Internet Use Policy

Welcome

Welcome to the Pikes Peak Library District Internet Access. This page explains the policies under which Library visitors and members may access the internet using the Library’s computers and the Library’s wireless access. By accessing or using the Library’s computers or wireless access to access the Internet, you signify that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with the terms of this policy.

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 access to unfiltered sites. Due to the inconsistent and ever-changing nature of some web sites and web-based software, however, the Library does not guarantee access to any specific site or portion of a site.

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.

Patrons are advised to be aware of potential safety and security risks to minors when using email, chat rooms, social media and other electronic communications. The Library provides educational materials regarding these risks which are available upon request.

Unacceptable Use of the Internet by Patrons of Any Age

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

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

Using the computer or wireless access 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.
Unauthorized disclosure, use or dissemination of personal information regarding minors.
Using another person’s library card to access Internet computers. If this occurs, both the patron using the computer and the patron whose card is being used may be suspended from using Internet services.
Installing software on any Library computer or running any programs that have not been installed by the Library.
Using the Library’s computer or wireless access to engage in any Illegal conduct.

Illegal Conduct 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 and other intellectual property rights.
Unauthorized disclosure, use or dissemination of personal information regarding minors.

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.

Digital Millennium Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. 512 (“DMCA”)

In accordance with the DMCA and other applicable law, the Library has adopted a policy of terminating computer and wireless access privileges, in appropriate circumstances and at the Library’s sole discretion, for those users and members who are deemed to be repeat copyright infringers. The Library may also at its sole discretion limit or terminate Library privileges and/or terminate the accounts or profiles of any users or members who infringe any intellectual property rights of others, whether or not there is any repeat infringement.

If you believe that your copyrighted work has been copied in a way that constitutes copyright infringement, please notify the Library’s DMCA copyright agent. For your complaint to be valid under the DMCA, you must provide the following information in writing:

A physical or electronic signature of a person authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner;
Identification of the copyrighted work that you claim has been infringed;
Identification of the material that is claimed to be infringing or to be the subject of infringing activity and that is to be removed or access to which is to be disabled, and information reasonably sufficient to permit the Library to locate the material;
Information reasonably sufficient to permit the Library to contact you, such as your address, telephone number, and e-mail address;
A statement that you have a good faith belief that use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law; and
A statement made under penalty of perjury that the above information is accurate and that you are the copyright owner or are authorized to act on behalf of the owner.

The above information must be submitted to the following DMCA Agent:

Pikes Peak Library District
Attn: Rich Peters, IT Officer
20 N. Cascade Ave
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Email: copyright@ppld.org
Phone: (719) 531-6333

UNDER FEDERAL LAW, IF YOU KNOWINGLY MISREPRESENT THAT MATERIAL OR ACTIVITY IS INFRINGING, YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION FOR PERJURY AND CIVIL PENALTIES, INCLUDING MONETARY DAMAGES, COURT COSTS, AND ATTORNEYS’ FEES.

Please note that this procedure is exclusively for notifying the Library that your copyrighted material has been infringed and is intended to comply with the Library’s rights and obligations under the DMCA, 17 U.S.C. §512, but does not constitute legal advice. You should contact an attorney of your choosing regarding your rights and obligations under the DMCA and other applicable laws.

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

Revised, December 9, 2014