In response to advances in technology and changing needs in the community, Sanilac District Library is providing public access to the Internet as an informational, educational and reference resource.  The Internet will support the library’s role in the community as an information provider by offering a multitude of resources not available in the library as well as efficient use of technology. The Sanilac District Library Board of Trustees has established the Internet Use Policy to ensure appropriate and effective use of this resource.

Who may use the Internet

Access to the Internet is available to all patrons with a valid library card. However, this service may be restricted at any time for use not consistent with Sanilac District Library’s Policies. Patrons must register at the Circulation Desk before beginning their computer session. Users must read and agree to the Internet Use Policy before use. A guest card may be issued if appropriate I.D. is presented and recorded by staff for one-time Internet use. Computer users will be held responsible for damage they cause to computers or the library’s local area network.

Internet use by minors

Parents or legal guardians are responsible for the Internet information accessed by their children.  It is not the responsibility of the Library or its staff to act ‘in loco parentis’. Children who use the Internet unsupervised may be exposed to inappropriate or disturbing information and images. In compliance with MI PA 212, Internet workstations are filtered in an attempt to restrict receiving obscene or sexually explicit matter. However, filters are not infallible.  Parents are encouraged to discuss the use of the Internet with their children. Parents are responsible for damage caused to computers by their children.

Role of Library Staff

Library staff provide limited assistance for basic start-up procedures only. Library staff cannot provide in-depth Internet training, but may be available to offer searching suggestions and answer quick questions.

Library staff cannot consistently and effectively monitor the public’s use on the Internet. Yet, Sanilac District Library reserves the right to ask an individual to discontinue a display of information and images which causes a disruption or does not meet the reference, informational and educational purposes of the Internet station. 

Compliance

In addition to this specific policy, the Public Access Computers Policy also governs the use of the Internet in the library. Violation of these policies and regulations may result in suspension or loss of the privilege to use these resources. Illegal activity will be subject to prosecution by the appropriate authorities.

Modifications to this Policy

The Sanilac District Library Board of Trustees reserves the right, in their sole discretion, to modify their Internet policies at any time for any reason without prior notice. The Library also reserves, in its sole discretion, the right to terminate access to Internet service to any person at any time for any reason without prior notice. 

INTERNET USE DISCLAIMER

The Internet and its available resources contain a wide variety of materials and opinions, from varied points of view. Since the Internet is a global, electronic network, there is no state, county, or local control of its users or its contents. It is not possible to use the same selection criteria which are used for other materials. In offering Internet access, library staff cannot control access points which often change rapidly and unpredictably. Users are hereby notified that they are responsible for the access points they reach. The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population and library patrons use it at their own risk. The library's policy prohibits access to inappropriate materials. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for and monitor their children's use of the Internet.

Sanilac District Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, loss of data, or loss of privacy, arising from its World Wide Web server or from its connection to other Internet services. Security of any personal information disclosed on the Internet from the Library computers or using the wireless Internet connection is at your own risk.

The accuracy of information gained through this source is the responsibility of each originator/producer. Therefore, Sanilac District Library does not guarantee the accuracy of information obtained through the Internet. Users need to evaluate the validity and accuracy of the information found. Often the information needed is available in other resources at the library.

Use of SDL’s computers and Internet access constitutes acceptance of the Computer Use Policy, Internet Use Policy and Procedure and the Internet Acceptable Use Policy.

Sanilac District Library assumes no liability for any loss or damage for personal injury or for loss or damage to any person's property, including data, any data storage device, software or hardware. By using SDL’s Internet service, the user agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the Sanilac District Library, its officers, agents, departments and employees, from any and all claims, losses, damages, expenses, personal injuries and causes of action of any kind whatsoever arising out of or related to the use of the library’s computers or Internet service, including, without limitation, invasion of privacy in the user's computer accounts, programs, files or software; damage from access to inappropriate, harmful, or offensive material or images, or other Internet content; loss of data; or damage to any data storage device, software or hardware.