300 W. Merrill St. Birmingham, MI 48009 | (248) 647-1700

Electronic Device, Network, and Internet Use Policy & Code of Conduct

Electronic Device, Network, and Internet Use Policy

The Baldwin Public Library (hereafter known as the Library) provides access to the Internet through computers in the Library and through both wired and wireless Internet accessible to patrons who bring their own devices. All patrons will have enhanced access to ideas and information through the Library’s connection to the Internet.

 Use of Library Computing Resources

  • Workstations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Customers are granted a specified amount of access time per day; additional time may be given if there are no patrons waiting. Some workstations are limited to resident cardholders, while others limited to children, parents and guardians of children, and/or young adults.
  • Workstations must be used in a responsible manner, respecting the rights of others and taking care of the equipment. Changing workstation settings is prohibited. Unauthorized use of others’ passwords or identity is prohibited.

 Accessing Information

  • The Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Internet and its resources may contain material that may be deemed controversial or inappropriate by certain users. The Library does not restrict access or protect users from information that they may find offensive, except as provided by law or specifically delineated in this Policy. Patrons use the Internet at their own discretion and are expected to abide by the Library’s Code of Conduct.
  • Parents and guardians of minor children, not the Library, are responsible for their children’s use of the Internet through the Library connection. Filtered Internet access, as defined by The Library Privacy Act, as amended, MCL 397.606, is available on all computers located within the Youth Room designated for public access to the Internet, but it is only a partial solution in limiting access to web sites which some parents might find objectionable. Filters are unavailable on all other computers and devices.
  • Patrons who believe that a site has been mistakenly filtered in the Youth Room can submit a request to the Library Director to have the site un-filtered. If the administrative staff determines that the site does not contain obscene matter or sexually explicit matter that is harmful to minors, then the administrative staff may authorize the system wide unblocking of the site. The patron will be informed of the decision in writing. The decision may be appealed by submitting a written request to Library staff. Library staff shall then schedule a hearing before the Library Board and shall notify the patron requesting the hearing in writing at least seven days before the hearing.

Prohibited Activities

  • Illegal activities or any other activities intended to disrupt network services or equipment are prohibited.
  • Materials on the Internet may be subject to copyright laws which users are responsible for upholding.

Violation

  • The Library’s computers, network, and Internet connection may not be used for any illegal activity or in any manner in violation of the Library’s Internet Policy. Illegal acts will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
  • Users violating this Policy will be asked to comply by staff. In response to serious or repeated violations of this Policy, the Library reserves the right to terminate a patron’s session; prevent a patron from using the Library’s computers, network, or Internet connection; and ask a patron to leave the Library building, according to the provisions laid out in the Library’s Code of Conduct.
  • The Library reserves the right to remotely monitor and access all public access computers for customer support, maintenance, and security purposes.

Precautions

  • Files downloaded from the Internet, through the Library’s network, or from Library computers may contain viruses or spyware that may infect other computers. The Library is not responsible for damage or loss that may occur from the use of the Library’s computers, network, or Internet connection.
  • Patrons are responsible for ensuring that their personal data is not compromised when using the Library’s computers, network, or Internet connection. Accessing, sending, or connecting information to the Library’s computers, network, or Internet connection is done at the sole risk of the user. The Library has no control over the security of a patron’s data.

Policy adopted September 3, 1996. Policy revised January 9, 1998. Policy revised July 24, 2000. Policy revised April 20, 2015

Code of Conduct

Introduction

The Baldwin Public Library is open for specific and designated civic, educational, and cultural uses, including reading, studying, writing, participating in scheduled Library programs, and using Library materials. This Code of Conduct Policy has been established to provide a safe and welcoming where can i buy dapoxetine online environment for all patrons and staff on the Library’s premises. Patrons who will not respect this policy may be asked to leave the Library, have Library privileges suspended, or be subject to legal action.

