Internet & Computer Use

INTERNET AND COMPUTER USE POLICY                                        Approved:  May 24th, 2023

                                                                                                              Revised:  August 23rd, 2023 

The Boyne Regional Library provides access to the internet so that people can connect electronically to ideas, information, and commentary from around the world. However, the internet is unregulated and materials accessible through it may be inaccurate, biased, inappropriate, or offensive. The library does not control information found on the internet and, therefore, cannot be held responsible for its content. Library staff and Board Members have developed a policy to ensure fair and reasonable use of Internet resources. Please read the following statement before using the Library's Internet terminals. 

Parents or legal guardians of minor children are ultimately responsible for the child's use of the internet at the library, and Library staff cannot be held responsible for supervising minors while they are using the internet workstations. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to access the internet.  

Misuse of the computers will result in the loss of computer privileges, potential loss of library privileges and possible prosecution. Such misuse includes, but is not limited to, using the computer/Wi-Fi for illegal activities; hacking into the library computer system or any other computer system; damaging or attempting to damage computer equipment or software; downloading and/or installing software; interfering with systems operations, integrity or security; gaining unauthorized access to another person's files; sending harassing messages to other computer users; altering or attempting to alter the library computer's settings; violating copyright laws and software licensing agreements and  accessing sites and images that are considered offensive is not acceptable, please  consider the library space as a family friend environment. 

Printing is available at a cost of 50 cents per side for black and white.  A cost of $1.00 per side for color printing.   You may not use your own paper due to the cost of the cartridges which necessitates the per page charge, not the cost of the paper.  It is your responsibility to be sure that you have the correct number of pages selected and your preference of black and white or color printing. 

Users are advised to exercise caution when sending personal or financial information such as name, address, social insurance number, credit card number, etc. over the internet. Filtering software is installed on workstations to block access to material that might be deemed objectionable. Given the nature of how information and sites become accessible through the internet, the library cannot and does not guarantee that the filtering software will block all material that some users may find objectionable. 

The library's computers are set up for use by a single individual. In some cases, such as a parent/guardian with children, it may be important for two or more people to work together at a computer. Otherwise, because of limited space, a maximum of two persons may sit/work together at anyone computer. All users are asked to respect the privacy of other users and not attempt to observe or comment upon what others are viewing. 

The library reserves the right to regulate the use of workstations to include the amount of time a workstation may be used, THEREFORE A LIMIT OF 2 HOURS PER DAY will be implemented,  printing restrictions for that workstation, chat room use on a workstation, etc. and further reserves the right to terminate an internet session at any time. 

Users violating these guidelines will be asked to stop. If the violation continues, the user will forfeit the right to use the internet access station and may be asked to leave the library.