Internet and Computer Use Policy

1. Philosophy

1.1. Brampton Library provides Internet access and computer equipment to further its vision of "Education, Information, Inspiration" by allowing customers access to outside resources that expand and enhance information available in the collections.

1.2. The Internet is an unregulated medium that provides information and images beyond the confines of the Library's mission, selection criteria, and collection development policies. The Library does not take responsibility for the accuracy, currency or appropriateness of information on the Internet.

1.3. It is prohibited to use the Library's Internet access or computer equipment to receive or display sexually suggestive materials and text and/or graphics that are illegal, obscene or offensive.

1.4. The Library does not assume responsibility for any damages to customer equipment arising from a customer's connection to Internet services.

1.5. The Library is governed by the Canadian Copyright Act, the Criminal Code of Canada, and other legislation governing access to expressions of knowledge and intellectual activity.

2. Features

2.1. The Library supports the right and responsibility of parents or legal guardians to determine and monitor their children's use of the Library?s materials and resources.

2.2. The Library has both filtered and unfiltered Internet workstations.

2.3. The Library reserves the right to restrict the installation of plug-ins and helper applications to preserve the security of the network and intended use of the computer equipment.

2.4. The Library's website provides recommended links to facilitate the use of the Internet. Customers should recognize, however, that the Library is not responsible for changes to the content of these sites, nor for the content of sources accessed through subsequent links.

2.5. The Library does not store information on customer use of the Internet, online databases or Microsoft Office products except for generic statistics used to measure service utilization and for planning for subscription purchases.

2.6. Staff will assist customers with the use of Library computer equipment as time and expertise permits but cannot offer personal instruction on a drop-in basis.

2.7. Misuse of computer equipment, illegal use of Internet access or failure to comply with the procedures may result in loss of privileges.

This policy will be reviewed annually.