Violations of Law

Committing or attempting to commit an activity in violation of federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation on Library premises or concerning Library property will violate this Policy. This includes, but is not limited to, vandalism, assault, larceny, and the removal of Library material from the property without authorization through approved lending procedures.

 Code of Conduct

The following behaviors are not acceptable:

  1. Disruptive or unsafe behavior, including, but not limited to profanity, running, climbing furniture, throwing things, hitting, pushing, or shoving.
  2. Stealing, damaging, altering or attempting to alter, any property of the Library.
  3. Making sounds louder in volume than the general noise level of the area, including yelling, cheering, talking (with others or in monologues), or producing noises from electronic, entertainment, and communication devices, such as cell phones, tablets, and headphones.
  4. Interfering with the use of the Library by other patrons or with employees’ performance of duties, including monopolizing the attention of staff for an inappropriate period of time, and making inappropriate personal comments, sexual advances, or other forms of physical or verbal harassment.
  5. Entering a designated staff area without permission from a Library staff member.
  6. Threatening, bullying, or harassing other people, including following, threatening, or taunting them, or inflicting physical or verbal abuse.
  7. Recording or photographing another person in the Library without their permission. In the case of minors, permission must come from the parent or legal guardian.
  8. Leaving belongings unattended. The Library does not guarantee storage for personal property. Personal possessions must not be left unattended or take up seating or space if needed by others.
  9. Offensive body odor, including, but not limited to odor due to poor personal hygiene or overpowering perfume or cologne.
  10. Misusing restrooms, including, but not limited to laundering, shaving, hair cutting, bathing, sexual activity, or other inappropriate behavior.
  11. Consuming food and beverages other than in designated areas or at authorized Library functions. Light snacks and beverages in closed containers are permitted everywhere except at Library computers, or in the Computer Lab, Idea Lab, and Harry Allen Room. All areas shall be left clean after use.
  12. Leaving children under the age of 10 unsupervised in the Library in accordance with the Library’s Unattended Children’s Policy.
  13. Viewing materials which are inappropriate for the surroundings.
  14. Using computers to create, send, or receive obscene, illegal, or sexual explicit matter in accordance with the Library’s Electronic Device, Network, and Internet Use Policy and Michigan Compiled Law 397.606.
  15. Campaigning, petitioning, interviewing, survey-taking, panhandling, or soliciting inside the Library or under the Library’s front entrance awning on Merrill Street.
  16. Lying down or sleeping in the Library.
  17. Smoking, using e-cigarettes, vaping, or chewing tobacco on Library property.
  18. Consuming alcoholic beverages (except when served or permitted at Library-sanctioned events) or possessing or consuming illegal drugs on Library property. Persons noticeably under the influence of any controlled substance or intoxicating liquor are not allowed on Library property.
  19. Bringing animals into the Library other than therapy animals and service animals (as defined by law) for individuals with disabilities, animals used in law enforcement, animals used in Library programming, or where otherwise permitted under Library policy. Patrons are legally responsible for the behavior of their service and therapy animals. Per state law, animals will be asked to leave if the animal is out of control and causes a significant disturbance, or if the animal has an accident.
  20. Securing animals or bicycles to the Library’s front entrance railings.
  21. Using skateboards, bicycles, or other wheeled forms of recreation equipment anywhere other than on sidewalks.
  22. Not wearing a shirt, shoes, or other appropriate clothing.
  23. Bringing in large items such as suitcases, duffle bags, or large plastic garbage bags.

Right of Appeal

Any Library user who has had his or her privileges suspended may appeal to the Library Board by submitting a written request to Library staff.  Library staff shall then schedule a hearing before the Library Board and shall notify the patron requesting the hearing in writing at least seven (7) days before the hearing.  If you see anyone violating these rules or feel that others in the Library are acting inappropriately, please inform a staff member immediately.

Policy adopted by the Baldwin Public Library Board June 21, 2004. Revised August 17, 2015, Revised May 20, 2019

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