Mission
Mid-Continent Public Library is dedicated to providing informational, recreational, and educational resources to the people of Clay, Jackson, and Platte Counties. Mid-Continent Public Library extends the same high quality of service, although at different levels, at all locations despite community size. In an attempt to create an equal opportunity for information and to create collection diversity, the Library provides access to the internet for the public.
Accountability
Library users should use care when using the internet or using automated resources. Mid-Continent Public Library places responsibility for how automated resources are used and viewed on the Library user. Generally, the internet is an unregulated medium. However, certain laws and regulations do apply to the way information may be used that is found on the internet. Mid-Continent Public Library requires that Library users follow all international, federal, state, and local laws when using the Library's internet and automated resources.
Resources
Not all sources on the internet provide information that is current, accurate, or complete. Mid-Continent Public Library is unable to control or monitor the content of materials on the internet, which can change quickly and without warning. Library users should evaluate internet resources just as they do printed publications, questioning the validity of the information. Endorsement of any commercial site or its products or services is neither expressed nor implied. The views and opinions expressed in any referenced internet document do not necessarily reflect those of Mid-Continent Public Library.
Mid-Continent Public Library adheres to the standards required by Federal and State laws with regard to restricting access to materials deemed harmful to minors or obscene through the use of content filtering software.
Philosophy
Mid-Continent Public Library supports the following American Library Association statements on access to information:
No personal information or internet activity is stored on the Library’s servers or network.
Acceptable Use of Public Access Computers
Mid-Continent Public Library requests the following from those who wish to use the internet:
- All users must agree to this Acceptable Use Policy each time before a new computer session is granted
- Time limits are set on computer sessions and will be enforced if there are customers waiting for computers
- If Library users share computers, all users must agree to the Library's policies.
- Do not gather around computers. Doing so may prevent others from accessing a computer.
- The Library strongly encourages that children using the internet should be supervised by a parent, guardian, or legal caregiver.
- Only Mid-Continent Public Library employees may restart the computers. Library users should report technical difficulties to Library staff immediately.
Prohibited uses of Public Computers include, but are not limited to
Users of Library public computers are expected to adhere to all applicable laws and use the network in a responsible and secure manner. The following activities are prohibited:
- Unauthorized Access and Security Violations
- Attempting to gain unauthorized access to any other user’s devices, accounts, or restricted areas of networks or servers.
- Engaging in any form of hacking, network probing, or scanning for vulnerabilities.
- Circumventing or attempting to bypass security features of the public computers or Library network.
- Illegal and Unlawful Activities
- Using the public computers network to engage in any illegal activities, including but not limited to copyright infringement, identity theft, or unauthorized data mining.
- Accessing or distributing content that is illegal under applicable laws, such as child exploitation materials, hate speech, or content that incites violence.
- Distribution of Harmful Content
- Transmitting, distributing, or introducing malware, viruses, worms, or any other malicious code that could harm the network or other users.
- Using the network to engage in phishing, spamming, or distributing any form of harmful or deceptive content.
- Inappropriate and Offensive Use
- Viewing, downloading, or sharing content that is obscene, offensive, or inappropriate in public spaces, including pornography or content that could be considered harassing, discriminatory, or abusive.
- Using the public computers to send or share messages that could be deemed as harassment, threats, or intimidation.
- Violation of Privacy
- Capturing or attempting to capture the traffic of other users on the network.
- Monitoring or intercepting communications or data without the explicit consent of the involved parties.
Consequences of Violations
Violation of these prohibited activities may result in the suspension or permanent termination of access to the public Wi-Fi network. Depending on the severity of the violation, it may also lead to reporting to appropriate authorities and potential legal action.
By using the Library’s public computers, users agree to adhere to these rules and contribute to a safe and respectful online environment for all.