INTERNET USE POLICY

The Onondaga County Public Library Board of Trustees subscribes to the principles of free speech and expression embodied in the First Amendment of the U. S. Constitution and New York State Constitution.  The Board also endorses the Library Bill of Rights, as developed by members of the library profession and formalized by the American Library Association. These principles foster the principles of open access and the free exchange of ideas, some of which may be considered objectionable by some members of the public.

The Library (hereinafter “OCPL” or “Library”) provides access to the Internet as an electronic conduit of ideas and information, greatly expanding its knowledge resources and services.  This access is available to all users who recognize and accept the scope of this policy. We recognize parental rights and responsibilities in this regard and strongly recommend that parents and/or guardians closely supervise their children’s use of the Internet while at the Library.

OCPL is also aware that a public library is a public space; all users are expected to respect the space as a collective information commons and adhere to OCPL patron relations standards.

Rules Governing Use

It will be considered a violation of this Policy for a Library patron to engage in the following conduct:

1. Abusive or harassing conduct.
2. Any criminal or otherwise illegal conduct, including the public display of offensive sexual materials as restricted by NYS Penal Laws, 245.10, 245.11, 263.11 and 263.16 when using a public PC. The library reserves the right to limit access to pertinent web resources to maintain compliance with this legislation.
3. Any copyright infringement.  Users are required to comply with all licensing and copyright regulation that may apply to systems or software.
4. Damaging, disabling or otherwise interfering with the operation of computers, computer systems (including, but not limited to, altering the existing computer settings or filenames), software or related equipment through physical action or by electronic means.
5. Downloading, installing or using software not expressly authorized by OCPL.

Linking to the OCPL Website

The Library requests that your link to the Library’s Website be presented in a manner that does not give the impression that the Library is making an express or implied endorsement of any good or service provided on your Website and that the link is presented in a manner that clearly indicates that the user is leaving one site and accessing another.

Compliance

The OCPL Administration is authorized to develop rules for appropriate use of the Internet at the OCPL.   Regardless of whether a rule is specifically listed herein or in the Administration’s rules, if the user’s conduct while using the system disrupts the Library or its computer network, it will be considered a violation of this Policy and appropriate action will be taken against the violator, as provided for in the OCPL Patron Relations Manual and/or as set forth in other Board Policy(ies) governing patron behavior.  Federal, state and/or local law enforcement agencies may also be contacted where the violation involves criminal activity.

For the complete Internet Use Policy please ask an OCPL staff person.

Page Last Updated: September 5, 2008