Internet Policy

The Highland Park Public Library strives to be a gateway to the global network of recorded information. The Library is committed to providing superior services to all segments of its diverse community, as well as employing state-of-the-art technology to improve access to global resources. As part of its mission, the Library makes available free access to the Internet.

The Highland Park Public Library endorses the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights, the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read statement, and the American Library Association’s Freedom to View.

The Highland Park Public Library does not endorse the viewpoints or vouch for the authenticity of information accessed via the Internet. Internet users must determine what information is appropriate and must evaluate for themselves the accuracy of the information accessed. Parents or guardians are responsible for their children’s Internet access and it is advised that they supervise their children’s use of the Internet. There is sexually explicit material and other possibly controversial information on the Internet.

All Library users have the right to confidentiality in their research and use of services provided by the Highland Park Public Library. The Library supports the user’s rights to privacy; however, users are advised that because of the open nature of the Internet, the Library cannot guarantee the privacy of information or searching conducted at its public access computers.

The professional staff of the Highland Park Public Library is able to answer questions about use of the Internet and offer search suggestions to help locate information resources, but cannot provide in-depth training in Internet skills or personal computer use. Internet users are further advised that more accurate, comprehensive, or current information may be found in the Library’s collections of books, periodicals, and databases. For thorough research on a topic, it is wise to consult with a member of the Library’s reference staff.

The Highland Park Public Library reserves the right to terminate a patron’s Internet session at any time and to regulate Internet use if necessary by limiting the time of each patron’s session. Damaging or altering the Library’s hardware and software are prohibited. Users intentionally causing such damage will be held accountable.

The Highland Park Public Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems, or any consequences thereof. Patrons are expected to observe the U.S. copyright law.

 

Adopted October 27, 2014