Info

1.1 The mission of the Lewistown Public Library is to ensure that the people of Central Montana have the right and means to free and open access of ideas and information which are fundamental to a democracy. The Library will protect intellectual freedom, promote literacy, encourage lifelong learning, and provide library materials and information services. 1.2 The Internet, as an information resource, enables the Library to provide information beyond the confines of its own collection. It allows access to ideas, information and commentary from around the globe. Currently, however, it is an unregulated medium. As such, while it offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, but it also enables access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing and/or illegal. 1.3 The Library's computer system provides the opportunity to integrate electronic resources from information networks around the world with the Library's other resources, through Internet access. The Lewistown Public Library's access to the Internet is a way of enhancing the collection in size and depth and providing public access to any citizen who wishes to access the Internet. 1.4 The Lewistown Public Library offers Internet access with the proviso that the user agrees to be socially responsible in what they view because of the public setting. The user will also agree not to view sexually explicit material or illegal material on the Internet. 1.5 Starting points for searches on the Internet are found on the Library's Homepage. The Library cannot control or monitor other materials which may be accessible from Internet sources. It is not possible to apply the same selection criteria which are used for other library materials. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Patrons must exercise judgment and evaluate for themselves the value of the information found online. 1.6 Library staff is able to instruct patrons on the basic use only. Advanced Internet training may be held periodically at the Library. Lists of useful sites are available and may be found either in the Internet Notebook or on "Favorites" on the Internet station software. The Library takes no responsibility for "Favorites" or sites listed in the Notebook and they may be changed or deleted at any time. 1.7 There are several sites on the Internet that allow free e-mail accounts. This is not maintained in any way by the Library. Patrons using these services need to be aware that confidentiality of these sites is questionable. 1.8 The Lewistown Public Library does not allow any downloading of programs, web pages, or using any offered services from the Internet on to the hard drive or on to a disk. This is for security reasons and virus protection. 1.9 Patrons are allowed to print pages from the Internet at a cost of $.15 per page regardless of length. There is often no concrete way of determining actual length of a print job, and the patron is responsible for all printed material from their site. 1.10 The individual user, in signing up to use a computer with Internet access, accepts the responsibility for determining the suitability of viewing the sites they access and agrees to be within the public library setting. 1.11 The Library upholds and affirms the right of each individual to have access to constitutionally protected material. The Library assumes no control over the content of the Internet. If a site offends you, for whatever reason, leave the site and/or do not go there. If someone else's viewing of a site offends you, leave the area. 1.12 The Library also affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children's use of Library materials and resources. The Library staff does not act in loco parentis and can not monitor a juvenile's access to the Internet except within the parameters stated in the terms of use. 1.13 Library users are prohibited from violating copyright law, theft, file theft, violating other's privacy, deliberately crashing Library or other's workstations or computer systems, modifying files without authorization, altering data, introducing viruses or other computer damaging material, interfering with the work of other users, maliciously disrupting network services, harassing or intimidating others, concealing or misrepresenting their name or affiliation to mask irresponsible or offensive behavior, sending abusive or patently offensive or unwanted material to others, penetration or harm to operating system, reselling bandwidth, or an other illegal acts promulgated from or targeting the Library's computers or computer systems. These prohibited activities include devices and systems on the Library's network, world wide web sites or other non-specified computer or network resources managed by the Library. If abuse of computers occurs those responsible for such abuse will be held legally accountable. Misuse of library computer or network resources may constitute trespass or disruptive behavior, both which carry legal consequences under the Ordinances of the City of Lewistown and Montana State Law. 1.14 By use of the Library's systems the user agrees that the Library assumes no liability for any loss or damage to the user's data and hardware or for any other liability for damage or injury arising from the Library's provision of the service or consequence arising there from. Users indemnify and hold harmless the Lewistown Public Library, the City of Lewistown and Fergus County against any liability for damage or loss arising from use or misuse of the services provided by or through the Library.