About the Library:
Electronic Use Policy

The Sauk City Public Library provides access to a broad range of information resources through LINKcat, CD-ROMs, and the Internet. We make these services available as part of our mission to provide resources and services to fulfill individual information needs for day-to-day living, pleasure and cultural, educational, and leisurely pursuits. The library strives to serve people of all ages at all levels of need and considers its endorsement of the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read documents to apply to the use of electronic information. The library also upholds public access to information in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the United States.

The Internet and LINKcat are electronic networks that enable libraries to provide resources, materials, and information from worldwide sources. The library does not warrant information found on the Internet to necessarily be accurate, authoritative, factual, timely, or useful for patrons' purposes. The Internet is a global entity that does not fall under the control or governance of any single agency, government or organization. The availability of networked information via library terminals does not constitute the library's endorsement of the content of that information. If any patron believes that information obtained via library terminals is inaccurate or offensive, the patron should contact the original producer or distributor of the information. The Library does not select the material on the Internet and has no means or statutory authority to assure that only constitutionally protected material is available on the Internet. The authority to determine what is illegal content rests with the courts as defined in Wisconsin and federal statutes.

Access, use or dissemination of information via the Internet in the Library is the responsibility of the user. In the case of minors, parents and legal guardians are responsible for deciding what library materials and resources are appropriate for their minor children. Parental supervision or restriction to the Internet and LINKcat, as well as other library resources is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. Parental Restriction forms that allow parents/ guardians to restrict their minor children's access to the Internet are available at the library's circulation desk.

Supervising children

The Library staff is unable to provide supervision of children as they explore the Internet. The Library supports the right for each family to decide what is appropriate Internet use for their minor children. The responsibility for what minors read or view on the Internet rests with parents or guardians.

The following are recommended guidelines for parents and guardians to ensure that children have positive online experiences, whether at home or in the library:

Electronic Resources Acceptable Use Guidelines

All users of electronic information resources are expected to use these resources in a responsible and ethical manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which they are provided and to follow these rules. Patrons or staff may not use terminals for any illegal or criminal purpose. By using a public workstation or public terminal you agree to the following guidelines:

These restrictions also apply in email and chat room environments accessed through library computers.

Misuse or abuse of the computers or Internet access will result in suspension of Internet access privileges. If an individual or group of Internet users creates a disturbance that limits the effective use of the library by others, they will be asked to correct their behavior, disband, and/or leave the building as appropriate.

Library staff is available to assist you in your use of these resources, but may not be familiar with every application you might wish to use. Due to scheduling constraints, there may not be an Internet trained Librarian on duty at all times. Because of the many different Internet applications available, we can't provide complete technical support.

Use of the Internet may be limited to 30 minutes per person per day during peak usage times; users will be limited to a maximum of two 1/2 hour sessions per day.  With prior approval of the staff (when all the Internet stations are not in use), patrons may request to use the library computers beyond the two 1/2 hour sessions per day for purposes including but not limited to educational use or use of adaptive computer devices for individuals with special needs.

If Internet users violate this policy, they will be subject to the following Suspensions:

For using a card other than your own

For other violations of the Internet Acceptable Use Policy

The Cardholder may appeal the suspension to the Library Director. If the Cardholder does not agree with the Library Director's decision, he/she may appeal to the Sauk City Library Board at the next monthly Library Board meeting.

Copyright

U.S. Copyright law (Title 17 US Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted material, except as permitted by the principles of fair use. Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials, including electronic mail, text, images, programs or data, without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for the consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user. The library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use. The library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems, or any consequences thereof.