Internet and Electronic Device Policy
(Board of Trustees Approved: September 2018)
I.As the primary information source in our community, and in response to advances in technology, the Forest Park Public Library (FPPL) provides access to the wealth of online information resources on the Internet. FPPL may also make electronic devices, such as laptops and ebook readers, available to its patrons for use in the Library.
II.The Library’s Internet access is unfiltered. The Library is not responsible for Internet sites you may find offensive, whether they are accessed intentionally or accidentally.
III.The Library is not responsible for any consequence incurred when patrons send out credit card data, personal phone numbers or addresses, or other information over the Internet, or for any other consequence incurred as a result of Internet usage.
IV.Unlawful use of the Internet is prohibited and may result in loss of Internet privileges or legal prosecution. Illegal acts that involve the Library’s computers or devices are subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities, and Internet activity can be traced to an individual computer station.
V.Patrons are expected to be considerate of the individual rights and privileges of other Library users.
VI.Unacceptable uses of the Library’s computers or electronic devices include, but are not limited to:
•Changing any of the Library’s software configurations
•Damaging the Library’s computer system and/or data
•Altering security settings
•Being disruptive or violating any of the Library’s regulations
•Using the Library’s Internet computers for any illegal activities
•Unauthorized copying or downloading of copyright-protected materials
•Deliberately accessing obscene materials and/or web sites
•Harassing other users, including libeling or slandering other users
•Unauthorized use of Library accounts for purchasing products and services
VII.Users who violate this Policy shall forfeit their computer time and risk losing future computer and/or Library privileges.
VIII.Use of Electronic Devices
A.Patrons may be required to provide a FPPL card and a photo ID to check out a device.
B.A staff member shall check all devices for damage and usability prior to lending, and upon return. Patrons are responsible for any and all liability for the cost of repair or replacement in the event of loss due to theft, damage, negligence or misuse. Electronic devices should not be left unattended in the Library. If the device is damaged by a patron, one or both of the following may happen:
•The patron may be required to reimburse the Library for the cost of repair or replacement.
•The patron’s public access computer use and borrowing privileges may be suspended.
C.The theft of Library electronic devices is a crime under state law and punishable as described under
720 ILCS 5/16-1 et seq. The Library shall pursue prosecution to the extent of these provisions of the law.
IX.Use of the Internet and Electronic Devices by Minors
A.Minors and their parents/guardians assume personal responsibility and liability, both civil and criminal, for unauthorized or inappropriate use of the Internet through the Library’s computers or
electronic devices.
B.Parents are responsible for monitoring their own children’s use of the Internet and have the ultimate authority regarding what their children can access or view. Library staff cannot stand in place of parents or guardians in exercising this authority. Therefore, all minors will be granted
unrestricted access to the Library’s child or teen computers, as appropriate. Parents are advised to have a discussion about safe and appropriate Internet use with their children, which should include guidance about use of e-mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications.
Parents should stress that no child should share personal identifying information over the Internet.
C.Children who are Forest Park Public Library cardholders and are age 12 or older have the option to check out an electronic device for use inside the Library. Should a borrowed device be damaged during use, this may result in the suspension of the child’s public access computer privileges and/or the child’s parent or guardian may be required to reimburse the Library for the cost of repair or replacement.A parent or guardian may choose to opt out of device checkout for applicable minors if they notify the Youth Services department in writing.