Internet at the Library
Internet Access
The Louisville Free Public Library provides access to the Internet on computer workstations available at every Library location. We offer this service to advance the Library’s education mission as a provider of information and life-long learning.
The Internet contains valuable and varied information resources. It is an unregulated, global information network with materials that reflect a variety of points of view. Internet sites change quickly and unpredictably. For these reasons, the Library cannot guarantee the availability, accuracy or reliability of content for Internet sites other than those directly maintained by the Louisville Free Public Library.
The Library uses a filter to limit access to sites containing sexually explicit materials. The Library does not screen content for language, points of view, or ideas. Users are encouraged to notify Library staff of sites that may have been unnecessarily blocked, and of sites which a user believes meet the filtering criteria.
Policy Statement
There are uses of the Library’s computers that are considered unacceptable and constitute a violation of this policy. These include, but are not limited to:
- Attempts at unauthorized access to the library computer system or any other computer system.
- Damaging or attempting to damage computer equipment or software, inter fering with systems operations, integrity or security.
- Viewing sites containing sexually explicit materials.
- Gaining unauthorized access to another person’s files.
- Sending harassing messages to other computer users or impersonating another user.
- Soliciting meetings with or personal information from minors under age 17 via e-mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications; providing such information or agreeing to such meetings without parental consent if under age 17.
- Providing personal or private information about others via e-mail or chat or to Internet sites.
- Altering or attempting to alter the Library’s computer settings.
- Violating copyright laws and software licensing agreements.
- Using the computer for illegal activities.
- A user violates this policy by his or her own action, or by permitting another to use his or her account to access the computer network or the Internet. Failure to comply with this policy will result in the forfeiture of the user’s right to access these computers.
Guidelines for using library computers and the Internet
The Library is pleased to offer computer-based services for our patrons. The demand for use of the computer workstations may exceed the available supply. To promote fair and equitable access for all users, the Library may establish time limits and sign-up sheets for workstations. Users may be asked to limit their computer session when others are waiting to use a workstation.
Printing is available from Library computers for a fee. If you have questions or need assistance, please ask Library staff for help.
Staff will provide limited instructional assistance for all users. Users needing additional training are encouraged to sign up for basic Internet classes offered at all Library locations.
Specialized instruction is also available at Computer Learning Centers located at the Main, Shawnee, Iroquois, and Southwest Branches. Call 574-1611 for information.
Children and the Internet
As with all Library resources, the Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents and guardians, not Library staff, to determine and monitor their minor children’s use of the Internet. (Minors are defined in this policy as children and young people under the age of 17 years.) Parents are responsible for their minor children’s use of the Library’s resources and facilities. Parents who believe that their children cannot responsibly use the Library’s Internet access are requested to monitor their children’s Internet use.
These safety tips are for all ages:
- Do not give out any information such as your address or telephone number.
- Never agree to meet face-to-face with someone you “met” online without first checking with your parents or guardians.
- Never respond to messages that make you feel uncomfortable.
- Remember that people online may not be who they seem. It is easy for some one to misrepresent him or herself because you cannot hear or see the person.
- Remember that everything you read online may not be true.
The Library has links to fun and educational Web sites for children and teens.
