Internet Use Policy & Computer Use Guidelines

Disclaimer

The Sylvan Lake Municipal Library provides access to the universe of information and ideas in a wide range of formats, in order to meet its mission to “provide access to comprehensive information in response to the needs of the community, to uphold the principles of intellectual freedom, and to promote cultural enrichment.” In keeping with this mission, the SLML provides public access to the Internet.

The Sylvan Lake Municipal Library Board upholds the Canadian Library Association Statement on Intellectual Freedom.

Be Aware

The SLML does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet, and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Internet is a worldwide community with a highly diverse user population and it is the user’s responsibility to use this resource wisely.

Internet resources accessible through the SLML are provided equally to all library users. Parents or guardians, not the Library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children.

The Internet workstations must be used in a responsible manner and with respect for the rights of others.

The SLML prohibits the use of library workstations for illegal purposes.

Canadian civil and criminal law prohibit display or dissemination of harassment, libel, slander, hate literature, child pornography, graphic pornography, illicit drug literature, obscene material, material tending to deprive any person of his or her rights or is an affront to human dignity. The use of library workstations for activities that breach Canadian and International copyright law is also prohibited.

Workstations may not be used to commit fraud or invade the privacy of others, whether through personal misrepresentation or other means.

Internet access may be unavailable at times for reasons beyond the Library’s control.

Guidelines for Computer Use

Internet access is available free of charge. Print-outs are charged at a rate of $0.25 per sheet, including waste sheets.

A multi-media station is available for word processing and scanning of documents and/or pictures.

Computer access is available in one-hour blocks, which may be reserved in advance. Access is limited to one hour per patron per day. Research only Internet access is available in 15-minute blocks on a first-come, first-served basis.

Computer users must sign in at the circulation before logging on.

Email attachments transmit computer viruses. Do not open attachments that appear unfamiliar or suspicious. Only open attachments you are expecting. When in doubt, email the sender before opening the attachment to confirm that the attachment was intended.

Please do not save anything to the hard-drive. Save to a floppy disk, which may be purchased at the circulation desk.

Please do not download browser plug-ins or other programs.

Please do not alter browser settings or computer configuration in any way.

Library users are responsible for any damage caused to the Library’s computer equipment.

Library staff will attempt to assist computer users but will not provide detailed Internet or computer training. Please feel free to ask staff members for help, but remember they are learning too.

An adult must accompany computer users under the age of 10.

Please respect other library patrons while using the computers: only one user per workstation; do not leave young children unattended in other areas of the library.

Failure to comply with use guidelines will result in loss of privileges. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in an appropriate manner.