It is the policy of the Arapahoe Library District (ALD) to provide free access to library resources and information through physical and virtual materials and technology, including electronic resources, services, networks and computer access in order to meet the informational needs and interest of the patrons it serves and to protect access to diverse ideas.
To protect the patron’s right of access, ensure the safety of public and staff and protect library resources and facilities, the Library District prohibits certain activities that in the judgment of library staff constitute unacceptable use of the library, as described below.
Any of the following may result in suspension or loss of library privileges, including removal from the library and/or criminal prosecution or other legal action. Unacceptable use of library technology and resources includes, but is not limited to:
- Theft, damage or destruction of library property, including, but not limited to, books and other library materials, software or hardware components of a local or remote computer or computing system, and/or use of programs that infiltrate a computer or computing system, including uploading of any harmful form of programming, vandalism, hacking, and the production or use of malware or spam.
- Violation of the legal protection provided by copyright laws and licenses for print, electronic, video or digital resources, programs and data, including downloading or transmitting confidential or trade secret information or plagiarized material.
- Assuming the identity of another person without the explicit authorization of the other person, including, but not limited to, seeking information on, obtaining copies of or modifying files, data or passwords belonging to other users of the Library District’s electronic resources.
In public view, viewing or downloading visual material that by local community standards would be considered obscene.
- Illegal activities in violation of federal, state or local laws, including illegal use of electronic resources or material that condones illegal actions or provides instructions for committing illegal acts.
ALD libraries may restrict use of computers based on age in areas designated for teens and children, dependant on size and layout of the library facility. Restrictions may be posted on these computers and be in effect during all hours of library operation, or may be imposed on occasional bases.
As with all library materials, the Library District affirms the right and responsibility of parents/guardians, not library staff, to determine and monitor their child’s (under 17 years old) use of the Internet. Library District staff will work in partnership with parents/guardians to help guide children in the safe use of the Internet. Because we cannot control all aspects of this vast resource, we urge parents to continually participate in their child’s learning process by helping them make good choices in selecting appropriate materials and websites.
The Arapahoe Library District reserves the right to ask any person who is not complying with posted restrictions to stop using the computer, and if that person does not comply, to leave the library.
Internet access is filtered on all Arapahoe Library District public computers and WiFi access to block access to obscene and sexually explicit materials. Patrons can ask to have the filter lifted temporarily and the Library District does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy of its Internet filters.
Adopted: Aug 2011
Reviewed: March 2014
Reviewed: 2017
