Access to Electronic Information

The West Bloomfield Township Public Library maintains a website and provides electronic access in the library to the Internet and subscription databases as one means of fulfilling its mission to “provide our diverse community with access to information and resources that support both lifelong learning and lifelong enjoyment.”

The Internet offers global access to information. However, not all sources on the Internet provide information that is accurate, complete or legal. The West Bloomfield Township Public Library is unable to monitor or control the content of Internet information, which changes rapidly and unpredictably. Internet users will need to evaluate for themselves the validity of information found. The availability of information via the Library’s computer system does not constitute an endorsement of that information by West Bloomfield Township Public Library.

The Internet, even on the Library’s filtered workstation, may contain information that is controversial, sexually explicit or offensive to some users. In addition, the Library cannot guarantee a user’s confidentiality or privacy in their online transactions. Library patrons use the Internet and the Library’s computer network at their own discretion and risk and shall abide by the Library’s rules regarding computer use.

Rules for Responsible Use

• Users shall obey all applicable laws regarding copyright and licensing agreements.
• Users, including minors, shall not access, send or receive obscene material as defined by Michigan Public Act 343 of 1984 or sexually explicit material harmful to minors as defined by Michigan Public Act 33 of 1978.
• Users shall not use personal software on library equipment.
• Users shall not attempt to or breach workstation, network, or host security, or to otherwise compromise the operation of or access to these systems or resources.
• Users shall not engage in illegal activities as defined by local, state or federal law, or any other malicious activities intended to disrupt computer network services or equipment.

Failure to abide by this Access to Electronic Information Policy is a violation of the Library's Rules of Conduct and will result in the suspension of library privileges. Illegal actions shall be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Adopted by the West Bloomfield Township Public Library Board of Trustees on May 8, 1996. Revised December 11, 1996. Revised September 13, 2000. Revised November 10, 2004; Effective February 1, 2005