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Elk Grove Village Public Library

Internet Use Policy

    The Elk Grove Village Public Library [“The Library”] is committed to being a community resource leader in providing access to knowledge and information using computer Internet technology. The Internet provides wide access to a wealth of ideas, information and entertainment, which greatly enhances the information available to serve the community. The Internet is not controlled by “The Library”, but is an entity that constantly grows and changes. As such, the Internet provides access to a wide variety of information and other material. Some of this information and material may be erroneous, out-of-date, illegal, obscene, controversial, or sexually explicit. “The Library” is not, however, responsible for the accuracy or appropriateness of the content found on the Internet.

 The Internet truly brings a world of information to our patrons and as such, some persons may be offended by material they find. Parents are encouraged to supervise their children’s time on the Internet to teach them to use this very useful and powerful tool responsibly. In order minors (17 and under) to use the Internet, they must have an “Internet use permission form” signed at the Library by a parent or guardian. As a service to our patrons with minor children, the Library has installed filters on the Internet computers in the Youth Services Department only, which are intended to block partial nudity, full nudity, and sexual acts. Parents and guardians should be aware, however, that it is impossible for any filter to be 100% perfect in blocking all it is intended to block. The filter may at times, inadvertently block valid sites.

Although not perfect, this is a good faith effort by you community library to help shield minors from objectionable materials. The remainder of the computers with Internet access at the Library are unfiltered. Parents or guardians of minors (17 and under) who wish to have their children be able to use unfiltered computers may do so by completing an “unfiltered Internet use form at the Library. The minor’s library card will then be modified to note that unfiltered Internet access permission has been granted.

 It is imperative that Parents, guardians and library patrons in general be aware of the aware of the wide range of materials available on the Internet and to use this resource responsibly. It is strictly prohibited for minors or adults to view obscene or illegal materials on the Internet on any of the Library’s computers. The use of “chat rooms” on the Internet at the Library is not deemed a library function and is also prohibited.

 By using the Internet at the Library, patrons agree not to use the Internet for any illegal purpose, or to post or transmit any unlawful, threatening or abusive information, including but not limited to transmission constituting or encouraging conduct that would constitute a criminal offense, or lead to a civil liability. Patrons also agree not to violate copyright laws or to post information or software that contains a “virus,” “worm,” or other harmful component.

 Persons found to be violating Library Internet Use Policy, or engaged in any other inappropriate or illegal behavior may lose their library Internet and/or other Library privileges. In cases of criminal behavior, the Elk Grove Village Police will be notified.

 The Internet is a wonderful window to the world and all our patrons are encouraged to use it regularly and responsibly.