Mission:

It is the mission of the Pikes Peak Library District to inform, empower, inspire, and entertain through service and resources that respect individuals and ideas, foster discovery, and build community.

The Internet in Context:

The Internet is a worldwide network of computers that offers access to a wealth of materials and information that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages.

Integrating electronic resources from outside networks with the Library’s many other resources is a logical extension of the Library’s ability to carry out its mission and the public library concept of access to information.

Providing access to the Internet does not mean or imply that the Library endorses or sanctions the content or point of view of any of the information or commentary found on the Internet.

The Internet is an unregulated medium. Accuracy, completeness, timeliness of information found on the Internet varies widely. Users must use critical judgment when relying on information found on the Internet.

The Internet does contain material of a controversial nature. The Library uses a filter to prevent access to sexually explicit images. Filtering technology is imperfect and therefore may not block everything that might be considered objectionable.

The Library makes every effort to provide secure access to the Internet. However, users are at risk for loss or theft of personal or business information and should take appropriate precautions while using Library computers.

The Library is not responsible for any loss or damage to patrons’ data or media due to hardware, software, or electrical failure, breaches of security, theft, or any other occurrence while the patron is using Library equipment for Internet access.

Children’s Use of the Internet:

The Library offers the option of directed access to the Internet though child-appropriate search engines at all locations. Children also have access to the Library’s Kids Web and links to other topical websites. Limiting searches to child appropriate sites does not guarantee the exclusion of objectionable material.

As with all materials in the Library, any restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the sole responsibility of the parent, guardian, or caregiver. Parents are encouraged to work with their children to develop rules for the use of the Internet and to review publications on Internet safety recommended by the Library*.

Unacceptable Use of the Internet:

Inappropriate use of computers may result in loss of computer privileges and/or loss of Library privileges.

Inappropriate use includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Using the computer to access, display, transmit, or disseminate sexually explicit images from the Internet, email, or portable storage device.
• Using programs that infiltrate a computer or computing system and/or damaging or altering the software components of a local or remote computer or computing system.
• Gaining unauthorized access to another person’s files.
• Representing oneself as another user.
• Installing software on any Library computer or running any programs that have not been installed by the Library.

Illegal use includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Accessing, displaying, transmitting, or disseminating materials, whether in text or graphic form, so as to unlawfully harass or threaten the Library’s patrons or staff or any other person.
• Using the computer to access, display, transmit, or disseminate obscene materials (CRS 18-7-101) or child pornography (US Code, Title 18, Sec. 2256; CRS 18-7-502; CRS 18-6-403).
• Violating copyright laws.

It is the policy of the Library to report illegal activities to law enforcement. Library staff members who witness activities or content involving illegal use of the computers will immediately report their observations to the police.

Patrons who wish to obtain access to a filtered site may ask for assistance at a service desk.

Patrons may request review of an Internet website by Library staff to determine whether the content is deemed appropriate or inappropriate. Click here for our Website Review Form.

*Parents and children are encouraged to read Child Safety on the Information Highway, Get Net Wise – About Kids’ Safety, and Kids’ Rules for Online Safety.

Approved by the Pikes Peak Library District Board of Trustees
July 24, 2007