TPL-SER-07 Technology, Public Computers, and Internet Usage Policy
The Timmins Public Library provides public Internet access to support its mandate of promoting universal access to knowledge, information, and ideas for patrons of all ages.
1.0 Purpose
This policy details how to responsibly use The Corporation of the City of Timmins’ public network services for Internet access. It requires patrons to follow Canadian laws and the Library Users’ Code of Conduct. The policy applies to public computer stations, personal devices on Library premises, and the Library’s wireless network.
By using the public access resources (both devices and networks) at the Library, patrons acknowledge their responsibility and agree to the following terms.
2.0 Definition
For the purposes of this policy, a “child” means any person up to and including the age of 12.
3.0 Respectful Environment
All patrons must respect library staff, equipment, and those around them to help maintain a safe and comfortable environment. Patrons who bring their own electronic devices and use their own Internet service in the library must refrain from activities that may disturb others, ensuring a respectful atmosphere for all. Please use headphones for any sound-related activity on your device
4.0 Computer Access
Computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis and managed by access software. Patrons must log in with their Library card and PIN, while visitors can request a guest pass with ID. Membership must be in good standing; expired cards, outstanding fees, or suspensions restrict access. All patrons must accept the Internet Use Policy and are responsible to log out after each session.
Patrons receive 60 minutes of computer access per day (includes both branches). If enough computers are available, a 30-minute extension may be granted automatically. A second 30-minute extension may be given under the same conditions, allowing a maximum of two hours per day.
All Internet sessions, including use of printers, will end promptly 15 minutes before the closing of the Library.
5.0 Use by Children
For this policy, “children” refers to those aged 12 and under. With a Library card, children can access all Library resources, except unfiltered Internet workstations. Parents and guardians are responsible for overseeing their children’s Internet use. The Library does not replace parental supervision. Parents or guardians have the right to restrict their child’s use of Library resources, including the Internet, by notifying the Library.
6.0 Accurate Representation of Patron
Patrons using this service are responsible in ensuring that:
- All of the information provided to the Library in order to log onto the computer workstation is correct and current.
- They are not prohibited by any law, order or judgment (whether civil or criminal) from accessing the Internet.
7.0 Wireless Access
Wireless access allows patrons to connect to the Internet using their own wireless-enabled technology devices.
The wireless network at the Library’s is provided by The Corporation of the City of Timmins and is unsecured, and patrons are responsible for their device security and privacy. The Library is not, nor is The Corporation of the City of Timmins, liable for data loss, security breaches, quality of service or online transactions. Third parties may access patron activity when using the public network. Patrons should protect their devices from all cybersecurity risks.
This resource is shared across all City facilities; thus, connectivity may not be sustained and susceptible to diminished capacity at peak utilization that may not be apparent onsite. For high-priority tasks like work training, exams, interviews, or virtual legal proceedings, we recommend reserving hard-wired computers in the study rooms, subject to availability. Note that accessories needed may not always be available, such as webcams or microphones. Enquire with staff.
Bandwidth is limited, therefore some streaming sites and applications (i.e. Netflix, Spotify, and internet radio) are/may be restricted.
8.0 Printing
8.1 Internet printing can be unpredictable, and patrons are responsible for all printed pages. Use the print preview feature or copy content into a word processor to help reduce costs. Staff can assist if needed.
8.2 Printing costs are 25 cents per page for black and white and 50 cents per page for colour.
8.2 Wireless printing is available with payment options at the circulation desk or through mobile devices such as Apple Pay or Google Pay.
8.3 The Library cannot refund failed transactions when using a mobile payment method for printing. However, staff will assist patrons in attempting to reprint a failed job.
9.0 Privacy and Confidentiality
Use of the public network provided by the City of Timmins is subject to the Timmins Public Library’s Confidentiality and Privacy Protection policy.
Privacy at public computer workstations is not guaranteed, as they are in a shared public space. To maintain an appropriate environment for all, do not display offensive content. The Library will ask patrons to leave sites deemed unsuitable for a public setting. Patrons should respect others’ privacy by not observing or commenting on their activities. Privacy screens are available upon request.
