Internet Use Policy
IAC 7/2/08 Library/Information Services[286] Ch 7, p.1
CHAPTER 7
INTERNET USE POLICY
PURPOSE
Access to the Internet is provided to enhance the state library’s collections of information resources. It is intended for the educational and informational use of the library’s customers. Sales activity, distribution of advertising and those unapproved uses defined under the Code of Iowa are prohibited. (See Iowa Code chapter 728)
286—7.1(256) Rights and responsibilities.
7.1(1) The state library expects the use of all its electronic sources such as the Internet to be
responsible, ethical, and legal, and consistent with the purpose for which those resources are provided.
To this end:
a. The state library affirms the right of every individual to have access to constitutionally protected
material as stated in the library’s collection development policy.
b. Parents or guardians, not the library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet use by their
children.
c. Internet access is provided in a public area shared by users of all ages, backgrounds, and
sensibilities. Users should consider this when accessing potentially controversial information and
images.
d. The state library reserves the right to ask users to discontinue the display of information and
images which cause a disruption.
e. Users should respect the privacy of other Internet users by not observing what sites others are
accessing.
f. Users will not misrepresent themselves as any other user; will not attempt to modify or gain
access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; will not seek unauthorized access to any computer
system, or damage or alter software components of any network or database.
g. Illegal activities subject to prosecution include:
(1) Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the library;
(2) Violation of computer system security or system configuration;
(3) Violation of the copyright laws of the United States;
(4) Downloading or provision of child pornography or display of pornography where it may be
seen by children.
7.1(2) Violation of this computer use policy shall result in the loss of computer privileges and may lead to financial responsibility. Illegal activities will be prosecuted.
286—7.2(256) Access to Internet computers.
1. The Internet is available for any user who visits the state library. Access is on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments are not accepted, but users are welcome to call ahead to check availability.
2. Internet computers are available for use during the library’s normal business hours. Use must be completed 15 minutes prior to the library’s closing. The Internet may be unavailable due to unforeseen problems with hardware, software or telecommunications.
3. Users may be asked to log their beginning time at the main desk before using the computer for Internet access. Initial use will be limited to one hour. If no other users are waiting, use time may be extended at the discretion of the librarian on duty.
4. While respecting individual users’ right to privacy, state library staff reserves the right to
monitor use of Internet workstations to ensure compliance with this policy. Staff may ask users to remove themselves from library equipment if observed behavior is in conflict with this policy.
5. Staff use of computers for research and maintenance may, at times, supersede users’ access.
286—7.3(256) Costs.
Floppy disks are available for $1 per disk. Users must purchase a clean disk from the main desk for downloading. Users cannot use their own disks. Printing is available for 20 cents per page and must comply with U.S. copyright laws.
286—7.4(256) Internet services available.
Users may access the Internet via the World Wide Web, telnet, and gopher.
286—7.5(256) Downloading and saving files.
Downloading will be allowed only for selected files,
such as census data or government documents not available in print format. Such files may be saved
only to floppy disk on the A: drive, never to the hard disk. Users must purchase a clean disk from the
main desk for downloading. Users cannot use their own disks. Downloaded files cannot be viewed on
the state library computers. Users cannot load or read their own disks on the state library computers.
Downloaded files may contain viruses. The state library is not responsible for damage to a user’s
computer, or for any loss of data or damage to files on a user’s computer as a result of downloaded files.
286—7.6(256) Staff assistance.
1. Users are expected to have a basic knowledge of computer use and the Internet. Staff cannot
provide in-depth training for users, but will provide information on training classes in the area. An online
tutorial will be available for users not familiar with the Internet.
2. State library staff will answer basic questions about Internet use or help locate resources.
Internet reference books are available in the library’s collection.
3. Staff reserves the right to waive the procedures contained in this document as circumstances
warrant.
These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code sections 256.51 to 256.56.
[Filed 11/25/98, Notice 9/23/98—published 12/16/98, effective 1/20/99]
