1.2 Public Internet Access & Digital Device Use

To outline the means by which Thunder Bay Public Library Board provides the public open access to the Internet and other electronic resources in fulfilment of the Library’s vision, purpose and values.

This policy provides Library staff the parameters under which we provide Internet access and any other electronic resources/devices to the public.

The Thunder Bay Public Library provides Internet access through both Public PCs and wifi. The Library may offer the loan and/or use of digital devices as fits within the Library’s strategic directives and budget.  The wide ranging content of the Internet prevents the Library from providing carefully curated content.  As such we note that:

• The Thunder Bay Public Library cannot control the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content.  Not all Internet sources provide accurate, complete, age appropriate or current information. It is the user’s responsibility to question the validity of any information.  
• Library members may find some of the material on the Internet objectionable. Thunder Bay Public Library uses software tools to reduce the risk that library members may encounter malicious or illegal material. The Library works to balance access to information with safeguards for our more vulnerable members. However, the Library cannot guarantee that these tools are always effective in blocking malicious activity or that legitimate content may not be unintentionally restricted. 
• With regards to minors accessing digital content, the Library assumes no responsibility for any material accessed on the Internet. Parents/guardians are expected to provide direct supervision, oversight and guidance in its use.
• The Library advises patrons to use caution in sharing or providing any personal information over the Internet.   

In providing access we expect members to use the Internet/digital devices responsibly.  Responsible use includes, but is not limited to:

• Following the Library’s Code of Conduct
• Making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data
• Taking responsibility for all financial transactions performed on the Internet e.g. on-line banking, shopping, stock trading, etc.
  • Please note:  The Library assumes no responsibility for lost data or financial transitions which may occur during system downtimes, scheduled or unscheduled.
• Returning all loaned digital devices on time and in good condition.
• Respecting time limits/loan periods
• Not violating federal, provincial and municipal legislation regulating Internet use, including the provisions of the Criminal Code regarding obscenity, child pornography, sedition and the incitement of hate. Use of the Library's Internet services or digital devices for a purpose or action that is, or the Library reasonably believes to be, contrary to the law or any of the Library's policies is prohibited.  Violations may include, but not be limited to, the following:
  • using the Internet to access, display, download, upload, forward, print or e-mail material with pornographic, criminal, or hate literature content (as defined by the Criminal Code of Canada - Section 163)
  • subverting or attempting to subvert any security devices in either software or hardware format which the library has installed on its Internet workstations or digital devices
  • installing or attempting to install viruses or other programs designed to damage or alter software on the workstations, digital devices, the LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet, or seeking unauthorized access to any computer system
  • using email to send unsolicited commercial material, spam or mail bombing
  • send, record or print fraudulent, harassing, hateful or obscene messages or activities 
  • misrepresenting oneself as another user or violating another user’s privacy
  • attempting to modify workstations or digital devices in any manner or attempting to gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to others 
  • attempting to modify, vandalize or steal Library property

Violations of the Policy could result in:

• Being logged out of the Public PC
• Suspension of Internet privileges and/or participation in digital device lending programs and/or suspension or banning from the Library
• Members using the library’s Internet service, workstations, or digital devices for illegal purposes will be subject to prosecution