10.0 Personal information and files
Public computer workstations are equipped with software that automatically deletes downloaded or saved files when a user logs out, however its reliability cannot be fully guaranteed.
- Patrons are responsible for logging out of any personal, work or school accounts—such as email, social media, e-commerce, browsers, subscriptions services or government sites. The Library is not liable for any damages caused by patron negligence.
- Patrons must delete their personal files from public computers. Files must be saved on an external storage device (e.g., USB drive or external hard drive), uploaded to cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive or emailed to yourself. The Library is not liable for any damages resulting from leaving personal information on a public computer.
11.0 Security
The Library does not provide encryption or other security measures to protect information you send or receive over the Internet. The Library assumes no responsibility or liability for the security or privacy of online transactions.
12.0 Library not Liable
The Library is not responsible for Internet content or any damages, directly or indirectly, resulting from connections to other Internet services. Use of Library computer workstations, Internet access, and email is at the patron’s own risk.
13.0 Reliability and Appropriateness of Information
The Internet is an unregulated global space with a wide range of information, from reliable to false, as well as controversial and offensive. Some content may be inaccurate, outdated, and/or incorrect. The Library is not responsible for the content or quality of material found and makes no warranties regarding Internet material. Patrons are responsible for evaluating the validity of the information they access.
14.0 Filtering
To provide access to information while protecting patrons from inappropriate content, the Library offers both filtered and unfiltered workstations. Unfiltered workstations, labeled accordingly, are not available to children aged 12 and under. The wireless network access is completely unfiltered.
Filtered workstations block sexually explicit material using commercial software designed to limit access to offensive, inappropriate, or illegal sites on a practicable extent. The Library installs software updates but cannot guarantee the accuracy or effectiveness of the filters, which may not block all explicit content. Filters are not a replacement for parental supervision.
15.0 Prohibited Activities:
15.1 Library computers, equipment, facilities, and networks may not be used to:
- Access sites or transmit materials that violate Canadian laws, including those related to obscenity, pornography (including child pornography), sedition, and hate incitement;
- Display explicit sexual content, including images, videos, or other media;
- Send fraudulent, harassing, or obscene email messages;
- Engage in activities like hacking, phishing, malware distribution, or copyright violations;
- Violate another Library patron’s privacy;
- Access services to mitigate and/or bypass geographic access countermeasures, web content filtering and monitoring
15.2 Downloading material from the Internet may violate copyright laws or intellectual property rights. The Library is not responsible for patrons’ infringements nor legal consequences thereof.
15.3 Patrons must respect Library resources. Misuse or abuse of equipment or programs is not allowed. Patrons will be required to pay for any damages caused by improper use.
15.4 Patrons are prohibited from altering library hardware or software, including damaging equipment, interfering with network security, modifying settings, downloading malware or harmful files, or installing software on public computers.
15.5 Food and drink are not permitted at public computer workstations.
16.0 Staff Assistance
Staff cannot provide in-depth training but may offer searching suggestions and answer questions when time allows. Due to legal and privacy concerns, Library staff cannot enter personal, business, or financial information on behalf of patrons.
Patrons are responsible for knowing their own login information. The Library cannot provide recovery emails or phone numbers for locked accounts.
17.0 Library Website
The Library is not responsible for the site content of links or secondary links from its web presence. The Timmins Public Library assumes no responsibility for any direct or indirect claims, damages or costs, which may be sought by patrons or third parties arising from its provision of access to Internet services.
18.0 Violations
Internet access is a privilege, not a right. Computer workstations are in public areas, and patrons must follow the Technology, Public Computers and Internet Usage Policy, the City of Timmins RZone policy and Library Users’ Code of Conduct to maintain a welcoming environment. Disruptive, threatening, destructive or intrusive behavior is prohibited. The Library may end sessions at any time. Violations may lead to suspension, exclusion, or prosecution.
REFERENCES:
TPL-GEN-07 Confidentiality and the protection of privacy
TPL-SER-12 Library Users’ Code of Conduct
City of Timmins RZone Policy (Respect and Responsibility)
