Internet Policy
Purpose
To fulfill our Mission, North Vancouver District Public Library provides access to a wide range of information resources, including those available on the Internet. We make this service available as part of our Mission to enrich and empower the citizens of our community through access to a wide variety of information, ideas and opinions. The Internet enables the Library to provide information beyond the confines of its own collection. It allows access to ideas, information and commentary from around the world.
Choosing and Evaluating Sources
Professional staff will identify and recommend interesting and useful Internet destinations and resources on the Library's home page which support the Library's Mission and service role, as we do for the in-house library materials collection. Links to information resources are based on staff's best judgement of useful resources available and do not imply endorsement. However we do not have the ability to select, monitor or control the content of the thousands of sites available on the Internet or vet the links which may be present on a selected site. North Vancouver District Public Library has no control over and is not responsible for the availability, accuracy or appropriateness of the information accessible through the Internet.
Supervising Children's Use
There will be some resources on the Internet which parents feel are inappropriate for their children. The Library expects parents to supervise their children's Internet use in selecting material that is consistent with personal and family values and boundaries. As with the use of other library materials, staff does not act in the place of a parent or legal guardian to restrict what a child may access. The welcoming or default webpage in Children's areas will promote librarian-selected Internet resources. This policy is consistent with our materials collection policy which stresses children's collections appropriate for age and interests of children.
User Guidelines
The Library has established procedures and guidelines that will set time limits, sign-up procedures and appropriate use for public Internet workstations. These guidelines will be reviewed regularly to adapt to changing requirements.
Content Access
Internet workstations have full access to the contents of the World Wide Web. The Library does not provide electronic mail accounts, Internet Relay Chat, or Newsgroups, but it does not block Internet sites that provide these services. North Vancouver District Public Library will continue to provide access to the Vancouver Community Network at all branches in order to provide an access to personal email for library users.
Internet Training
Staff will assist library patrons with Internet use as time permits but cannot offer personal in-depth instruction. The Library will provide introductory training to small groups as time and resources permit. Self-help Internet training brochures are available to the public.
Internet Security
The Library endeavors to conform to industry best practices in providing security for our equipment and network to minimize the possibility of unintentional or novice damage to our computers. Such practices may, at times, limit the capabilities of Internet sites, and the Library will review any specific problems that are brought to our attention.
Privacy
The Library’s Confidentiality Policy applies to the use of Internet resources within the Library’s control. The Library has no control over the use or practices of external Internet sites. Internet transactions are undertaken at a patron’s own risk.
Review
The Internet Access Policy may be reviewed by the Library Board as needed.
Disclaimer for all Internet Access Sites
A statement will be placed on all Internet workstations containing the following information:
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Please note that a broad range of material is available over the Internet. North Vancouver District Public Library does not take responsibility for its accuracy, timeliness, or appropriateness.
Users are responsible for materials that are accessed. Parents/guardians of minors are responsible for monitoring material accessed by minors. It is prohibited to use this station for illegal, actionable, or criminal purposes or to seek access into unauthorized areas. Infringement of copyright is prohibited. North Vancouver District Public Library assumes no responsibility for any direct or indirect damage arising from the use of its connection to Internet services.
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Approved by Library Board September 14, 2000
Reviewed and revised by Library Board February 2005