The Board of Trustees of the San Miguel County Public Library District #1, aka Wilkinson Public Library, adopts and makes public the following written Internet Use Policy.

The Wilkinson Public Library is committed to providing public access to the Internet in general.

The Wilkinson Public Library provides Internet access and use of computers. Their use must comply with Library rules. The Library assumes no liability for any loss or damage to patrons’ devices, data or media; personal damage; or injury incurred as a result of using the Library’s Internet resources. This includes damage or injury sustained from invasions of patrons’ privacy. The Library does not guarantee a wireless connection or that access to all online resources will be available via a wireless connection. Library staff may not be able to provide technical assistance. There are a variety of services available on Library computers and not all services are available on every computer.

The Library complies with State (HB-1004) and Federal Law (CIPA) mandating the use of filtering software in public libraries. Internet computers and wireless access are filtered to screen out obscene and sexually explicit websites in accordance with the Federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and Colorado’s Internet Protection Act. The filtering software protects against the visual depiction of pornography, obscenity, child pornography and malware. No filtering software is infallible. Filters may falsely block material that is appropriate in a public library setting or they may fail to block access to illegal or objectionable material. The Library cannot guarantee that the filter will protect against access to Internet material that is obscene, child pornography or harmful to minors because of its technological limitations. Patrons are encouraged to submit a Website Request Form for reconsideration to block/unblock sites. (See Internet Filtering FAQ for additional information.) Library staff is authorized to take prompt and appropriate action to prohibit use by those who fail to comply with the Acceptable Use of the Library policy.

Use of the Internet by Children and Teens

Parents, guardians and designated caregivers are responsible for their children’s use of the Internet.

Patrons’ Responsibility

Use of Internet resources at the Library constitutes acknowledgement of the following conditions:

• Patrons are responsible for obeying state and federal laws.
• It is not acceptable to allow a person under age of 17 to view materials, or expose a person under the age of 17 to viewing of materials that are harmful to minors as defined by C.R.S. 24-90-602(3).
• Patrons are responsible for abiding by copyright laws.
• Patrons may not attempt unauthorized access (including the disabling of filters or hacking) to any computer system.
• The Library does not encrypt data sent or received through our Internet services so the connection should not be considered secure.
• Patrons must respect the configuration of computer equipment at the Library. Downloading or installing non-standard software programs in prohibited.
• Patrons may not view pornographic visual materials or content that by contemporary community standards would be considered obscene.
• The Library has a no tolerance policy for anyone viewing sexually explicit images. Not complying is a violation of the Acceptable Use of the Library policy and staff may end a patron’s computer session, ask a patron to leave, and/or suspend their library privileges.

Unauthorized use

Illegal activities or any other activities intended to disrupt the network services or equipment are prohibited. Unauthorized use includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Disrupting or causing damage to library programs, data or equipment
• Disassembling computers or disconnecting network or power cables
• Unauthorized monitoring of electronic communication
• Unauthorized entering of other machines accessible via the Library’s networks
• Interfering with another patron’s privacy or use of a library terminal
• Fraudulently obtaining access to Internet sites including falsification of age, and unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes or network identification numbers
• Distributing unsolicited advertising or spam
• Violating software licensing agreements and/or copyright laws Unauthorized access of a computer, computer network, computer system or any part thereof, or exceeding authorized access to a computer, computer network, computer system or any part thereof, is a crime under Colorado law (Colorado Revised Statutes, Sec. 18-5.5-102).

Unauthorized use may result in the loss of library privileges. Violators may also be subject to criminal prosecution or other legal action.

Public Users’ Security

Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities. WPL does not provide information about patrons’ library records, use of other WPL materials, or use of the Internet to law enforcement officials without an appropriate court order. However, law enforcement officers may take action on their own if they observe illegal activity in plain view. Internet users are reminded that illegal use of the Internet is prohibited by State and Federal laws, and by WPL policy.

Date Approved: 01/24/2001
Approved by: Wilkinson Public Library Board of Trustees
Date Amended/Modified: 09/11/2006; 11/27/2007; 01/11/2010; 07/11/2013; 02/21/2019