Lisle Library Home Page

Online Policies

Revised April, 2007

Access to Internet/Electronic Information Networks

"It shall be the mission of the Lisle Library District to collect, organize, and provide access to materials, both print and non-print, which shall satisfy the informational, cultural, educational, and recreational needs of the library's patrons, recognizing the diversity in educational levels, ethnic or cultural backgrounds, ages, or physical or mental handicaps."

To that end, and response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the Lisle Library District offers access to the Internet and other electronic information networks.

Libraries make it possible for citizens to have access to the information they need to make informed decisions.  As a member of the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET), the Lisle Library District is committed to networking which represents good public policy by maximizing the use of resources of all types of libraries.  Every library user benefits from expanded access to information beyond the four walls of a single library building.

Lisle Library District and all ILLINET libraries use electronic information networks such as the Internet for a variety of purposes:

  • Access to shared automation systems that provide bibliographic access to the collections of the local library and libraries in the region and across the state.
  • Access to the wealth of information resources available via the Internet.
  • Access to general and specialized shared licensed databases available to ILLINET member libraries through regional and statewide cooperative programs.

Traditionally, the Lisle Library District has made information available in a variety of formats.  Integrating electronic resources from outside networks with the Library's current collection broadens the spectrum of information, ideas, images and commentary available, and shows what the electronic information age can bring from around the globe to all the citizens of Lisle regardless of education, occupation, economic status or age.

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Children's Access to Internet/Electronic Information Networks

Lisle Library District supports the right of all library users to access information and will not deny access to electronic information networks based solely on age. The Library recognizes that electronic information networks such as the Internet may contain material that is inappropriate for children. Parents/guardians are encouraged to discuss with their children issues of appropriate use and electronic information network safety. Parents/guardians, are expected to monitor and supervise their children’s use of the Internet. Parents/guardians, not the Library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents/guardians may restrict their children—and only their children—from access to Internet resources available through the Library.

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Library Patrons' Rights

Library patrons have certain rights with respect to use of electronic information networks such as the Internet. Lisle Library District will work with other libraries in the Illinois Library and Information Network to preserve and protect these rights, subject to limitations imposed by licensing and payment agreements with database providers.  

  • Library patrons have the right to confidentiality and privacy in the use of electronic information networks to the extent possible given certain constraints such as proximity of other patrons and staff in public access setting.
  • Library patrons have the right to equitable access to electronic information networks.
  • Library patrons have the right to access and read all library service policies and discuss questions with appropriate library staff.

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Legal and Ethical Use

Library computing resources may only be used for legal purposes, and should be used in accordance with the ethical standards of the Lisle Library District. Examples of unacceptable purposes/activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Harassment of, libeling, or slandering other users
  • Destruction of, damage to or unauthorized access and/or alteration of the Library’s computer equipment, software, or network security procedures
  • Use of electronic information networks in any way which violates a Federal or State law
  • Use of electronic information networks in any way which violates licensing and payment agreements between Lisle Library District and network/database providers
  • Unauthorized duplication of copyright-protected software or violation of software license agreements
  • Obstruction of other people’s work by consuming large amounts of system resources, deliberately crashing any library system, or otherwise causing degradation of system performance
  • Behaving in a manner that is disruptive to other users, including but not limited to overuse of computer equipment which serves to deny access to other users.

Sanctions are in place to enforce this policy.

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Sanctions

Violation of any aspect of the policies described will be dealt with in serious and appropriate manner. Violators may lose library privileges. Illegal acts involving Library computing resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.

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Staff Assistance and Instruction

Lisle Library’s staff may provide assistance to patrons in the use of electronic information networks as time and staff knowledge permit.

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Disclaimer

The Internet/EIN (electronic information networks) is global in nature; therefore there is no control of its users or content. Materials found on it may be controversial. The Library cannot censor access to material; nor protect users from this material; nor control the availability of information links which often change rapidly and unpredictably. Not all sources provide accurate, complete or current information. Users need to be good information consumers; parents/guardians must assume responsibility for their children’s use of these networks.

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 Copyright © 1997, 2004  Lisle Library District, Lisle, Illinois. All Rights Reserved.