Internet Use Policy

Users must agree to the following Internet policy in order to use public high speed (T1) internet workstations at any of the libraries in the Marinette County Consolidated Library System:
INTERNET USE POLICY
1. Acceptable Uses. Public Internet workstations are resources intended to provide users with access to knowledge, information and diversity of ideas. All users are expected to use this resource, which includes, but is not limited to, the Internet and the World Wide Web, in a responsible manner consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which it is provided.
2. Unacceptable Uses. Users may not use the Internet workstations for any illegal or inappropriate purposes. The following activities are considered inappropriate and are therefore prohibited:
a. Disregarding the privacy of others; misrepresenting oneself as another user; attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; seeking unauthorized access to any computer system; or damaging or altering software or hardware components.
b. Making any changes to the setup or configuration of any software or hardware on the public Internet workstations at any Marinette County Library.
c. Interfering with other users while they are utilizing the Internet workstations at any Marinette County Library.
d. Making unauthorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data.
e. Viewing, sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics which may be reasonably construed as obscene or harmful materials which lack serious artistic, literary, political, educational, or scientific value.
f. Mishandling, damaging or tampering with computer hardware.
g. Failing to pay for printing
h. Refusing or ignoring a staff person’s request to give up a computer.
i. Having food or beverage at a computer station, after being given proper warning.
3. Children under the age of 18. Children under the age of 18 years need permission of a parent or guardian to use the public Internet workstations. The Marinette County Consolidated Public Library Service does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its contents. Please note that not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, current, or appropriate information. All Internet resources accessible through the library are provided equally to all library users. Parents or guardians, not the Marinette County Consolidated Public Library Service or its staff, are responsible for monitoring the Internet information selected, viewed and/or accessed by their children.
4. Misuse of the public Internet workstations. Misuse or abuse of the computers or Internet access (as stated above but not limited to) will result in suspension of six months or if necessary termination of Internet access privileges at all Marinette County libraries.

INTERNET USE PROCEDURES
1. Children under the age of 18 years need to have a "Permission and Release for Internet Access" form signed by a parent or guardian in the presence of library service staff.
2. Duration of use of the Internet is limited to two hours per day in ½ hour blocks. In the case of excess demand, users will be limited to a one-half block.
3. Material found on the Internet can be printed at the rate of twenty cents per page (pay at check-out after printing). Library users are responsible to pay for all printed copies (be aware of printing boundaries). Library users are responsible for any consequences of copyright infringement.
4. Library service staff is available to provide limited assistance to you in your use of these resources, but may not be familiar with every application you might wish to use and we cannot provide complete technical support.
5. An OWLSnet library card in good standing is required for Marinette County residents in order to be eligible to use public Internet stations. Patrons must bring their library card to use computers. Staff will permit the individual access without a card for three subsequent visits. If a person does not have a card on their fourth visit, they will be asked to purchase a new one. Photo ID is required for non-Marinette County residents.
6. For non-card holders, a fee of $2 per use will be charged to use the internet. Out of state users can elect to apply for a library card for a cost of $20 for the year.
WIRELESS INTERNET CONNECTIONS (Stephenson Public Library)
Free wireless Internet access is available at the Stephenson Public Library. Customers who have personal electronic devices with wireless Internet cards may be able to access a wireless connection from inside or around the perimeter of the Stephenson Public Library. Marinette County Consolidated Public Library Service rules and policies regarding Internet use apply to wireless access. In addition:
1. Library staff is unable to provide technical assistance.
2. The Stephenson Public Library cannot guarantee Internet speed or quality of the connection
3. The Stephenson Public Library’s wireless network is not secure. Virus, security and privacy protection are not provided by the library and are the responsibility of the patron.
4. The Stephenson Public Library assumes no responsibility for damage, theft or loss of personal equipment, software, data, files or other personal property used in or around the library facility.
5. Printing from the wireless network is not provided by the Stephenson Public Library.
Approved by the MCCPLS Board 12/17/03, Revised by MCCPLS Board 7/16/09