Purpose

The New Lenox Public Library District provides access to electronic resources, Internet services, and wireless connectivity to meet the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of the community. These resources expand access to information and support the Library’s mission to enrich lives through learning, discovery, and connection.

While the Library strives to offer reliable and equitable access to technology, it has no control over the content, accuracy, or timeliness of information available through the Internet and assumes no responsibility for its reliability or suitability for any particular purpose. Library users access the Internet at their own discretion.

General Use Guidelines

1. Appropriate Use - Library electronic resources, including Internet and network access, must be used for lawful purposes. Users are expected to behave responsibly, respect the rights of others, and adhere to all local, state, and federal laws.
2. Prohibited Activities - The following actions are not permitted:

• Accessing or displaying pornographic or obscene material;
• Engaging in harassment, defamation, or illegal activity;
• Attempting to damage or alter computer hardware, software, or network configurations;
• Violating copyright, trademark, software licensing, or intellectual property laws;
• Using the network to gain unauthorized access to any system or data.

3. Privacy and Personal Information - The Library does not monitor content actively but reserves the right to review activity logs or network traffic when necessary to ensure compliance with this policy. Users should not expect privacy in their use of the Library’s electronic resources. It is not acceptable to disclose, use, or disseminate personal information about minors without parental authorization.
4. Parental Responsibility - Parents or legal guardians are responsible for monitoring and guiding their children’s Internet use and are encouraged to explore online resources with them.
5. Liability and Security - The Library is not responsible for loss of data, damage to personal devices, exposure to malicious software, or breaches of personal information resulting from the use of Library systems or networks. Users are responsible for saving and protecting their own data.
6. Violations and Enforcement - Failure to comply with this policy may result in suspension or revocation of technology privileges and could lead to further disciplinary or legal action.

Wireless Network Usage

1. Availability and Access - Wireless Internet access is available throughout the Library to any user with a compatible device. The wireless network is an open, unsecured, and unfiltered connection. Users should have no expectation of privacy when using the Library’s wireless network. The wireless network is intended to supplement, not replace, the wired network. It is designed for casual Internet use such as browsing, research, and communication and not for high-bandwidth activities such as large-scale downloading, streaming, or gaming.
2. User Responsibilities - Users are responsible for the configuration and protection of their personal devices.  The Library does not supply, repair, or loan wireless network cards, laptops, or other personal equipment. Library staff cannot provide technical support or guarantee compatibility with all devices. Any restrictions or monitoring of a minor’s use of the wireless network are solely the responsibility of the parent or guardian.
3. Prohibited Wireless Activities - The following actions are strictly prohibited on the Library’s wireless network:

• Extending, modifying, or reconfiguring the Library’s network;
• Attempting to gain unauthorized access to computers, servers, or systems;
• Circumventing network security measures or firewalls;
• Using excessive bandwidth in a manner that disrupts Library operations or limits access for others.

4. Printing and Fees - Patrons may print from Library-owned computers or via wireless printing. Standard printing fees apply to all users.
5. Liability - The Library is not responsible for loss of data, damage to personal devices, or exposure to viruses or malware resulting from wireless access. Users connect at their own risk.

Administrative Rights

The Library reserves the right to:

• Monitor network activity as necessary to ensure policy compliance;
• Block or restrict access to websites or applications deemed inappropriate or harmful to Library systems;
• Modify or suspend access to electronic or wireless resources when necessary for maintenance, upgrades, or security.

Acceptance of Policy

Use of any Library computer, device, or wireless connection constitutes acceptance of the New Lenox Public Library District Electronic Resources, Internet, and Wireless Network Policy. Violation of this policy may result in suspension of privileges, loss of Library access, or legal action under applicable laws.

Disclaimer

The Library cannot guarantee the privacy or security of information transmitted over its networks. All use is at the individual’s own risk. The Library assumes no responsibility for damages, loss of data, or the accuracy of information obtained through electronic or Internet resources.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees January 11, 1999; Revised March 10, 2003; Updated September 8, 2008; Updated November 10, 2008; Updated June 14, 2010; Updated September 12, 2011; Updated April 12, 2016; Updated November 17, 2025