Internet Policy

Statement:

The Bridgeview Public Library is pleased to provide information resources through the Internet. We make this service available as part of our mission to satisfy the information needs of our patrons. While the Internet offers access to many valuable sources of information, the library also recognizes that not all sites are accurate, complete, current, or legal. As the library does not monitor Internet content, parents should supervise their children’s Internet sessions. The Bridgeview Public Library is not responsible for damages or loss of any type, direct or indirect, resulting from a library patron’s use of Internet information resources.The library asks you to use good judgment and discretion while using the Internet. Violations of the library’s Internet policy and computer resources (including hardware, software, system integrity, performance, computer security, copyright laws, and both state and federal laws) will result in termination of a patron’s Internet privileges. The patron may also be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities. 

Policies:
  1. Adult Registrations: Users will be asked to acknowledge on-screen before logging on the Internet that they will abide the library’s Internet policy. Use of the Internet access computers is available to both residents and non-residents of Bridgeview on a first come, first served basis. All Internet users need to present a library card before use. This card can be from any library. Library patrons who have a blocked status and / or owe fines at any library will need to resolve the problem at the circulation desk before using the Internet access computers.
  2. Child Registrations: Parents must register their children who are under the age of 18 and this registration must be done at the library. The Bridgeview Public Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by children. It is the responsibility of the user (or the parent, guardian, or care giver) to determine what appropriate use of the Internet is. Children under the age of seven (7) years of age and using the Internet, a parent must be present in the children’s services area.
  3. Availability: The Internet access computers are available during hours when the library is open and are subject to periodic maintenance. The Internet access computers in the Children’s Services area available during hours when the library is open. If there is a waiting line to use the Internet access computer, patrons will be asked to limit their use to one (1) HOUR. During peak times, patrons will be asked to limit their use to 30 minutes if there is a waiting line.
  4. Patron Responsibility: Patrons are responsible for payment of all pages printed on their Internet access computer. If uncertain, please ask a staff member for assistance.
  5.  Courtesy Card: A courtesy temporary Internet card is available for residents and non residents who do not have their library card at the time of service. For a $2.00 fee, this card is good for only one (1) day. All Internet restrictions apply. Peak periods and people waiting also apply.
  6. Email, Chatrooms, and Newsgroups: Email can be checked, written sent, and received at the Bridgeview Public Library. Patrons will be able to access chatrooms and newsgroups at the library. (The library will not provide email accounts to patrons.) The Bridgeview Public Library will not be held responsible for any communication received or sent through email, chatrooms, or newsgroups, or actions, damages or any loss of any type resulting from such communication.
  7. Personal Programs: Personal software programs whether a floppy disk, CD-Rom, flash drive, or from online download, may not be used on the Internet access computers. 
  8. Downloading: If a patron wishes to save files from the Internet, they may either bring an IBM-compatible formatted disk from home or purchase one from the Bridgeview Public Library for $1.00. Software downloaded from the Internet may contain viruses. The library is not responsible for damage to a patron’s disk, hard drive, or computer or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from the patron’s use of the library’s computers.
  9. Internet Instruction: The Bridgeview Public Library’s staff may provide assistance to patrons in the use of the Internet as time and staff knowledge permits. Patrons must have keyboard knowledge. A staff member is not allowed to access personal account information. 
 
Use of Equipment and Networks:

The Bridgeview Public Library requires that library patrons using the Internet do so within the guidelines of acceptable use.   The following activities are unacceptable:

  • Destruction of, damage to, or unauthorized alternation of the library’s computer equipment, software, or network security procedures
  • Use of the Internet or email I any way that violates a federal, state, or local law
  • Use of electronic information networks accessed via the Internet in any way that violates licensing and payment agreements between the Bridgeview Public Library and network/database provides
  • Violation of system security
  • Behaving in a manner that is disruptive to other users, including by not limited to display of offensive visual materialViolations of this policy shall result in loss of the patron’s Internet and email privileges.
 
Internet:

In order to use the Internet, a current library card in good standing is required OR you may purchase a $2.00 "guest pass" at the Circulation Desk. We have 10 flat screen computers where you may access the Internet or Microsoft Office Suite.