Mission & Policies

Public Internet Access Policy

5.7.1 Purpose of Internet Service

The Mission Statement of the Downers Grove Public Library states that, "The Downers Grove Public Library will provide collections, services, and programs to meet the community's desire for information, literature, and entertainment." The Internet has become an increasingly important tool to provide patrons with access to the vast amount of information available on the World Wide Web, as well as to provide a portal to the on-line reference databases licensed by the library. In addition, the Internet has become an important means of communication, allowing fast and easy communication around the globe.

While many residents of the Village of Downers Grove have access to the Internet, a substantial number of them do not. In addition, an Internet search is often used in conjunction with searches of other library materials in the course of a patron's search for information during a visit to the library. The purpose of providing public Internet access in the public library is to ensure that all of our patrons have access to this important source of information and communication.

5.7.2 Goal of Internet Service

The goal of Internet Service at the Downers Grove Public Library is to provide patrons with high speed access to the World Wide Web.

5.7.3 Ethics and Standards

The Library Board has adopted the Library Bill of Rights and endorses an individual's right of access to information. As such, the Downers Grove Public Library does not censor or restrict access to Internet sites. If parents choose to allow access by their children, they have the responsibility of monitoring their child's use of the Internet.

Use of the library's Internet access is a privilege. All users are expected to use the Internet in a lawful and responsible manner. Users are required to follow the Downers Grove Public Library's Rules of Behavior and Internet Service policy and guidelines. The library's public Internet access may not be used to harass, interfere with, or disrupt other users, library staff, services or equipment. Disruptions include, but are not limited to, distribution of un-solicited advertising, harassment (including sexual harassment,) propagation of computer worms or viruses, or use of the network to make unauthorized entry to any other machines. Violations of the library's policy and guidelines may result in the loss of Internet access privileges and may include legal action where appropriate.

5.7.4 Information Resources

Information and resources on the Internet enhance those already held in the Downers Grove Public Library and often go beyond what is locally available. The library subscribes to selected Internet-based reference databases and provides links on the library web pages to other selected sites. Database subscriptions and links to other sites are selected using the same selection criteria used to choose library materials in the collection. Whenever possible, the Library licenses remote access to the reference databases to provide residents with access to these resources from outside the library through their home or work computers, as well as through in-house library computers.

Unlike the library collection, the Internet also provides access to countless sites that are not selected or monitored by library staff. Not all information on the Internet is complete, accurate, or current. Many sites are commercial enterprises or home pages of individual Internet users. The Downers Grove Public Library has no control over the material on the Internet and is not responsible for the accuracy or authenticity of information found there, nor can it protect the public from material they may find inappropriate or offensive. It is up to the user to select and to accept or reject the accuracy of on-line information.

The library cannot ensure access to all Internet resources at any given time. The servers of any particular site may be busy, unavailable due to maintenance schedules, or available only to authorized users for a fee.

5.7.5 Public Internet Access

Internet access is available on the computers located in the adult and children's computer rooms, as well as on most of the public computers in the adult departments. Patrons may use any of the public computers on a walk-up basis as they become available. The amount of computer time available to any user may be limited by demand. Patrons can also access the Internet with their own computers through the library's wireless network.

In order to have access to the Internet, minors age 13 and younger must either have a parent or guardian sign the Internet User Responsibility Agreement or have the parent or guardian accompany the minor to the library and use the Internet with the minor. Parents of minors age 14 to 18 may request the library to block their child's Internet access. However, sometimes Internet sites are the best sources to answer a patron's reference question. When staff members determine this is the case, they will give patrons of any age access to the Internet to answer the specific reference question. The library does not have the ability to block children's access to the Internet when they use their own computers to link to the wireless network.

Staff will provide a limited amount of basic guidance to computer users; however, staff cannot provide in-depth instruction to individuals. The library does offer regular classes for residents who have little or no experience using computers or who are interested in improving their Internet skills.

The library does not provide patrons with individual user accounts for the purpose of sending and receiving electronic mail. However, library computers can be used to access the many free web-mail services available on the Internet.

Users should be aware that public Internet access at the library cannot provide all of the services that are available through personal Internet access. For example, to protect users' privacy and security, "cookies" that store personal information such as bank account numbers and passwords cannot be downloaded onto library computers.

Use of the library's Internet access is free. The library is not liable for costs incurred by users through use of fee-based services. When printing, the first five pages of black and white printing are free for Downers Grove cardholders. Beyond the five free pages there is a cost of ten cents per page for black and white, and twenty-five cents per page for all color printing.

From 5. Library Services ~ 5.7 Public Internet Access, new policy adopted 3/23/2005.