Computer and Internet Use Policy

Computer and Internet Use policy at the Elm Grove Public Library

The Elm Grove Public Library provides access to public computers and the internet as a means to enhance the information and learning opportunities for the citizens of the library’s service area.  The Elm Grove Library Board of Trustees has established this policy to ensure appropriate and effective use of this resource.  Users must agree to the following policy and procedures in order to use public computer workstations at the Elm Grove Public Library. Users under the age of 18 must have a Permission and Release form signed by a parent or guardian, and it needs to be on file in the library.  These forms are available at the Reference Desk. 

The Elm Grove Public Library is responsible only for the information on its website.  The library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of its public computers and internet connection.  The Elm Grove Public Library assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage to patrons’ data or devices, nor any personal damage or injury incurred as a result of using the library’s public computers or Wi-Fi.  This includes damage or injury sustained from invasions of the patrons’ privacy.

INTERNET USE POLICY

1. Acceptable Uses. Public computers at the Elm Grove Public Library are resources intended to provide users with access to knowledge, information and diversity of ideas. All users are expected to use this resource in a responsible manner consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which it is provided.  

2. Examples of unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to the following: Users may not use the computers for any illegal or inappropriate purposes. The following activities are considered inappropriate and are therefore prohibited:
a. Disregarding the privacy of others; misrepresenting oneself as another user, including using another person’s library card to gain access to the computer; attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; seeking unauthorized access to any computer system; or damaging or altering software or hardware components.
b. Making changes to the setup or configuration of software or hardware, or downloading software onto the public computers.
 c. Interfering with other users while they are utilizing the computers.
d. Making unauthorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data. Library users are responsible for any copyright infringement.
e. Viewing, sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics which may be reasonably construed as obscene or harmful materials which lack serious artistic, literary, political, educational, or scientific value, or exposing children to harmful and obscene material [See WI state statutes sec. 944.23 and sec. 948.11].

3. Children under the age of 18: Children under the age of 18 need permission from a parent or legal guardian to use the public computers, with the exception of the AWE children’s education stations located in the children’s department. The Elm Grove Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the internet, and cannot be held responsible for its contents. Please note that not all sources on the internet provide accurate, complete, current, or appropriate information. All 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 monitoring the internet information selected, viewed and/or accessed by their children.  Children may not use a parent’s or legal guardian’s card unless that parent or legal guardian is present.

4. Misuse of the library’s public computers: Misuse or abuse of the computers or internet access may result in suspension or termination of computer access privileges at the Elm Grove Public Library, and may result in prosecution under local, state, or federal laws.

5. Blocked cards: Users with blocked library cards must resolve their blocks at the Circulation desk before accessing the public computers.

COMPUTER USE PROCEDURES

1. Public computer and internet access is a courtesy available to Bridges library card holders.  Occasional visitors to the library may request a guest pass.    An annual frequent-use internet-only card may be purchased at the Circulation Desk.

2. A computer session is a one-hour block of time. Users are limited to two sessions per day.  Pending availability, users may request additional time, subject to the librarian’s discretion.

3. Library staff are available to assist in the use of these resources, but may not be familiar with every application a patron might wish to use. Library staff do not provide in-depth technical support, troubleshooting or training. 

6. Library computers automatically shut down 15 minutes before closing time.  

Approved by the Elm Grove Public Library Board November 25, 1997.  
 Amended by the Elm Grove Library Board September 22, 2003.
 Amended by the Elm Grove Library Board August 16, 2004.
 Amended by the Elm Grove Library Board August 15, 2005.  

Amended by the Elm Grove Library Board April 20, 2015

Amended by the Elm Grove Library Board July 22, 2024