INTERNET POLICIES

LaCrosse Public Library

Internet Acceptable Use Policy

The LaCrosse Public Library provides the ability to access the Internet to its patrons and guests. Patrons and guests are responsible for the information they access on the Internet. Parents or legal guardians of minor children are responsible for their children’s use of the Internet.

Filtering

In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) the LaCrosse Public Library uses a filtering program. No filtering software is totally foolproof, and it may unintentionally block websites that have legitimate research value or fail to block objectionable content. LaCrosse Public Library will provide unfiltered Internet access to persons 18 or older who request it for research or any other lawful purpose. Upon request a parent or legal guardian may block a minor child from using the public access computer.

Wireless Access

The LaCrosse Public Library provides wireless access to the Internet for users who bring their own Internet-accessible device to the library. Wireless users must adhere to the same guidelines in the policy for Internet usage and will be affected by the library’s filtering software. Patron use of the Library’s wireless Internet access is at his/her own risk. 

Privacy & Security

Internet users must be cautious in the selection of sites they choose to access. The Internet is not secure or private. The LaCrosse Public Library is not responsible for any misuse of personal information provided online. The Library makes no warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied, for the service it provides and is not responsible for any damages incurred including loss of information or data from delays or interruption of service.

Use of information obtained via the Internet is at the user’s own risk, and any Internet activity should not be considered confidential. Since patron computers are located in the public area of the Library, what is displayed on the monitor may be seen by others.

Material downloaded by the public should not be saved on the Library’s computers. Although the Library has antivirus software on the computers, this will not completely protect patrons from a virus that has been saved or downloaded to a personal device or removable device. The Library is not responsible for personal data left on the computer or any liability that may occur from patron use of the Library’s computers or wireless Internet access.

Inappropriate Use

Users must refrain from inappropriate Internet usage. Examples of inappropriate usage includes, but is not limited to, disrupting the Library’s network system, unlawful or malicious activity, viewing sexually explicit material, using abusive or objectionable language or images in public or private messages, accessing inappropriate materials, violating copyright laws, etc.

Patrons who violate this policy in any of the above mentioned ways may permanently lose their computer privileges. Internet access may be suspended or revoked by the Library at any time. LaCrosse Public Library staff has the authority to determine what constitutes a violation of this policy.

Reviewed and board approved 18 July 2022