Internet User Agreement & Access Policy

Internet Access Policy

Access to the Internet is compatible with the Cornwall Public Library Board's endorsement of the Canadian Library Association's Statement on Intellectual Freedom and the Ontario Library Association's Statement on the Intellectual Right of the Individual. The Library Board recognizes the Internet as a resource tool which enhances access to information. It is for this reason public access to the Internet is provided at the library.

Internet access is available to all library users. However, anyone wishing to access the Internet at the Library must abide by the library’s Public Internet User Agreement. Since the Internet is a global electronic network providing access to information stored on computers around the world it is not possible to control contents.

Individuals using the Internet may find material that is inaccurate, incomplete, misleading, not age appropriate, controversial or offensive to them. The Library cannot protect users against finding such materials.

Parents must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet. A parent/guardian of any child 13 years old or younger, must sign the User Agreement form for that child and is expected to monitor and supervise that child's use of the Internet. In keeping with the Library's Unattended Children Policy, children aged 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Clicking on the “user agreement” button on a library Internet computer and/or signing the User Agreement signifies an understanding of and willingness to comply with the policies and procedures on use of the Internet stations in the Library. The Library retains the right to deny access to Internet stations and/or suspend library privileges of anyone failing to comply with these policies and procedures. Anyone misusing or damaging the computer, or using the Internet for illegal purposes may have their library privileges suspended and/or be prosecuted. In addition, they will be financially liable for any damage to the equipment.

_{Approved by the Cornwall Public Library Board of Directors, September 1998 - revised April 2006}

Public Internet User Agreement

Given the inherent limitations of filtering software and its impact on the Intellectual Freedom Rights of citizens, filters are not used by the Cornwall Public Library to restrict access to information on the Internet. You should be aware that you are in a public environment.

The User/Signee Agrees:

To use the Internet in an ethical manner for educational, recreational and informational purposes only.
To comply with time limits, and respect library staff and other Internet users.
To assume responsibility for her/his child’s use of the Internet.
To sign a User Agreement for her/his child age 13 and under.
To supervise the use of the Internet of her/his child who is 10 years old or younger.

The User/Signee agrees not to use the Internet in an unacceptable manner.

Examples of this could include but are not limited to:

Using the Internet access stations for illegal or unethical purposes such as fraud, harassment, libeling or slandering of others, sending spam, displaying or sending child pornography, hate literature, obscene material or literature promoting illicit drug use.
Using the Internet access stations to view, or capture, sexually explicit photos, videos or text.
Using the Internet access stations for gambling or casino games (such as, but not limited to: poker, black jack, roulette, slots, craps, keno, and VLTs).
Damaging or modifying the library’s computers, software or network configuration.
Knowingly transmitting computer viruses or other malicious programs such as, but not limited to: spyware, adware, etc.
Infringing on copyright or disregarding intellectual property rights and laws.
Wasting resources by printing material that is not needed and not paying the current printing costs.

The User/Signee Understands:

The Library cannot monitor, control or protect users from material that is inaccurate, incomplete, misleading, not age appropriate, controversial or offensive to them.
Use of the Internet service is at her/his own risk. As a good information consumer she/he must question the accuracy, authority, validity and currency of any information found.
The Library makes no warranties with respect to Internet service or information found using the Internet and specifically, it assumes no responsibility for:

the content of any advice or information received by the user from any source located via the Internet.
any costs, liability or damages caused by the way an individual chooses to use her/his Internet access.
any consequences of service interruptions.
any consequences of giving out personal information over the Internet, e.g. telephone numbers, credit card information, etc.

Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of this User Agreement and the Library’s Internet Policy may result in loss of Internet access and/or Library privileges. Unlawful activity may result in prosecution.

_{Any information the Library collects about the use of the Internet is for the purposes of
statistical tracking only and to ensure fair and equitable access to Internet service.}

How to use the Internet

Internet access is available only by registration at the appropriate service desk. Persons 14 years and older must register at the Information Services (IS) Desk on the first floor of the Library. Those 13 years or younger must register at the Young Adult and Children's (YAC) Services Desk on the second floor.
Users must have a library card or Internet card to sign on to a computer. Internet cards are available at the YAC Services or Information Services desks. You must use your own Library Card or Internet card. Sharing or using a card that is not your own is not permitted.
Adults must sign in at the registration computer and print a receipt with the session ID number for your computer reservation. Advance reservations are accepted for same day sessions only. Please see the Information services desk if you need assistance.
Internet sessions are a maximum of one hour for Internet research computers. If there are no reservations on your computer, the session may be extended in 15 minute increments up to a half hour. Express email computers are available for 15 minute sessions.
There is limit of one session per person per day for the Internet research computers and two sessions per person per day on the Express email computers.
One person only is allowed per Internet Station unless prior notice is given to staff for use of the Handicap Accessible workstation.
Printing for web pages is available at a reasonable cost. Copies are to be picked up at the Information Services desk or YAC services desk. The Library does not provide downloading, saving to disk or other media, or file transfer protocol (ftp) privileges for the public.
People needing assistance using the Internet access stations should go to the Information Services Desk. Assistance will be provided based on staff availability. The Library will provide scheduled orientation/training sessions for those needing help.

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