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Internet Use Guidelines

INTERNET USE POLICY

Policy Statement

The Lower Merion Library System (LMLS) welcomes you in using our Internet-connected public computers, devices, Hot Spots, and WiFi connections. LMLS has chosen to comply with the filtering provisions of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), and our filtering service is provided through Montgomery County Library and Information Network Consortium (MCLINC). All public computers and devices are filtered. When using the internet through the library’s WiFi access or through library Hot Spots, Internet access is filtered.

Rules of Use

  1. Internet access on public computers is available to all patrons who have a valid library card and a password/PIN that is registered with MCLINC. Out of area “guests” will be given a “guest pass” with a temporary barcode.
  2. If users of public computers, WiFi, Hot Spots, or other library devices feel that an Internet site has been blocked erroneously by our filtering software, they should report that to a staff member. Staff may temporarily allow access to that site and will pass the site on to the MCLINC office for review. Personal devices using library WiFi are also filtered.
  3. When others are waiting for public computers, time limits will be enforced. If all workstations are in use, the next available computer may be reserved.
  4. Staff may limit the number of persons sitting at a single workstation.
  5. Staff may intervene in the reservation process at any time for library purposes.
  6. Users may download files to external devices. Users may not load their own software programs onto library workstations.

User Responsibilities

  1. Users may not display or print images that are inappropriate for viewing within a public setting. LMLS expressly prohibits any use of library computers, devices, WiFi, or Hot Spots for illegal activities, including hacking, or to access material that is obscene, contains or makes reference to explicit sexual materials as defined in 18 PA. C.S. 5903, contains child pornography, or is harmful to minors. Copies of 18 PA. C.S. 5903 and the CIPA may be found in the LMLS Internet Use Handbook, which is located at the Circulation and/or Reference desk at each library.
  2. Users must respect copyright laws and licensing agreements. Page 2 Approved November 14, 2023
  3. Users must respect the privacy and privileges of others.
  4. Users must not tamper with library hardware and software configurations.
  5. Users must act in accordance with Pennsylvania and federal law to promote the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications
  6. Families are cautioned that minors should not disclose personal information on library Internet workstations.
  7. Parents and legal guardians must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet, as with other library materials. Library staff does not act in the place of a parent to determine which materials are appropriate for an individual child.

Browser Beware

  1. The Internet contains information that is inaccurate, incomplete, misleading, or personally objectionable. Information accessed electronically may not meet the standards set by a library’s selection or collection development policy.
  2. Because of the enormous amount of constantly changing information on the Internet, no filter will ever be free from error. Filtering software may erroneously block “appropriate” sites or fail to block “inappropriate” sites. LMLS is not responsible for the limitations of filtering products.
  3. Virus protection is active on all workstations, and all user data is erased between public library computer sessions. LMLS cannot assume responsibility for damages resulting from viruses or other malware.

LMLS is not responsible for damage to users’ equipment or storage devices, for any loss of data, or liability that may occur from use of the library’s software, equipment, or network. Those accessing the Internet through the library’s wireless connection are advised to use viruschecking software. LMLS has no responsibility for downloads or purchases that patrons make on the Internet using library equipment.

Consequences of Misuse

Any user demonstrating unacceptable use of the LMLS workstations or of the Internet via LMLS’s workstations will be asked to close the website and/or terminate the session. Noncompliance may result in revocation of library privileges and/or prosecution under applicable local, state, or federal law.

Confidentiality

LMLS considers personally identifiable data to be protected under the Pennsylvania Confidentiality statute. Due legal process is required to access any LMLS patron usage data. Page 3 Approved November 14, 2023

Questions & Concerns

Questions or concerns about this policy may be addressed to the Director of Libraries, 75 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003. Approved by the LMLS Board of Directors, April 13, 2004 Amended September 13, 2011 & November 14, 2023