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Resources
General Information
Library Policy
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Internet Use
The Great Falls Public Library offers access to the Internet
in the belief that it is a vital information source. The library's
connection to the Internet is provided to the public without
charge.
The Internet is a freely accessible and largely
unregulated resource. While the vast majority of sites on the
World Wide Web are neutral arenas for information exchange,
a small percentage of sites may contain material that might
prove offensive to some users. The Library assumes no control
over the content of material on the Internet. Some information
accessed through the Internet may not meet the Great Falls Public
Library collection development policy guidelines. It is left
to each user to determine what is appropriate.
There is often more accurate and comprehensive
material available in the form of books, periodicals, electronic
databases and other materials. Patrons are encouraged to ask
staff for help and advice in locating the best sources of information.
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Any person with a valid Great Falls Public
Library card in good standing automatically has access to
the library's public computers and the Internet. Parents who
wish to restrict their minor child's library card for computer
access must sign a form authorizing the library to block computer
access for that library card. Parents who are concerned about
their children's use of the Internet should provide guidance
for their own children.
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Because the Internet workstations are located
in public areas that are shared by library users of all ages,
backgrounds and sensibilities, individuals are asked to consider
this when accessing potentially controversial information
and images.
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The library reserves the right to ask individuals
to discontinue the display of information and/or images that
may inadvertently cause offense to others.
- Any illegal activity, including copyright violation, illegal
or unauthorized entry into computer files or programs, or access
to materials deemed legally obscene is prohibited.
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Using Great Falls Public Library computers for
purposes that may be interpreted as abuse, harassment or intimidation
is prohibited.
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Minors should not reveal personal information
without parental or guardian permission when accessing the Internet,
using e-mail, or engaging in chat room activities.
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Users may send and receive e-mail, but the library
does not provide or regulate accounts. Free e-mail services
are available from many sources on the Internet. Information
on these services is available at the Information Desk. Given
the nature of the Internet and e-mail, confidentiality cannot
be assured.
- Library staff is able to offer only minimal assistance in accessing
the Internet.
- Saving to library computer hard drives is not allowed, but patrons
may save to a floppy disk, CD or USB drive. Disks and CDs are
available at the Information Desk for a nominal charge.
- Users may print from library computers. Printouts can be picked
up at the Information Desk for a nominal charge.
Filters
The Internet is a dynamic resource containing
vast amounts of information and a small percentage of potentially
offensive sites. Due to the nature of the way filters operate,
there currently is no filter which does not inadvertently block
Constitutionally protected material. Many of these unintentionally
blocked sites contain valid and valuable information. Nor do
filters block all potentially offensive sites.
Therefore, Great Falls Public Library does not
use filters for Internet stations located in the non-fiction
area. However, if a patron wishes to use a filter, many Internet
search engines offer filtered searching as an option.
The library offers free Wi-Fi (wireless) Internet access to patrons
bringing in their own wireless-equipped laptops.
What you need to know about using the library's wireless network:
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You are responsible for the configuration
of your own equipment
GFPL staff will not provide any assistance or recommendations
regarding configuring or troubleshooting your equipment
- No printing services are available
- Audio output must be muted or directed to your headphones
- The coverage area is approximately the whole building
Signal strength and connection speed may vary in some areas
- A wireless connection is less secure than a wired connection
Users are responsible for understanding the risks. Great Falls
Public Library cannot assure the security of your data when you
use any of the publicly available PCs or the wireless network
Any activity that violates library policy regarding
library-owned computers is also prohibited on user-owned equipment
that is connected to the wireless network. Violation of any part
of these policies may result in loss of Internet and/or
library computer privileges.
Wireless service is made possible through
library funds
in addition to service and equipment donations from
Softworx, Inc.
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