PLAI CENTRAL VISAYAS LIBRARIANS REGIONAL COUNCIL
THE BARILI MUNICIPAL PUBLIC LIBRARY
Barili, Cebu
Policy on Public Use of the InternetMISSIONThe mission of the Barili Municipal Public Library (or, the Library) is to serve the community of Barili in particular and is open to anyone who comes to the Library regardless of age, race, nationality, gender, political affiliation, religion, physical or mental disability, or social class. This Library with its information services desires to connect people with information resources—books, reference materials, periodicals, and free Internet access. Providing public access to information of many types provides local, national and global sources of information. However, the Library wants the public to be aware that some information on the Internet may be inaccurate, incomplete, out-of-date, or offensive to some users. The user must carefully evaluate the validity and appropriateness of the information found.
USERSThe primary users of the Barili Municipal Public Library are:
1. Students ranging in age from 10 to 15 from the surrounding ten (10) public
schools (there is no Internet access in these public schools);
2. Teachers, from both public and private schools in and around Barili; and
3. Employees in the community and government officials.
FACILITIES AND STAFFThe Library has limited space and resources. One staff person is provided. Only one computer is available for Internet use. This computer is used on a “first-come, first-served” basis. It is maintained primarily for research purposes. The librarian assists users in finding information on their topics and in printing resources found. (One printer is provided with free printing to users.) The librarian may guide and redirect students, in particular, to recommended web sites.
POLICIES ON INTERNET ACCESSThe following policies apply to Internet access in the Library:
1. Parents or legal guardians are responsible to guide their children in Internet
use.
2. Library staff recommends and develops lists of web sites to assist users.
3. Training programs are developed for safe and effective Internet use. These
training programs include:
a. The training of students to access reliable, quality information;
b. The training of school teachers to identify and make use of online
resources designed for children and minors.
c. Educating users to take responsibility for their Internet use.
4. Safety guidelines for Internet use will be distributed as users begin to use:
a. Never give out identifying information such as name, home address,
school name, phone number, marital status, or financial information.
b. Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone via the computer
without parent’s or guardians’ approval.
c. Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, threatening, or
make one feel uncomfortable.
d. Remember that people online may not be who they say they are.
e. Remember that everything one reads may not be true.
5. Unauthorized access, including so-called "hacking," and other unlawful activities
by minors online, minors and all other Library users is an unlawful activity and
is strictly prohibited.
RULES GOVERNING USEThe following rules governing use of the Internet in the Library follow:
1. The staff may set time limits for individual use in any one session because of
the limited availability of only one computer at this time.
2. The staff may make reservations for training and use (again because of only one
computer unit available).
3. Some limits may be placed regarding accessing large files, downloading videos,
etc., because the telecommunications infrastructure hampers Internet connections
and sometimes results in slow speed of the Internet.
4. Users may not:
a. Invade the privacy of others;
b. Make any attempt to change or damage computer equipment or software;
c. Use the Internet for any illegal activity, including violation of
copyright laws.
PUBLIC USER SECURITYThe Library staff will not release information regarding its users to others.
VIOLATIONSFailure to comply with the guidelines or violations of the above rules may result in loss of access. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in an appropriate manner.
POLICY SUBJECT TO REVISIONThe Library's "Policy on Public Use of the Internet" may be revised and updated as needed.
July 18, 2009
Buttenbruch Hall, University of San Carlos
“Internet Manifesto Trainers Workshop”
