $.10 a page.

Portions of the policy were adopted from the Hennepin County Library Internet Policy.

Reviewed and Ratified by the Library Board of Trustees on June 15, 2009