Public Use of the Internet & Other Computer Resources:

Purpose:
To fulfill its mission of providing public access to information resources and services and to provide opportunities for lifelong learning through self-education, the Palmer Public Library (PPL) offers, subject to availability and reasonable regulations, free access to the Internet and other computer resources.

Statement of Responsibility:
PPL, the City of Palmer, and its Internet service providers do not control the information on the Internet and are not responsible for its content. Availability of Internet resources does not imply endorsement of them. PPL and the City of Palmer do not warrant the accuracy, correctness, or suitability of any information or data furnished through the Internet to the user. In no event shall PPL or the City of Palmer be liable to the user in any way whatsoever for any claims, notwithstanding the form of such claims, arising or resulting from or related to use of the Library’s Internet connection.

Access:
PPL recognizes any right that an individual may have to have access to constitutionally protected materials. Internet resources, like all Library information, are provided equally to all Library users. The Library also recognizes any right and responsibility that parents may have to determine and monitor their own children’s use of all library materials and resources. The Library provides information to assist parents in developing guidelines for their children’s Internet use.

Confidentiality:
According to AS 40.25.140: The names, addresses, or other personal identifying information of people who have used materials, made available to the public by a library, shall be kept confidential, except under court order, and are not subject to inspection under AS 40.25.110 or 40.25.120. Upon receipt of a freedom-of-information request or a subpoena for such information, the Library shall immediately send the request or subpoena to the city attorney.

Internet Users:

• Internet users of all ages are prohibited from using the library’s computers or wireless network to attempt to hack, scan, flood, crack or spam the library’s or any other networks, or computer systems.
• Internet users of all ages are prohibited from the unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors.
• Viewing, downloading or transmitting child pornography is a criminal act under AS 11.61.123 and AS 11.61.127. If staff suspects use of child pornography on library computers, they are charged with reporting this both to the Library Director and to law enforcement.
• The library employs software on the library’s computers to block pornographic sites. These blocked sites are in violation of the library’s Policy on Public Use of the Internet and Other Computer Resources.
• Library users over 18 may choose an unfiltered session, in accordance with United States vs. American Library Association, 539 U.S. 194 (2003); however, after the software is disabled, session activity must still be in accordance with the terms of the library’s Policy on Public Use of the Internet and Other Computer Resources.

Other Applicable Laws:
All federal, state, and local laws, and PPL policies that relate to library computer services apply to users of Palmer library computer resources. Violation or attempted violation of any applicable laws, regulations or policies, or library system security may result in loss of library privileges and possible civil or criminal penalties. Illegal or unauthorized use of library computer resources includes, but is not limited to: attempts to damage or alter equipment or software; to violate copyright laws or software license agreements; to gain unauthorized access of the library’s or other networks or computer systems; or to engage in libel, slander, harassment, fraud or any other illegal activity.

WARNING: DISPLAY OF OBSCENE OR SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL ON ANY ELECTRONIC DEVICE IS PROHIBITED AND MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF LIBRARY PRIVILEGES. CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IS ILLEGAL. ACCESSING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SITES IS PROHIBITED BY LIBRARY POLICY AND MAY RESULT IN CRIMINAL PROSECUTION UNDER ALASKA OR FEDERAL LAW.

Privacy:
While the Library is sensitive to patron’s need for privacy while using all library resources, including the Internet, no guarantee of privacy is possible. Patrons are expected to respect the privacy of Internet users in the library.
^{_{(Rev. December 2019)}}