The Internet is a global electronic network which enables the library to provide information to patrons beyond the library’s collection. It includes useful ideas, information, and opinions from around the world. However, the Internet is an unregulated medium. It provides access to information that may be inaccurate, illegal or that some may find offensive or disturbing. The LSLC Member Libraries cannot control a user’s access to all Internet resources.
Responsibilities of Library Staff and Users Library staff will not be responsible for personally monitoring a user’s Internet use, except for length of use in order to ensure equal opportunity of access for everyone. The user, or the parent/guardian of a minor, is responsible for his or her Internet session at all times.
The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session that disrupts library services or that involves user behavior that violates the Library’s policies. As with all Library resources, the Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents/guardians, NOT Library staff, to determine and monitor their minor children’s use of the Internet. (Minors are defined in this policy as children and young people under the age of 18 years.)
Parents are responsible for their minor children’s use of the Library’s resources and facilities. Parents who believe that their children cannot responsibly use the Library’s Internet access are requested to monitor their children’s Internet use. PARENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO COME IN WITH THEIR CHILDREN AND SUPERVISE INTERNET SESSIONS AT THE LIBRARY.
Disclaimers
While the LSLC Member Libraries endeavor to provide access to information of the highest quality, the LSLC Member Libraries specifically disclaim any warrant as to the information’s accuracy, timeliness, authoritativeness, usefulness or fitness for a particular purpose. The LSLC Member Libraries will have no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of information accessed through the LSLC Member Libraries’ Internet service. Software and information from any source, including the Internet, may contain computer viruses. The LSLC Member Libraries are not responsible for damage to users’ disks or computers or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from use of a Library’s computers.
Definition of Terms
The term “LSLC Member Libraries” refers to the fourteen Member Libraries of the Library System of Lancaster County, their branches, staff, and all public governing bodies associated in any way with their operations.
The terms “Library” or “Member Library” refers to any one of the fourteen independent Libraries that comprise the Library System.
The term “User” or “Patron” is defined as any person using or viewing in any way all computers, workstations or networks made available for use by the Library.
The term “Minor” refers to any individual under the age of 18 years.
The term “Staff” refers to Library employees Goal As part of the LSLC Member Libraries’ mission to meet the cultural, informational and educational needs of the communities, they serve, employing advances in technology in this Information Age, the LSLC Member Libraries offer public access to the resources of the Internet with equal access to that information for all individuals in the community.