Policy on Internet Access

As part of its mission to provide access to information which meets the educational, cultural and recreational needs of the Northville community, the Northville District Library offers its users access to the Internet, either on designated computers or through wireless access in the Library.

The Internet offers access to rapidly changing, diverse and unpredictable global electronic information, and therefore contains material that could be considered controversial. The Northville District Library has no control over the information resources accessible via the Internet, and cannot be held responsible for the quality, accuracy, or currency of an Internet site.

The Northville District Library and its officers, directors, and employees shall not be held liable for any direct or indirect damages which accrue from using the Internet. In addition, the Library assumes no responsibility for the security and privacy of online transactions.

The Library’s wireless access points are unsecured connections to the Internet. The Library is not responsible for data transmitted or loss of information over the wireless network. Users should be aware that third parties may be able to obtain information about users’ activities when using the wireless service to connect to the Internet.

The Library’s Internet access may not be used for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose, including activities prohibited under applicable federal or Michigan laws. Illegal uses include, but are not limited to, harassing, slandering or libeling others; unauthorized or illegal access attempts; disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communication; and copyright infringement. Any viewing, possessing, or manufacturing of child pornography is illegal and prohibited.

The Library does not use filters to restrict access to the Internet. In compliance with the Michigan Library Privacy Act, MCL 397.606, Library staff monitor Internet usage in order to prevent a minor from viewing obscene matter or sexually explicit matter that is harmful to minors. However, parents or legal guardians have the ultimate responsibility for supervising their children’s use of the Internet.

Guidelines that detail specific procedures for using the Internet at the Northville District Library, such as sign-up, time limits, and printing, are posted by the Internet computers and are available at all service desks. These are subject to change, and are regularly reviewed to assure that Internet access is equitable and fair.

Failure to comply with the Policy on Internet Access or any related Internet guidelines will result in consequences, including denial of access to the Internet at the Northville District Library, and if warranted, police notification.

Approved by the Board of Trustees March 23, 2000
Revision approved by the Board of Trustees Oct. 26, 2000
Revision approved by the Board of Trustees Nov. 18, 2004
Revision approved by the Board of Trustees June 26, 2008
Revised and approved by the Board of Trustees January 23, 2014