Internet Policies

 The RIPL Internet Policy is provided below.
 You must accept the User Agreement when you log in to a computer
 to be allowed further access.

 

Rock Island Internet Policy

The Internet is a global collection of computer networks that connects computers all over the world. Use of the Rock Island Public Library’s Internet computers provides patrons with access to the vast amount of information available through these connections.

While the Library offers pointers to a wide range of useful and interesting sites through its page, all Internet sites are accessible, some of which may contain inaccurate, controversial, and even offensive material. We firmly believe that the valuable information and interaction available on the worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may come across material that is erroneous, out of date, illegal, offensive, or controversial.

As with all other Library resources, it is the responsibility of the user to select or reject online information for his/her own use. Users are encouraged to exercise good judgment and discretion in their use of the Internet. The Library does not monitor, and has no control over, the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Library reserves the right to monitor patron use of the Internet.

As with other library materials, parents and legal guardians who are concerned about their children’s use of the Internet should provide guidance to their own children and should monitor their use of this resource. The Library does not act as parent. Only you have the right to define what material or information is consistent with your personal and family beliefs, and only you can apply these values for yourself and your children as you use the Library’s resources.

Use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in suspension, and eventually cancellation, of this privilege.

Examples of inappropriate use include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Violation of computer system integrity;
  • Unauthorized tampering with computer hardware or software;
  • Storage of data to anything other than a personal diskette;
  • Violation of software license agreements and copyright laws;
  • Violation of another user’s privacy;
  • Use of sounds or visuals which might be disruptive to others; and
  • Use of Internet-only workstations for purposes other than Internet access.

Illegal acts involving Internet computing resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities. The Library’s Rules of Conduct apply to the use of the Internet.

The Library’s staff will assist patrons with Internet use as time permits but cannot offer personal instruction. Reference staff is always available to help patrons locate books, periodicals, and videos about the Internet.

The signature or online acceptance of an Internet Use Policy User Agreement form is legally binding and indicates that the party who signed or agreed has read the terms and conditions of this policy and understands their significance.

Children under the age of 18 must have the signature of a parent or guardian on the form.


User Agreement

Children under age 18 must have the signature of a parent or guardian on the form. Children under the age of 9 must be supervised by an adult while using the Internet access computers, and children 12 years of age and under must use the Children’s Room computers. Adults may only use a Children’s Room computer while assisting a child. All patrons using the Internet must read and agree to the User Agreement in the library before use. Patrons under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the User Agreement.

  • I have read the policies concerning the use of the Rock Island Public Library’s Internet computers and agree to abide by the policies. Registering under a name other than my own will cause me to lose my Internet privileges.
  • I will obey all local, state, and federal laws while using the Internet, including, but not limited to copyright, fraud, obscenity, and privacy legislation. I recognize the unauthorized reproduction or use of accessed material may be a criminal offense under the U.S. Copyright Act. I understand that violating any of the local, state, or federal laws will cause me to immediately lose my Internet privileges.
  • I realize that I may contact fee-based services and online shopping services while using the Internet. I agree to assume responsibility for any charges I might incur when accessing such services from the Library. I recognize that any service involving the submission of a credit card number involves me in a transaction with an outside service provider, not with the Library.
  • I recognize that the Library is not responsible for the content, quality, validity, or currency of any information found on the Internet that the Library did not create. I take responsibility for my use of the Internet.
  • I understand that chat rooms, chat groups, chat lines, and Instant Messenger are not to be accessed from the Library.
  • I understand that there is a one-hour time limit per day if I log into the Internet using my PrairieCat library card barcode. I also understand that when I’m logging in as a Visitor, I receive a half-hour time limit per day.  All children using the computers in the Children’s Room will receive a half-hour time limit.
  • I will not tamper with the computer hardware and software and will not in any way alter the computer desktop.

 

Failure to comply with any of these rules may result in loss of Internet privileges at the Rock Island Public Library.