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The Lower Merion Library System (LMLS) welcomes you to its Internet Gateway. LMLS has chosen to comply with the filtering provisions of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). All library computers are filtered. Library patrons age 17 and older may select unfiltered access. Library patrons age 16 and under may not use unfiltered Internet workstations.
Rules of Use:- Internet access is available to all patrons who have a valid library card with a LMLS barcode and password/PIN. Out of area “guests” must present proper identification and proof of age, and will be given an age appropriate temporary barcode and password/PIN.
- Persons under the age of 17 may not use adult library cards to access the Internet. Adults may not give adult library cards and the necessary PIN to underage persons for Internet use.
- When others are waiting, time limits will be enforced. If all workstations are in use, the next available computer may be reserved.
- Staff may limit the number of persons sitting at a single workstation.
- Staff may intervene in the reservation process at any time for library purposes.
- Users may download files to floppy or compact discs. Users may not load their own software programs onto library workstations.
- Users may not display or print images that are inappropriate for viewing within a public setting. LMLS expressly prohibits any use of library computers for illegal activities, including hacking, or to access material that is obscene, contains or makes reference to explicit sexual materials as defined in 18 PA. C.S. 5903, contains child pornography, or is harmful to minors. Copies of 18 PA. C.S. 5903 and the CIPA may be found in the LMLS Internet Use Handbook , which is located at the Circulation and/or Reference desk at each library.
- Users must respect copyright laws and licensing agreements.
- Users must respect the privacy and privileges of others.
- Users must respect library hardware and software configurations.
- Users must act in accordance with Pennsylvania and federal law to promote the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications. Internet Safety Guidelines for Minors are posted by library workstations. LMLS also offers its brochure, Parents, Kids and the Internet, to promote Internet safety.
- Minors must not disclose personal information on library Internet workstations.
- Parents and legal guardians must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet, as with other library materials. Library staff does not act in the place of a parent to determine which materials are appropriate for an individual child.
- The Internet may contain information that is inaccurate, incomplete, misleading or personally objectionable. Some information accessed electronically may not meet the standards set by a library’s selection or collection development policy.
- Because of the enormous amount of constantly changing information on the Internet, no filter will ever be free from error. Filtering software may erroneously block “appropriate” sites, or fail to block “inappropriate” sites. LMLS is not responsible for the limitations of filtering products but will investigate user requests to reconsider the status of any Internet site.
- LMLS runs virus protection on all workstations. All files on infected personal diskettes will be automatically erased. LMLS cannot assume responsibility for damages resulting from viruses.
Any user demonstrating unacceptable use of the LMLS workstations or of the Internet via LMLS’s workstations will be asked to close the website and/or terminate the session. Noncompliance may result in revocation of library privileges and/or prosecution under applicable local, state, or federal law.
Confidentiality
Questions and Concerns
