Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL) provides computer use to Library customers through its branch libraries and LINK Sites. Access is intended to ensure equitable access to information and resources for residents of the seven-county region that would otherwise not be available through the Library’s collections. Customers in any LARL branch may have access to Library public computers regardless of the status of their borrowing privileges or eligibility for a LARL borrower’s card. Customers in all branches may have a minimum of one hour use of the public computers at initial sign-up. Additional time will be granted as long as others are not waiting for computer access. Customers may consult local staff for public computer sign-up procedures. Copies of the Internet and Computer Use Policy are available at all LARL locations and online at www.larl.org.
Library computers with Internet access will be filtered to meet the requirements of the federal Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Adults 17 years or older may request unfiltered access.
Any computer, including personal laptops, used in a LARL location may be used only for legal purposes and may NOT be used to:
Violations of the Library’s policy or failure to adhere to local procedures may result in the loss of Internet, computer and/or Library privileges. Illegal use of computers on Library premises may be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.
LARL recognizes the right of individuals to determine what information is most appropriate for their needs. Library staff is available to assist in locating information, but it is the user’s responsibility to evaluate and make the final decision regarding that information.
The Internet is an unregulated global electronic network. Information available over the Internet may be controversial, inaccurate, misleading, or offensive as well as culturally stimulating, educational, or professionally and personally useful. Other than the filtering required by CIPA, LARL does not control access to material found on the Internet, nor protect users from finding materials that may be considered inaccurate, controversial or offensive. The Library does not monitor and has no control over the information found on the Internet and is not responsible for its content. The provision of access does not mean or imply that the Library endorses or sanctions the content or point of view of any of the information or commentary which may be found on the Internet. Users must exercise their own critical judgment to evaluate the validity and appropriateness of the information found.
Library customers use the Library’s computer hardware, software, and documentation at their own risk. LARL is not responsible for providing detailed instruction on computer use, equipment malfunction, loss of data, any damage to a user’s equipment, data, or electronic transactions of any type which are related to the public use of Library computer resources. Users are cautioned that, because security in an electronic environment such as the Internet cannot be guaranteed, all transactions, files and communications are vulnerable to unauthorized access and use, and therefore, should be considered public. The Library accepts no responsibility for ensuring secure access. However, the Library will not release information on the use of electronic resources by individuals, except as required by law.
Under section 215 of the federal USA Patriot Act (Public Law 107-56), records of books and other materials borrowed from this Library may be obtained by federal agents. Federal agents may also track personal Internet usage on Library computers. This federal law prohibits librarians from informing customers if federal agents have obtained records about them.
Wireless access is provided free of charge by LARL for customers who have the required hardware and software needed for this service.
Adopted by the Lake Agassiz Regional Library Board of Trustees, November 1998; Aug. 19, 2004; Sept. 15, 2005, merged with the Wireless Access Policy and revised January 19, 2012