Internet policy

According to Michigan Public Act 212 of 2000 all users of the Internet computers must have a valid Ogemaw District Library card, a Michigan Driver’s License or Michigan state identification card, and must have signed the Internet registration and user agreement. We require a picture ID with birth date information for anyone wanting to use our unfiltered Internet computers.

1. 
   To use the Internet you will need to be a patron in good standing and sign-in at the front desk.
   
2. 
   The library abides by the MichNet Acceptable Use Policy, Merit Acceptable Use Policy and the other policies set forth by other library organzations.
   
3. 
   No more than two persons may use an Internet computer station at any one time, and BOTH must have valid internet cards (especially if patron is under age 18).
   
4. 
   ***While patrons are free to access whatever Internet sites they wish, the library must also respect the right of other patrons not to be inadvertently exposed to material and images they may find personally unsuitable. The library reserves the right to end an Internet session at any time if it is creating a disturbance. Use of library equipment for any illegal activities is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to viewing, receiving or sending obscene matter or sexually explicit material that is harmful to minors. Downloading illegal files or violating copyright is also considered illegal. A patron’s privileges will be revoked for computer/internet usage.
   
5. 
   Users are cautioned that, because security in an electronic environment such as the Internet cannot be guaranteed, all transactions, files and communication are vulnerable to unauthorized access and use and, therefore, should be considered public. The Ogemaw District Library is not responsible for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to the Internet. The Ogemaw District Library staff is not able to help patrons with information of a personal nature (credit reports, credit cards, phones, unemployment forms, taxes, etc). The Ogemaw District Library will not be liable for this form of information.
   
6. 
   Parents and guardians are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Children who use the Internet unsupervised may be exposed to inappropriate or disturbing information and images. Parents are encouraged to discuss the use of the Internet in relation to family values and boundaries with their children and to monitor their children’s use of the internet.
   
7. 
   Users must not turn equipment off and on, or try to change any settings on any of the computers. Users must also refrain from deliberately adding worms or viruses to any of the computers. If there are problems please notify a staff member. Damage to any of the Library computers will result in revoked privileges and the cost of computer repair.
   
8. 
   PARENTS : We have available at the front desk an online contract that you may wish to sign with your child. Parents are responsible for what their child accesses on the internet.
   

Last Name: _________________________, First Name: _______________

GUIDELINES FOR INTERNET USAGE

1. 
   All patrons using the internet must abide by the OGEMAW DISTRICT LIBRARY INTERNET POLICY. A failure to abide by these guidelines will result in a loss of internet privileges at the Ogemaw District Library.
   
2. 
   Patrons may use the internet on a first-come first-served basis for 45 minutes. Patrons must agree to limit their time to 30 minutes if someone else is waiting. All users must sign in to use the computer and present their card.
   
3. 
   Any attempt to copy or change library software or settings will result in denial of computer use. Depending on damages, patrons may be liable for charges to correct the system.
   
4. 
   The internet workstation is for independent patron use only. Library staff may not be able to assist patrons on an extended basis.
   
5. 
   The computer is not set up to send or receive email for patrons. You may use your hotmail, yahoo or otherwise established account.
   
6. 
   After signing this form patrons will be issued an internet access card. This card must be brought with you in order to sign in for internet use.
   
7. 
   Any printing done while on the internet will cost the user $0.25/page.
   
8. 
   The computers will be shut down 15 minutes before closing and patrons will have time to finish.
   
9. 
   If a complaint is filed against a patron for the matter in which they are viewing while online. The patron will have their computer privileges suspended. For further explanation please refer to #5 in the internet policy.
   
10. 
    Information of a personal nature will not be dealt with by library staff for example: taxes, credit reports, unemployment, phones, etc. The library will not be liable for this information.
    

ANY PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF 18 MUST HAVE A PARENT or GUARDIAN SIGN THIS AGREEMENT FORM AT THE LIBRARY. THE LIBRARY IS NOT ABLE TO CENSOR MATERIALS ENCOUNTERED ON THE INTERNET AND PARENTS/GUARDIANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO JOIN THEIR CHILDREN WHILE THEY ARE ON THE INTERNET.

• 
  I won’t give others my personal information, such as my full name, address or telephone number, and my school name or address.
  

• 
  I won’t send a photo of myself (or of my family or friends) to someone I meet online without getting a parent’s permission first.
  

• 
  I won’t make hurtful or threatening remarks to people I communicate with online.
  

• 
  I won’t claim to be someone I’m not, either by accessing someone else’s screen name and password or pretending to be someone else online.
  

• 
  I will never give out my password. If someone accidentally discovers my password, I’ll immediately change it.
  

• 
  I won’t respond to any messages that are threatening to me, my family, or my friends. If I receive such messages, I’ll contact my online service immediately or ask a parent to do so.
  

• 
  I will only meet with someone I communicate with online if I have parental permission and the meeting is in a public place with my parent with me.
  

• 
  A parent and I will determine rules for going online, including when and how long I can be online, as well as sites or chat rooms I can visit. These rules will be reviewed regularly.
  

My Signature: _______________________________________________

From: Too Old for this, too young for that! Your survival guide for the Middle-School Years by Harriet S. Masatche, PhD and Karen Unger, M.A.

GUIDELINES FOR TEMPORARY INTERNET USAGE

1. 
   All patrons using the internet must abide by the OGEMAW DISTRICT LIBRARY INTERNET POLICY. A failure to abide by these guidelines will result in a loss of internet privileges at the Ogemaw District Library.
   
2. 
   A temporary internet card will cost $1.00 and may be used only that day.
   
3. 
   Patrons may use the internet on a first come first served basis for 45 minutes. Patrons must agree to limit their time to 30 minutes if someone else is waiting. All users must sign in to use the computer and present their card.
   
4. 
   Any attempt to copy or change library software or settings will result in denial of computer use. Depending on damages, patrons may be liable for charges to correct the system.
   
5. 
   The internet workstation is for independent patron use only. Library staff may not be able to assist patrons on an extended basis.
   
6. 
   The computer is not set up to send or receive email for patrons. You may use your hotmail, yahoo or otherwise established account.
   
7. 
   After signing this form patrons will be issued an internet access card. This card must be brought with you in order to sign in for internet use.
   
8. 
   Any printing done while on the internet will cost the user $0.25/page.
   
9. 
   The computers will be shut down 15 minutes before closing and patrons will have time to finish.
   
10. 
    If a complaint is filed against a patron for the matter in which they are viewing while online. The patron will have their computer privileges suspended. For further explanation please refer to #5 in the internet policy.
    
11. 
    Information of a personal nature will not be dealt with by library staff for example: taxes, credit reports, unemployment, phones, etc. The library will not be liable for this information.