Board Policy – Internet, Wireless Network & Computer Access

Policy Statement

Fraser Valley Regional Library (the “Library”) provides customers with access to computers for public use, access to the Internet via those computers, and access to the Library’s public wireless network for informational, communicational, educational and recreational purposes. This enables users to access information and resources beyond the confines of the Library’s own collection. This access is also a privilege and the Library, therefore, reserves the right to change, eliminate, or replace, the level of access offered to any customer at any time for any reason.

The Library cannot control, and is not responsible for, the content of the Internet, and cannot warrant that any content on the Internet is accurate, reliable, legal or complete at any time.

The Library also does not warrant that the use of its computers, Internet systems, or wireless networks is private or secure at any time to anyone. Accordingly, the customer remains at all time solely responsible and liable for any risks, damages, or losses incurred through or associated with their use of the Library’s computers, Internet systems, or wireless networks. Given that no promise of security or confidentiality can be afforded to any customer’s access, the Library discourages access taking place where security or confidentiality is of concern to the customer, including but not limited to access related to health information, credit information, banking information, or other sensitive information.

By using any of the Library’s public computers, Internet systems, or wireless networks, the customer is agreeing to comply with the terms and conditions of this policy and any amendments to it. The Library reserves the right to review and amend or replace this policy at any time.

Scope

All customers who choose to access the Library’s public computers, Internet, or wireless network systems.

Terms of Access

Any customer who accesses the Library’s public computers, Internet, or wireless network systems must comply with the following terms of access:

  • Access must always be in compliance with applicable laws;
  • Access must always be in compliance with the Library’s customer policies and procedures (including the Library’s Code of Conduct);
  • Access should be done in a courteous manner with the awareness that another customer may wish to access the same resources or may see another customer’s access;
  • The Library may impose a time limit on access to ensure equitable access for all customers;
    No software or hardware of any kind can be installed by the customer on any of the Library’s public computers;
  • Existing software or hardware of any kind that the Library has already installed on its public computers, and any password protections put in place by the Library for its public computers, Internet, or wireless network systems, cannot be changed, removed, damaged, or interfered with in any way by the customer;
  • Where a library card is required for access, a customer must always use their own library card and that library card must not misrepresent their identity;
  • No information or files of any kind should be stored by the customer on any of the Library’s public computers;
  • Library workstations and public computers are located in public areas shared by Library users and staff of all ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities. Customers are asked to consider others around them when access is made using the Library’s public computers or using personal devices;
  • Access must not be done in any way that may compromise the functionality of the Library’s public computers, Internet, or wireless network systems, including by knowingly or recklessly downloading or distributing a virus or other harmful component; and
  • Discrimination, bullying, and harassment are not tolerated at the Library and this includes in or while accessing the Library’s public computers, Internet, and wireless network systems.

Staff will advise customers of inappropriate access under this policy as required and will ask that any behaviour deemed to be inappropriate under this policy by the Library cease immediately.

Violations of this policy may result in loss of Library privileges for both the customer and the card(s) used, suspensions or bans from accessing the Library including the Library’s services, and the engagement of law enforcement, amongst other consequences.

Access to the Internet by Children or Vulnerable Persons

The Internet may contain content that parents/guardians may feel are inappropriate for their children or vulnerable person(s) they are responsible for. The Library expects parents/guardians to supervise access by their children or by the vulnerable persons who they are responsible for. As with the use of other Library services, the Library’s Staff do not act in the place of a parent or legal guardian to restrict what a child may access unless that access is otherwise in violation of this policy, applicable laws, or other Library policies and procedures.

Monitoring of Access

The Library reserves the right to monitor access to its public computers, Internet, and wireless network systems where “good cause” exists to do so. For the purposes of this policy, “good cause” includes the need to protect the security or functionality of the Library or the Library’s Staff, customers, equipment, and systems and to ensure compliance with applicable laws and Library policies and procedures. Customers accessing the Library’s public computers, Internet, and wireless network systems should not expect privacy.

Questions

Anyone with questions about this policy or its application should contact the Library Manager.