SAILS Library Network Internet Use Policy

Internet Access

The SAILS Library Network provides access to a large collection of interesting and useful internet sites, including search engines and commercial databases to users of the Ibistro™ online catalog. This access is available to users at home or at member libraries.

Internet Access Policy and Disclaimer

The trustees of the individual libraries within SAILS are responsible for deciding to offer filtered and/or unfiltered access to the Internet. In providing public access to the Internet via its wide area network, the SAILS Library Network subscribes to the principles of intellectual freedom expressed in the American Library Association's "Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read" statements and its interpretations of these documents. The network will not restrict anyone's access to the range of information available within the limits of State and/or Federal law. Parents or designated guardians, who wish to limit or restrict the access of their own children, should personally oversee their use of the Internet and other forms of electronic information.

Users of the network's computing resources must comply with federal and state laws and the terms of applicable contracts including software licenses. Examples of applicable laws, rules and policies include the laws of libel, privacy, copyright, trademark, obscenity and child pornography; and "hacking," "cracking" and similar activities. Users who engage in electronic communications with persons in other states or countries or on other systems or networks may also be subject to the laws of those jurisdictions and the rules and policies of those other systems and networks.

Users must not use computing resources to gain unauthorized access to local or remote computers or to impair or damage the operations of SAILS computers or networks, PC workstations or peripherals. This includes blocking communication lines and running, installing or sharing virus programs. Deliberate attempts to circumvent data protection or other security measures are not allowed. The SAILS Library Network's Appropriate Use Policy applies to the use of all Internet workstations.

Internet Access Disclaimer

Provision of this service does not constitute any endorsement by the SAILS Library Network. The network shall have no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of information accessed on the Internet from equipment connect to the SAILS wide area network. Internet users are reminded that:

Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information.

Public library workstations are not private or secure. Individual libraries may employ software that protects confidentiality of records, electronic or otherwise, that identify individual users and link them to search strategies, sites accessed, or other specific data about the information they retrieved or sought to retrieve.

Links

• SAILS Appropriate User Policy
• American Library Association Library Bill of Rights
• The Freedom to Read Statement