The Library provides public computer access to support equal opportunity, lifelong learning, and community enrichment for its users.

This policy has been developed to ensure equitable access to public Internet computers at the Library.  Users are informed of both the risks and responsibilities associated with using this service.

Computer resources include all workstations provided for use by the public as well as private devices, such as laptops, utilizing the Library's network.

Network includes both the physical and wireless networks provided by the Library for use by the public.

Access

Access is open to users possessing a valid library card and password.  Users must use their own library card and must not permit others to use their card.  Library card holders are responsible for any misuse of computer resources associated with their card or account.

Access to the Library's computer resources and network is on an “as is” and “as available” basis.  The Library does not guarantee the performance, security, confidentiality, or availability of these resources.

The Library reserves the right to limit and/or revoke access at any time.  Any limitations in place are to ensure equitable access for all users and should be respected.

Fees may apply to printing and photocopying services. 

Internet Content

The Internet contains extensive content, some of which may be inaccurate, incomplete, or out-of-date.  It is the user's responsibility to assess the reliability, accuracy, and usability of information.  The Internet is not a secure medium.  The Library is not responsible for website 

content, quality, appropriateness, or availability.

Internet-enabled computer resources are not filtered to prevent access to objectionable Internet websites.  Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring children’s appropriate use of the Internet.

In keeping with the public library's long-standing tradition of providing age-appropriate materials for children in safe and welcoming environments, the Library offers specifically designated “child/youth” workstations with Internet access.  These workstations are equipped with commercial content filtering products.  Users must be aware that no filtering product can block all objectionable sites.  The Library cannot guarantee that the filtering product will block all sexually explicit content or that content accessed will not offend some users.

Computer Use Responsibilities

All users must comply with applicable legislative requirements.  Use of computers for illegal, actionable, or criminal purposes is strictly prohibited by, but not limited to, the:

• Criminal Code of Canada;

• Canadian Copyright Act; and

• British Columbia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Users must:

• be respectful and considerate to other patrons and staff;

• respect the privacy of others;

• not misrepresent themselves, nor shall they harass, libel, or slander others either locally or remotely;

• be aware that the Library’s computer resources are designed for people of all ages and sensibilities and are located in public spaces.  Internet content being viewed may be seen by others and discretion should be exercised at all times.  Some content, images, or sounds may be objectionable or offensive to some patrons or staff.  Displaying or disseminating pornographic, sexually explicit, or obscene material is strictly prohibited;

• respect intellectual property and copyright laws. Infringement of copyright and other intellectual property rights is prohibited;

• treat the provided computer and network resources with respect and not alter, tamper with or damage computer hardware, software, or system configurations; and

• not attempt to install or download software, bypass network security or seek access to unauthorized areas;

Sanctions 

Library staff is entrusted with the obligation to ensure that all rules of computer and Internet use are followed.  Staff will advise users of inappropriate conduct as required and will ask that any behavior deemed to be inappropriate cease immediately.

Violations may result in loss of privileges for both the user and the card(s) used.

Staff may call the police for assistance in situations where there is a contravention or perceived contravention to the law.

Privacy & Security

Users are responsible for any losses or damage sustained either directly or indirectly as a result of their use of computer resources, including data loss and commercial or on-line transactions.

Users are responsible for the correct use of computer resources to maintain their own privacy and security.  The following precautions are strongly recommended:

• computer accounts, passwords and other types of authorizations should be protected and not be shared with others;

• users should be aware of computer viruses and other destructive programs and should take steps to prevent them;

• users should understand files downloaded or saved to public computers may not be totally secure and no encryption of data is provided;

• users should always delete their personal or private data from the computers and should log off their session when not in use; and

• users should protect themselves from data loss/corruption since wireless (wi-fi) access and connectivity can be unstable.

The Library reserves the right to access, read, preserve, and disclose any information accessed on the network which the Library reasonably believes is necessary to:

• satisfy any applicable law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request;

• enforce the terms of this policy, including investigation of potential violations hereof;

• detect, prevent, or otherwise address fraud, security, or technical issues (including without limitation the filtering of spam);

• respond to user-support requests; or

• protect the rights, property, and safety of the Library, its users, and the public.