The Urbana Free Library Policy Manual Section IV-J (Page 1 of 5) 03/14/06 

COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS 

POLICY 1. GENERAL POLICY GOVERNING COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS 
The Urbana Free Library views its public computer workstations, accompanying software, CD-ROM
and online products, and the Internet as resources that help fulfill the libraryŐs mission to 
meet the informational, educational, and recreational needs of the citizens of the City of 
Urbana. 
The library provides Internet access and a variety of CD-ROM and online resources on selected 
library computer workstations. 
The library provides a variety of production software, such as word processing, spreadsheet, 
and database programs, on selected library computer workstations. 
Public computer workstations and associated resources are available to all users of The Urbana 
Free Library. 
For users who wish to bring laptop computers to the library, the library also provides wireless 
access to the Internet through the CU Wireless Project. Antennas are located in key areas of 
the library. 

2. LIMITS ON LIABILITY 
People accessing the Internet at the library do so at their own risk. 
a. Content 
The Urbana Free Library is not responsible for the content of Internet resources, which may 
be inaccurate, unreliable, out-of-date, offensive, or unavailable. 
b. Damages 
The library is not responsible for any damages its users may suffer as a result of using the 
Internet, including but not limited to loss of data resulting from delays or interruptions in 
service, corrupted files downloaded at library workstations, damage to personal laptops used 
for wireless access, or actions taken on the basis of misinformation. 
c. Financial obligations 
The library is not responsible for financial obligations its users incur as a result of using 
the Internet. 

3. STAFF ASSISTANCE 
a. Training 
Library staff members assist users with basic use of the Internet and of various CD-ROM and 
online resources and software loaded on library computers as time permits, but they are not 
able to offer in-depth personal instruction except in scheduled classes. The Urbana Free 
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b. Information requests 
Although staff members are not available to offer in-depth Internet instruction, they are 
available to help users find needed information. Library staff members use their best judgment
in selecting information sources, which in addition to the Internet include the libraryŐs 
collections of books, periodicals, CD-ROM or online databases, and other resources, bearing in 
mind that the Internet is sometimes not the best source of information. 
c. Plug-in software 
Plug-in software allows certain Internet features to be utilized on the library workstations. 
The library will consider user requests to upgrade or load specific programs or versions on 
library workstations, but not on personal laptops. Such requests will be reviewed by department 
and automation staff for potential value to library users. Installation of software is not 
possible at the time of the request. 
d. Laptops 
Library staff members cannot assist users who wish to log onto the Internet through wireless 
connections, but they will provide advice on using information sources. 

4. USE BY MINORS 
a. Parental responsibility 
As with other print or audio-visual materials, the Internet contains some material that may be 
inappropriate for viewing or reading by children. It is the responsibility of the parents or 
legal guardians of minor children to supervise their childrenŐs access to Internet resources in 
the library. 
b. Age restrictions 
Library computer workstations in the ChildrenŐs Department are intended for use by children in 
grade 5 and under. Adults and children in grade 6 and up may use these workstations only when 
assisting children in this younger age range. A child under the age of 8 must be accompanied at 
the workstation by a responsible person, age 14 or older. Students in 6th grade may be required 
to show an I.D. 
Library computer workstations in the Adult Department and Archives are intended for use by 
adults and by minors in grade 6 and up. Minors will be required to show an I.D. 
Use of personal laptop computers for wireless access in the Adult Department is limited to 
adults and to minors in grade 6 and up, unless younger users are accompanied by a parent or 
guardian. The Urbana Free Library Policy Manual Section IV-J (Page 3 of 5) 03/14/06 COMPUTER 
AND INTERNET ACCESS POLICY 

5. PATRON CODE OF CONDUCT 
Users of the libraryŐs computer workstations, personal laptop computers, and Internet access 
are expected to act in a considerate, ethical, and responsible manner. 
By using library computer workstations or personal laptop computers at The Urbana Free Library, 
users agree to refrain from disruptive, damaging, or criminal behavior, including but not 
limited to the following: 
  Disturbing adjacent users, whether by noise level, crowding, etc. 
  Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures. 
  Using obscene language. 
  Harassing, insulting, or attacking others, on the Internet or at the workstation. 
  Disobeying Internet or Internet site "rules of conduct." 
  Accessing another individual's personal materials, information, password, or files. 
  Damaging, or attempting to damage, computers, computer systems, or computer
     networks. 
  Modifying, or attempting to modify, software or programs installed on library workstations. 
  Installing, or attempting to install, personal software on library workstations. 
  Violating copyright laws. 
     Engaging in activities that violate any local, state, or federal law. 

6. RESTRICTIONS ON ACTIVITES 
a. Email on library workstations 
Email is permitted in the Adult Department and on adult workstations in the ChildrenŐs 
Department. Email in the Archives is restricted to the transmission of genealogical or local 
history information. Email is not permitted on childrenŐs workstations in the ChildrenŐs 
Department. 
b. Chat rooms and instant messaging 
Chat rooms and instant messaging are not allowed on library computer workstations in any department of the library. 
c. Downloading 
Downloading to disks or other media is permitted on library computer workstations in the Adult 
Department and Archives, and on adult workstations in the ChildrenŐs Department. Downloading to 
disks or other media is not permitted on childrenŐs workstations in the ChildrenŐs Department. 
The Urbana Free Library Policy Manual Section IV-J (Page 4 of 5) 03/14/06 COMPUTER AND INTERNET 
ACCESS POLICY 

7. RESTRICTIONS ON DEPARTMENTAL WORKSTATIONS 
a. Adult 
For age restrictions, see Section IV-J-4-b. 
Chat rooms and instant messaging are not allowed on library computer workstations in the Adult 
Department. 
Users with relevant disabilities are given priority on the large-screen Internet workstations 
assigned to the libraryŐs Assistive Technology site. Seniors, age 55 and older, may also 
request this station. 
b. Archives 
For age restrictions, see Section IV-J-4-b. 
Chat rooms and instant messaging are not allowed on library computer workstations in the 
Archives. Email or downloading to storage media on library computer workstations in the 
Archives is restricted to the transmission of genealogical or local history information. 

Library computer workstations in the Archives are restricted to users accessing genealogical 
and local history resources. 
c. ChildrenŐs Department 
For age restrictions, see Section IV-J-4-b. 
Instant messaging and chat rooms are not permitted on any workstations in the department. Email 
and downloading to disks or other media are not permitted on childrenŐs computer workstations 
in the ChildrenŐs Department. 

8. POLICY ENFORCEMENT 
a. Reasonable use 
The library staff are specifically authorized and instructed to develop such rules and 
procedures as are necessary to insure the fair and reasonable use of the libraryŐs public 
computer workstations and Internet resources, including but not limited to requiring user 
registration and computer reservations and to placing limits on duration of use, number of 
persons sharing a workstation, printing, etc. 
b. Staff oversight 
The library staff are specifically authorized and instructed to inspect and/or observe the 
use made of library computer workstations, personal laptop computers, the Internet, and other 
electronic resources for purposes of enforcement of library policies and procedures. The 
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ACCESS POLICY 
c. Revocation of privileges 
The library staff are specifically authorized and instructed to suspend or permanently 
terminate Internet access for users found in violation of library policies or procedures. 

9. USER ACCEPTANCE 
Users of library computer workstations are required to accept a brief on-screen version of this 
section (IV-J) of the libraryŐs Policy Manual before connecting to the Internet. Library staff 
are authorized to develop this on-screen version. 
Adopted January 14, 1998 
Last amended March 14, 2006