Warren-Newport Public Library District
Lake County, Illinois
Board of Trustees
Policy 3065
Technology Use by the Public
Adopted: August 13, 2002
Reviewed/Revised:
July 17, 2007; March 17, 2009; August 20, 2013*; September 16, 2014;
January 19, 2016; May16, 2017; July17, 2018; February19,2019;February18,2020;
February 16, 2021
*Name changed from Computer Use by the Public
ARTICLE 1. INTRODUCTION
In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of its residents, the
Warren-Newport Public Library District (WNPLD) endeavors to develop collections and services
that meet the informational, recreational, and educational needs of its community. It is within this
context that WNPLD offers access to technology. In accordance with Illinois Library Association
best practices (Serving Our Public 4.0: Standards for Illinois Public Libraries, 2020), this policy
will be reviewed annually by the WNPLD Board of Trustees.
ARTICLE 2. GENERAL RULES GOVERNING TECHNOLOGY AND INTERNET USE
Section 2.01
Users
WNPLD reserves the right to limit, refuse, and/or ban any patron from using WNPLD technology.
Illinois residents who have a library card from another public library are encouraged to register
their card with WNPLD. Illinois residents without library cards or visitors from outside Illinois may
use WNPLD computers after obtaining permission from appropriate WNPLD staff. The granting
or withholding of such permission is solely at the discretion of WNPLD staff.
Section 2.02
Time Limits
WNPLD reserves the right to limit the amount of time an individual can use library technology.
Section 2.03
Behavioral Expectations
Users must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including laws governing the
transmission and dissemination of information via the internet. Users shall not use WNPLD
technology to engage in any of the following activities:
.
make unauthorized entry into any computational, informational, or communication
services or resources;
.
distribute unsolicited advertising;
.
invade the privacy of others;
.
make any attempt to damage library technology;
.
engage in any activity that is harassing or defamatory;
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.
use the internet for any illegal activity, including the violation of copyright or other rights of
third parties, or in a manner inconsistent with the WNPLD�s tax-exempt status or its proper
operation;
.
�hack� or attempt to gain unauthorized access to any network technology or system; or
.
behave in a manner that is disruptive to others or otherwise in violation of the WNPLD
Policy 3060 Standards of Public Conduct.
Section 2.04 Wireless Internet Access
.
WNPLD assumes no responsibility for any alterations or interference with any
technology�s configuration, operation, or data files resulting from connection to WNPLD�s
wireless network.
.
Anti-virus software and security protection are the responsibility of the patron using any
personal technologies while connecting to the wireless system.
.
WNPLD assumes no responsibility for damage, theft, or loss of any kind to a user�s
equipment, software, data files, or other personal property brought into or used at the
WNPLD campus.
.
WNPLD cannot guarantee that wireless internet access will be available at any specific
time, and WNPLD cannot accept reservations for wireless internet access.
.
WNPLD cannot guarantee upload or download speed.
Section 2.05 Revocation of Access Privileges
Violations of the rules governing use of technology in the Warren-Newport Public Library (WNPL)
may result in a loss of access. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in an appropriate manner.
ARTICLE 3. PUBLIC USE OF THE INTERNET
Section 3.01 Choosing and Evaluating Sources on the Internet
WNPLD is not responsible for the content of the internet. Library patrons use the internet at their
own risk and are responsible for evaluating the validity and appropriateness of information they
find. WNPLD provides training for members of the public to assist them in using the internet in a
safe, effective, and efficient manner.
Section 3.02 Internet Access by Minors
Parents and legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding which WNPLD resources
are appropriate for their own children. Parents and guardians should guide their children in the
use of the internet and inform them about materials they should not use. WNPLD affirms and
acknowledges the rights and responsibilities of parents and guardians to monitor and determine
their children�s access to WNPLD materials and resources, including those available through the
internet. WNPLD filters the children and teen computers to assist in the safe and effective use of
these resources by all minors. Parents and guardians should be aware that filtering software does
not detect all objectionable websites.
Section 3.03 Public Users� Security
WNPLD will not release information on the use of specific internet resources by members of the
public except as required by law. However, users should be aware that the internet is not a secure
medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users� activities.
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Section 3.04 No Expectation of Privacy
WNPL is a public place, and WNPLD cannot ensure a user�s privacy while accessing the internet
via WNPLD computers or wireless system. Patrons are cautioned that public internet service does
not secure or otherwise isolate individual internet sessions and is not recommended for access
to sensitive information such as bank accounts and health records. WNPLD assumes no liability
in the event that patron�s private data is accessed by a third party while using WNPLD
technologies. When required in order to assist patrons, library staff may use remote assistance
software to view and take control of computer sessions.
Section 3.05 Indemnity
Users of WNPLD technologies shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless WNPLD, its officers,
Trustees, employees, and agents against all claims, actions, and judgments based upon or arising
out of user�s use of WNPLD technologies.
ARTICLE 4. STAFF ASSISTANCE
Section 4.01 Technology Assistance
WNPLD staff provides basic assistance on library technology. Staff members are not allowed to
install, configure, repair, or make changes to any patron technology. Staff may direct the user to
appropriate resources for advanced assistance.
Section 4.02 User Accounts
WNPLD staff will not access a user�s personal accounts on the user�s behalf.
Section 4.03 Software Installation
WNPLD staff will not install supplementary software in immediate response to a patron request.
ARTICLE 5. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER WNPLD POLICIES
WNPLD Policy 3065 Technology Use by the Public is part of the overall policy structure of WNPLD
and will be interpreted with other existing policies. Copies of all WNPLD policies are on the
WNPLD website and are available upon request from WNPLD staff members.
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