Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Northbrook Public Library on June 8, 2000

The Internet is offered as a privilege to our patrons as part of the Library's mission: to provide access to materials beyond the Library's own collection according to the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of the community. While the Internet can be used for a variety of purposes, the Library actively supports only those functions that relate to its mission and services. With the exception of the Library's website, all of the information found on the Internet has been generated outside the Library. Some Internet sites may contain inaccurate, incomplete, outdated, unsecured, offensive and/or controversial material. All Internet resources accessible through the Library are provided equally to all users, with the understanding that it is the user's responsibility to demonstrate good judgement, respect for others, and appropriate conduct while using library resources.

Optional Use of Filtered Workstations and Parental Responsibilities

The Northbrook Public Library supports the right and responsibility of parents to direct use of the Internet by their children, and provides convenient access to filtered Internet workstations with the intent of filtering pornographic sites. Filtering software (which is produced by an outside vendor and is not completely under library control) may restrict access to sites which could be deemed objectionable, but may also limit access to sites which have legitimate research value. No filtering system is completely effective or efficient and unsuitable sites may still be occasionally accessed for which the library takes no responsibility. Filtered workstations have been provided, but Library staff will not require any patron, child or adult, to utilize filtering software for their research. Parents and legal guardians of children under eighteen are responsible for both determining the limits of their children's access to the Internet and providing the respective guidance to them.

Rules of Conduct - User Responsibilities

Internet access may be used only for acceptable purposes. Examples of illegal and/or unacceptable use include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Threats of violence/endangerment of others, obscenity, child pornography, gambling, and harassing communications as defined by law

2. Violation of copyright laws

3. Violation of software license agreements

4. Intentional propagation of computer viruses

5. Attempting to change Library computer equipment, software settings, or files belonging to the
Library, other users, or external networks and Web sites

6. Attempting, or assisting, unauthorized access to any library computer system or other network or external system

Other User Responsibilities

1. Users under the age of 18 may not give out personal information on library terminals

2. Users must respect the privacy of other users

3. Users will not expose other library users or staff to information, graphics, etc. which by
community standards would be considered disruptive or offensive

4. Users will not represent themselves as another person, real or imagined

5. Two users, by mutual agreement, may share one terminal if their behavior and conversation do
not disturb other users or library staff

6. Users must end their session and leave the terminal when asked to do so by authorized library
staff. The number and length of access sessions available per day, per user, and reservation procedures may be established or modified by the librarian in charge.

Disclaimer and Enforcement

The Northbrook Public Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems, or any consequences thereof. Violation of the terms of this agreement may result in Internet privileges being suspended or revoked, and may include contacting law enforcement authorities and/or legal action if determined appropriate. Future Internet use privileges and/or other library privileges may be modified and/or suspended in their entirety at the discretion of the Library.

Internet Signup Procedures

An initial one hour per user per day may be reserved. If space is available, a second hour may be reserved. Reservations are made in-person using a PC Reservation station. You may make a reservation up to one week in advance.

You must have a library card to make a reservation. If you do not have one, or you haven't brought it to the library, a computer use card may be purchased at the Circulation Desk for $5. This card is valid for one year.

15 minute Internet stations are available that do not need a library card for use.

A reservation will be held for 10 minutes past the start time.