Policies

Acceptable Use Policy

For Montgomery County Library & Information Network Consortium

(MCLINC)

Introduction

MCLINC is an acronym for the Montgomery County Library and Information Network Consortium, an independent Pennsylvania corporation recognized by the IRS as a §501(c)(3) entity. 

MCLINC is not a public library.   MCLINC owns and operates the computer network which provides, among other services, internet access to all member public libraries in Montgomery County, PA.  For more information about MCLINC, go to https://www.mclinc.org/about-us/. For a list of member libraries, go to https://www.mclinc.org/member-libraries/. This policy applies to MCLINC and its member libraries. Member libraries of MCLINC also have Internet and/or Acceptable Use policies which are available on the local library websites.

Policy

 The Internet represents an important and vital electronic resource that allows access to ideas, information and commentary from around the world.  MCLINC shall provide Internet access to Library patrons through its member libraries. This policy includes wireless internet connections provided by MCLINC.

It is the policy of MCLINC to: (a) prohibit user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prohibit unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prohibit unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].

 Definitions

Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act. 

Access to Inappropriate Material

To the extent practical, technology protection measures are used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information.  Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.

Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled for adults or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the MCLINC online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.

With respect to minors, it is the ultimate responsibility of parents and legal guardians to monitor and guide their children’s use of all library resources, including the Internet.  Parents who are concerned about the contents of the Internet are strongly advised to closely supervise their children’s use of this service and assist them in selecting sites that are consistent with personal and family values and appropriate for the age and understanding of their children.

 Inappropriate Network Usage

Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized  and/or illegal access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.

Installation or modification of software by patrons is prohibited.  Downloading software with the intent to harm the computer or network is prohibited.  Patrons shall not make any attempt to gain access to restricted computer files or networks or to damage or modify computer equipment.

 Response to Violations

Failure to comply with the guidelines described in this policy may result in the loss of access to the Internet or library computers at some or all of MCLINC’s member libraries depending on the severity of the offense.  Violations shall be addressed by the staff of the library where they occurred and will follow the penalties and remedies described in local policy.  The decision of the local authority is final. 

 Disclaimers

While MCLINC endeavors to provide access to information of the highest quality, MCLINC and its member libraries specifically disclaims any warrant as to the information’s accuracy, timeliness, usefulness or fitness for a particular purpose.  MCLINC and its member libraries will have no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of information accessed through MCLINC’s Internet service.

Software and information downloaded from any sources, including the Internet, may contain computer viruses.  Patrons accessing the Internet through a wireless connection are advised to utilize virus-checking software on their personal computers.  MCLINC and its member libraries are not responsible for damage to patrons’ disks or computers or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from their use of the MCLINC network/computers or its members’ computers.

 As a subscriber to Internet Access through Comcast, MCLINC has agreed to abide by Comcast Corporation’s Terms and Conditions of Use and Acceptable Use Policy, including remedies for violations.  Violations that impact the entire MCLINC network shall be addressed by the Board of Directors of the Montgomery County Library & Information Network Consortium. 

Member libraries also certify acceptance of the Internet Provider’s terms for acceptable use.

Adoption

This policy was last revised by the Board of Directors on August 17, 2012.