The Internet
The Shaker Heights Public Library offers information resources in response to advances in technology and the changing information needs of the community.
Free access to the internet is one component of the library’s mission to “strengthen our diverse community and transform lives by bringing together people, information, and ideas.”
Information on the Internet
The information and resources available on the internet extend beyond the traditional collections and electronic resources selected by our collection specialists. The internet is not a monitored environment, and while there is a vast amount of reliable information available on the internet, not all of the sources there provide accurate, complete or current information; some might even be offensive to some library customers.
The internet is a rapidly changing environment; the library does not monitor and has no control over the information obtained and is not responsible for its content. Users of the internet must be responsible for determining that the information they access is acceptable, reliable, and suitable to their needs.
The Library and the Internet
As with all library materials, parents, guardians and caregivers are responsible for their children’s use of the internet. Library staff cannot control the websites that children may select. Parents are encouraged to work with their children to develop acceptable rules for internet use. Shaker Heights Public Library staff is available to provide introductory assistance to help identify appropriate sites.
Use of Workstations
- Volume of headphones must be kept low to prevent disturbing others.
- The library reserves the right to limit the amount of time an individual user can devote to a single computer session. Time limits may vary by location due to variations in demand. Users must adhere to the location’s time limits. Printing must be completed within the user’s time limit.
- While staff is available to assist users with the equipment and available software, staff cannot provide in-depth training. Users who need training should consider the library’s other training options.
- Customers wanting to save any information, data or documents must provide their own external storage device and may not save data to the hard disk. The library is not responsible for loss of data or damage to personal equipment that may result from the use of its computers.
- Customers are responsible for maintaining their own privacy on web sites they visit. Basic privacy precautions include logging out of email and social networking accounts and closing the browser at the conclusion of the session.
- Library staff may monitor use of the computers for the limited purpose of ensuring compliance with this Policy, and users hereby consent to such monitoring.
- At Main Library, laptops may be available for borrowing from the laptop lending machine. Laptops may be borrowed by customers aged 18 and over with a library card in good standing for use on the library premises only.
- Printing is available for a nominal fee via networked printers. Library cardholders may print a limited number of pages per day at no charge.
Social Media
The library may use its social media channels to inform the public about the library and the materials, services, programs, and events offered. The library’s social media channels are intended to create a welcoming and inviting online space where library users will find useful and entertaining information and can interact with library staff and other library users.
While the library encourages open communication, posts and comments are moderated by staff. The library reserves the right to not post and to monitor content before it is posted on all of its social media channels, websites and accounts, and to modify or remove any messages or postings that it deems, in its sole discretion, to be abusive; defamatory; of a commercial nature; in violation of library policy, copyright, trademark right or other intellectual property right of any third party; or otherwise inappropriate for the mission of the library. The library also reserves the right to edit or modify any submissions in response to requests for feedback or other commentary. The library is not obligated to take any such actions, and will not be responsible or liable for content posted by any subscriber in any forum, message board, or other area within the service.
Legal Use of the Internet
The use of the library’s electronic resources, including wireless internet access, to engage in any activity which constitutes violation of local, state, and/or federal laws is strictly prohibited.
Customers are prohibited from using library workstations or wireless internet access to display text or graphics that may be considered obscene or harmful to minors, pursuant to state and local laws.
Only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed materials in compliance with copyright laws are permitted.
All users of the electronic resources of the library agree to hold the Shaker Heights Public Library harmless for any and all claims, losses or damages, obligations or liabilities directly or indirectly relating to the use of the Internet.
Failure to comply with this policy will result in loss of computer privileges. Illegal acts may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.
Examples of misuse include, but are not limited to:
- Using Shaker Heights Public Library workstations for any purpose that is illegal or contrary to library policies;
- Attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to others;
- Seeking unauthorized access to any other computer system;
- Damaging or altering library software or hardware.
The library does not release information on the use of the internet by library users except as required by law.
Approved by the Shaker Heights Public Library Board of Trustees 2/10/97, 10/5/98, 3/13/06, 11/9/10, 11/12/2012, 11/17/2014, 9/17/2018, 9/20/2021, 10/17/2022
