Burlington Public Library
210 Court Street · Burlington, IA 52601 · 319-753-1647
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Burlington Public Library Policies
Internet and Social Media

As an information source for the community, the Burlington Public Library provides Internet access on public computers and through free, unsecured wireless connectivity as well as makes use of social media accounts as a means of achieving its mission. The library strives to maximize accessibility and ensure fair availability of technology resources.

When logging onto a library computer, connecting to the library’s wireless network, or participating on the library’s social media sites, users agree to adhere to the library’s policies and procedures. Misuse of the library’s computers, networks, or social media sites will result in suspension of library use privileges and/or criminal charges in accordance with the library’s conduct policy.

The library has no control over the information accessed through the Internet, assumes no responsibility, and shall have no liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages arising from the use of information found on the Internet, or any communications sent through the library’s Internet terminals, wireless network, or social media sites. The library will not censor access to material and does not employ filtering software. Users are responsible for evaluating material for accuracy and suitability and may encounter material that they consider offensive. The availability of information on the Internet or on the library’s social media sites does not constitute an endorsement by the Burlington Public Library.

In order to protect the privacy of its users, the library does not maintain records of what a user views. Complete privacy in using the Internet in the library cannot be promised due to the public nature of the library setting. The library is a public space used by people of all ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities. Individuals are asked to consider this fact and to respect others when accessing information and images. Users are responsible for compliance with copyright law, software license agreements, and local, state, and federal laws including, but not limited to, those concerning fraud, privacy, obscenity, and child pornography (Iowa Code 728).

As with all library resources, supervision and any restriction of a child’s access rests with parents, guardians, or responsible caregivers. Library staff cannot act in place of a parent in providing care or supervision for children on the Internet. The library recognizes the right for each family to define appropriate Internet use for their children. Library staff will provide informational brochures, links to filtered search engines, selected links by topic, and training opportunities for parents, guardians, and caregivers to assist them in their responsibilities for a child’s Internet use.

Users of library computers create, store, and use personal files on library computers at their own risk. The library is not responsible for the loss of personal electronic documents or files. For users of the wireless network, library staff will provide a handout of basic information, but will not assist them with their computer or its configuration. Library staff will not accept the liability of handling non-library equipment.

The library reserves the right to monitor content on its social media sites and to modify or remove any messages, tags or postings that it deems, in its sole discretion, to be abusive, defamatory, in violation of copyright, trademark right or other intellectual property right of any third party, or otherwise inappropriate for the service.

The Burlington Public Library Director and the Board of Trustees welcome feedback from customers. Customers are welcome to complete a Statement of Concern Regarding Library Resources Form as outlined in the Collection Development policy.

Revised and re-adopted: May 15, 2013
Re-adopted: May 20, 2009
Adopted: July 16, 2008