Internet Access and Computer Use Policy
The Tinley Park Public Library’s mission is to empower and enrich our entire community by welcoming and connecting people to diverse resources, services, experiences, and reliable information, and it is the Tinley Park Public Library’s vision to offer instruction and access to evolving technology. This policy supports this component of the library’s vision by defining and regulating acceptable use of the library’s public computers and freely available internet access.
This policy will be reviewed every two years or as needed.
Internet Resources
The Tinley Park Public Library neither controls, nor can be responsible for the online information, graphics, and messages accessible through the Library’s computers, circulated electronic devices and materials, and wireless access points and originating outside the library.
The Tinley Park Public Library urges library patrons to be informed consumers and to evaluate information obtained from the Internet carefully. The Library is not responsible for damages, direct or indirect, that arise from a library patron’s use of Internet information resources. There is no guarantee that your online activity or email is private. Internet users should not expect or treat their online activity as confidential or private. Further, in case of a request from law enforcement authorities, your email and other data may be available to the requesting agency.
Prohibited Activities
The Tinley Park Public Library requires that patrons using the library’s computers and internet do so within the guidelines of acceptable use. The following activities are unacceptable:
- the use of the library’s computers, internet, or other technology resources for any purpose that results in the harassment of other users;
- the destruction of, damage to, or unauthorized alteration of library equipment, software, or network security procedures;
- the use of the Library’s network in any way that violates a federal or state law, including copyright law;
- the use of the Library’s network in any way that violates licensing or payment agreements between the Tinley Park Public Library and network or database providers;
- the unauthorized duplication of copyright-protected materials, including software or digital recordings;
- behaving in a manner that disrupts other users, including overuse of technology equipment that serves to deny access to other users;
- using Library equipment to access material that is obscene or pornographic by other patrons or Library staff;
- installing software or programs on Library computers.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
- Illegal acts involving library computer and wireless access point resources may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.
- Internet users are requested to limit use to viewing websites that are appropriate in a public setting.
- Persons who use the Library’s computers and wireless access points for unacceptable uses may lose the privilege of using Library facilities including access to its computer systems.
- Users should be aware that they may encounter messages or graphics that they find offensive.
- Parents and caregivers are strongly advised to monitor their children’s use of the Library’s computer system, circulated electronic devices and materials, or the services, programs and networks connected to the Library’s computer system, if they wish to control the information, messages and graphics to which their children are exposed.
General Procedures for Use of Computers
- Patrons must have an active (i.e. not barred or blocked) Tinley Park Public Library card to use the Library’s computers.
- Patrons under the age of 18 must have an Internet Use Agreement signed by a parent or legal guardian on file.
- Patrons without a Tinley Park Public Library card may purchase a guest pass at the Checkout Desk to use the Library’s computers; fees will be waived for those under the age of 18 and those who show a current military ID.
- Library will assist patrons with computer use as time permits, but staff cannot offer extended personal instruction. It is also not possible for staff to evaluate or judge the quality or merit of every site that a patron may access.
- Computers are available on a first come, first served basis. If all computers are in use, patrons may register at the computer reservation station, which will assign the next available computer.
- There is a limit of two patrons per computer.
- First-floor computers are intended for adult patrons.
- Second-floor computers are intended for minors under the age of 18 and adults accompanied by children.
- Children ages 9 and under must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
- Patrons are encouraged to use personal storage (e.g. flash drives or cloud storage). Personal storage devices left in library computers will be kept for two weeks. After two weeks, the contents will be erased, and the devices disposed of.
Printing
Patrons may pay in advance to print from the library’s computers. There is a separate charge for black and white color copies and for color copies:
- Black and white copies: 10 cents per page
- Color copies: 50 cents per page
Express Computers
The Tinley Park Public Library offers Express Computer Stations, located on the first floor. Users must be at least 18 years old. Sessions are limited to 30 minutes.
Wireless Internet Access
Patrons are welcome to use the WiFi throughout the Library.
Use of the Library’s WiFi constitutes acceptance of this policy.
The Library provides NO filtering or virus protection on its wireless Internet access points for patrons. The Library assumes no responsibility for damage caused to patrons’ equipment.
Board Approved 2/26/1997
Revised 4/14/1999, 2/25/2004, 6/27/2007, 10/29/2008, 7/29/2009, 9/28/2011, 2/22/2012, 8/24/2016, 10/26/2022, 3/22/2023