Fremont Public Library Computer & Internet Use Policy
Board Approved: August 26, 2024
The Fremont Public Library is committed to providing free access to informational, educational, recreational, and cultural resources for library users of all ages and backgrounds. Fremont Public Library’s Technology and Computer Use Policy reflects this mission and indicates the parameters by which the Internet and computer resources are to be used. The FPL Board of Trustees has the right to set and enforce the following rules concerning the use of the library’s Internet and computer resources by persons of all ages.
By using the Fremont Public Library’s public computers and/or Wi-Fi, patrons and visitors of the library are agreeing to comply with the Computer and Internet Use policy’s general computer use and rules of conduct outlined within this policy.
A. Disclaimer
- While the Fremont Public Library provides access to the Internet, the Library Board and employees of the Fremont Public Library are not responsible for the information that patrons access and obtain while using the library’s equipment or network connection.
- The Internet is a global entity with highly diverse user populations and information content some of which may be inaccurate, outdated, illegal, obscene, or personally offensive.
- The library reserves the right to filter or limit access to and/or availability of Internet resources. Realizing that filters are not 100% effective, library patrons use the Internet at their own risk.
- Library users are responsible for the access points they reach on the Internet.
- Parents and guardians of minors (under age 18) are responsible for monitoring their children’s Internet use.
- The library does not offer Internet accounts, e-mail accounts, web space, or other related Internet services.
The library assumes no responsibility for any loss, damage, or injury arising from the use of its internet or computing resources, nor for the accuracy, nature, or quality of the Internet access it provides. This includes damage or injury sustained from invasions of the user’s privacy.
B. Minors
The Children’s Internet Protection Act mandates the filtering of library computers for any library receiving federal communication funds. Fremont Public Library computers are filtered by the Internet provider. Adults may ask the desk staff for a filter override; overrides are limited to 90 minutes.
- It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to determine whether to place restrictions on their own children regarding access to certain areas of the Internet.
- Parents/guardians are responsible for their own children’s behavior while using the library’s Internet connection. Minors who use the internet without a parent or guardian present are responsible for their own decisions and behaviors.
- FPL assumes no liability for inappropriate viewing, conduct, or acts conducted on the Internet by minors.
- FPL reserves the right to deny Internet access to any minor who is found to violate the FPL Internet and Computer Use Policy adopted by the FPL Board of Trustees.
C. Public Computers
Main Floor Computers: 12 desktop computers with Internet access and Microsoft Office Suite for users aged 13 and up.
Media Lab Computers: 9 desktop computers available with Internet access, Microsoft Office Suite, and virtual meeting capabilities along with other digital media equipment can be used with a reservation. During the school year, precedence is given to middle-grade library programming.
If the main-level computers are all in use, the lab may be opened at the discretion of library personnel with the exception of after school hours.
Children’s Department Computers: 4 desktop computers with internet access and Microsoft Office Suite and 2 early literacy computers with pre-loaded educational games.
These Children’s computers are intended for use by children; however, adults may use these computers if supervising children utilizing the Children’s Department.
D. Personal Equipment
Personal electronic devices are welcome at FPL.
- Individuals using their own equipment remain subject to the terms of this policy.
- Technical support is not available for personal devices.
- Free wireless internet access is available throughout FPL including on the deck, patio, and parking lot.
- The wireless network is not secured, and patrons are encouraged to use their own security programs.
- FPL is not responsible for personal items and equipment on library property.
- Patrons may not connect their devices to the library’s wired internet connection.
E. Privacy/Confidentiality
- The library cannot guarantee the confidentiality of personal information transmitted over the Internet. Users should closely guard personal information, credit card numbers, passwords, and other types of authorizations when on the internet.
- Parents should instruct their children regarding safety and security when using electronic mail, social networking websites, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communication and to NEVER give out personal information (name, address, phone number, etc.) online.
- Users of Library workstations are asked to use resources appropriately and respect the privacy of others using nearby workstations.
- The Library will never share, sell, or rent individual personal information gathered by the Library, except for the purpose of recovering overdue items and fees or as ordered by subpoena from a valid court or legal authority.
- The Library PC and print management system does not retain information on websites visited by customers.
- Any information stored by a user on the library’s public access computers will be removed periodically.
F. Access
The demand for use of the library’s Internet access may exceed the available supply. The Library reserves the right to limit workstation and printer usage including, but not necessarily limited to sign-in/reservation procedures and established time limits.
G. FEES
The fee for copying or printing with the library’s equipment is $0.10 per page or $0.20 for a double-sided document.
H. Rules of Conduct
- Users of the library’s public computers will check in at the front desk prior to computer use
- Transmission of any material or use of the Internet in violation of any U.S., state, or local regulation is prohibited. Users must comply with all federal and state laws.
- Examples of unacceptable use include, but are not limited to:
- Violation of computer security;
- Vandalism of computer data, software, or hardware;
- The creation and/or distribution of computer viruses;
- Making an attempt to gain unauthorized access to restricted files or networks, including hacking;
- Violation of copyright laws or licensing agreements;
- Harassing, disrupting, or violating the privacy of other users or patrons, including attempting to view or read material being used by others;
- Display and/or distribution of obscenity, child pornography, or (to minors) materials harmful to minors;
- Transmission of libelous, slanderous, or misrepresentative material;
- Produce or transmit materials that incite violence towards people or damage to property;
- Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors.
- By mutual agreement, two or three people may share one computer as long as their behavior or conversation does not disturb other users or library staff.
- Unacceptable use may result in loss of Internet access. The library’s supervisory staff will deem what is unacceptable use based on the items above and may temporarily suspend a user’s Internet access. The Director of the Fremont Public Library may take further action to deny, revoke, or suspend a user’s Internet access and library privileges as warranted.
- Messages and activities related to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to the proper authorities.
Calendar & Events
Newsletter, calendar and event registration.
Search
Log in and find books, digital resources, audio books, movies and more.
About
About the library, how to get a card and building use information.
New & Notable
New books, audio books, movies and advice about what to read next.
Reference
Access to tax forms, dozens of databases, Rosetta Stone & Consumer Reports.
Job Hunting Resources
Search for a job or learn a new skill.