The following is a excerpt of the BY-LAWS AND POLICY MANUAL OF THE BOISE PUBLIC LIBRARY.  This includes Computer, Internet, and Wireless policies.  To view the full document, go here.  For instructions on Wireless Access, see Wireless Internet at the Library.

Section V. USE OF THE LIBRARY

H. COMPUTER & INTERNET USE POLICY

The Boise Public Library provides access to electronic resources including the Internet which create increased opportunities for all our patrons to expand their resources world-wide.

1. Software/Hardware

Users may not load their own or any other software on library equipment. This includes, but is not limited to, disks that are checked out, disks in books that may be checked out, and disks in reference materials that must remain in the library. Users are not permitted to store any software or other data on the hard drives of library computers. The library is not responsible for equipment malfunction, loss or damage to user disks and/or “jump or flash” drives, data, or electronic transactions of any type.

2. Internet Use

Access to the Internet is available without charge to anyone during all open hours.

Boise Public Library does not endorse the viewpoints presented, or vouch for the accuracy of the available information from the Internet.

The library filters all public Internet stations in the children’s area in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Parents are responsible for providing guidance to their own children. Through special software, the library offers individual choice and parental choice for their own minor children among options for filtered, unfiltered, or no Internet access. Library users who do not have borrowing privileges will be offered the same Internet access choices. The library currently uses commercial filtering software with an access management system to provide Internet access choices. Links to filtered search sites are offered from the library’s web site for those who wish to use them. The library accepts no responsibility for failures of the filtering software to block specific sites.

Internet users must be aware that they are working in a public environment with people of all ages and diverse viewpoints. Users may not engage in any activity that interferes with the ability of other patrons to use the library and its resources.

Access from computers at the library to any network, including the local library network and the Internet is for legal purposes only. Loss of use privileges at the library and criminal and/or civil prosecution are possible for illegal uses of computing resources.

Examples of illegal uses include but are not limited to the following:

1. Attempting to bypass the security of the computers or local area network at the library.
2. Attempting to bypass the security of any other computer or network including the Internet.
3. Attempting to intentionally introduce a “virus” or similar piece of code that may do damage to any data, computer, or networking device.
4. Attempting to alter or damage any software, operating systems, or configuration files.
5. Attempting to use unauthorized computer accounts, access codes, or network numbers.
6. The transmission of speech that is not protected by the First Amendment.
7. Violations of another user’s privacy.
8. Violations of copyright or other laws.
9. The display of pornography to minors.

Electronic information is considered constitutionally protected unless determined otherwise by a court with appropriate jurisdiction. Copyright issues and protection are covered under this statement. All efforts will be made by the library to ensure that the security of the library’s computing resources and network are not breached and the integrity of the data available is not compromised.

Library information technology resources may not be used for commercial or profit-making purposes; for mass mailings or chain letters; or to harass, abuse, or threaten another individual.

As in all other library resources and services, Boise Public Library patrons have the right to confidentiality involving their individual legal use of electronic resources and services. The library attempts to maintain patron confidentiality at all times, but cannot guarantee the confidentiality of information sent by a patron onto the Internet.

The library assumes no responsibility and no liability for any loss or damage incurred by anyone using the library’s computing resources. This includes any loss or harm incurred by a patron from giving personal or financial information across the library’s network and the Internet.

3. Wireless Access Policy

The library provides free wireless unfiltered access points at the main library for public Internet access. These access points will allow users to connect to the Internet from their laptop computers when sitting within range of the access points.

Wireless users agree to abide by the Library’s Internet Policy while using the Library’s wireless network.

Users are responsible for configuring their own equipment. The library does not provide technical support for establishing or maintaining a connection nor equipment configurations. The library is not responsible for any changes made to an individual computer’s settings and does not guarantee that a user’s hardware will work with the library’s wireless connection.

The Library is not responsible for any personal information (e.g., credit card) that is compromised, or for any damage caused to hardware or software due to electric surges, security issues or consequences caused by viruses or hacking. All wireless access users are individually responsible for maintaining up-to-date virus protection on personal laptop computers or wireless devices.