#2 Internet Acceptable Use Guidelines
March 12, 2009
MEMORANDUM
TO: Library Board
FROM: Bryan J. McCormick
RE: Board Policy A301 Internet Acceptable Use Guidelines
The library currently has a policy whereby “Internet access privileges will be suspended when a user’s
library card incurs fees or late charges over $10.” The library staff recommends removing this condition,
allowing library patrons to use the Internet provided they have a library card or sign up at the Ref/Service
desk for a guest card.
There are several reasons for this recommendation:
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Removing this condition will allow all library patrons the ability to access the Internet to apply
for unemployment benefits, search for new employment, apply for a job, submit financial aid
documents, apply for school, conduct research, etc.
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Library staff will no longer have to ‘police’ the use of library computers. Currently, library
patrons will use other patron’s cards to access the Internet, circumventing our policy. Changing
the policy would allow patrons to access the Internet using their own library cards and reduce
staff time spent monitoring or ‘policing’ the use of library computers.
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There is certainly a concern that lifting the $10 limit could affect revenue. While it is difficult to
track whether a patron pays their fines specifically to checkout more materials or to use the
Internet, we feel that any possible loss in revenue would be negligible.
For these reasons, library staff is recommending that patrons be allowed to access the Internet even if they
have fines on their library account.