Internet Use Policy

Harmony Public Library

Internet Access and Use Policy

Mission Statement for Internet Use

Internet access at the Harmony Public Library is an extension of the library’s commitment to meeting the community’s information needs. In addition to using the Internet as an information resource, the library also seeks to provide the opportunity for Internet use, with limitations, to members of the public.

Guidelines for Public Internet Use

Computers will be checked out at the Circulation Desk and will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

Computer use by a patron may be limited to 30 minutes at a time. Extension of the time limit may be granted at the librarian’s discretion and only if the computer does not need to be accessed by other patrons or library staff.

Acceptable Use

The Internet is a worldwide community with a highly diverse user population and it is the patron’s responsibility to use this resource wisely.

Internet resources accessible through the Library are provided equally to all library users. Parents or guardians, not the Library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children.

The Internet workstation must be used in a responsible manner, respecting the rights of others, and taking care with use of the equipment. Computer and Internet settings may not be changed.

The workstations cannot be used for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose, including any activities prohibited under any applicable federal, Minnesota State, or local laws.

It is each individual’s responsibility to be aware of the display of any notices concerning the copyright of information on the Web and to respect the copyright laws of the United States.

The City of Harmony is committed to providing an environment free from sexual harassment. Do not display, on screens and/or printers, materials which may be objectionable to other patrons.

The workstations may not be used for commercial activities including the sale or purchase of goods or services.

Unacceptable Use The following Internet conduct is considered inappropriate and may cause a patron’s Internet use privileges to be revoked for a period of 1 week to permanently:

  • Appropriating the user name and password belonging to another patron’s personal E-mail account and using it for any purpose;
  • Use of abusive, harassing or otherwise objectionable language in either public or private messages;
  • Sending anything that is likely to result in damage to the recipient’s databases or networks;
  • Sending unsolicited “chain letters” or “broadcast” messages;
  • Violation of copyright or license agreements; and
  • Other types of usage which would cause excessive congestion of the networks or interfere with the work of others.

Printing

Printing is available for public use. There is a fee for printing. Check with staff for the cost. Please check the settings carefully before printing, because you will be charged for every page printed.

Filtering

In compliance with federal law, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Harmony Public Library uses filtering software on its computers. This software may not be disabled at the individual workstations.

Wireless Network Users

Printing is not available via the library’s wireless connection.

The Library cannot guarantee your equipment will work with the wireless network.

Library staff will do their best to assist in connecting to the wireless, but cannot help with technical questions.

Harmony Public Library cannot be responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information found on the Internet.

Internet access will be denied to anyone breaching this policy.

This policy was approved by the Harmony Public Library Board on Feb. 2, 2001

BOARD REVIEWED AND UPDATED ON 5/9/2016

BOARD REVIEWED AND UPDATED ON 11/8/2021