The Lamar Public Library provides free access to library resources and information through physical and virtual materials and technology, including electronic resources, services, networks and computer access in order to meet the informational needs and interest of the patrons it serves and to protect access to diverse ideas.
To protect the patrons’ right of access, ensure the safety of public and staff and protect library resources and facilities, the Library prohibits certain activities that in the judgment of library staff constitute unacceptable use of the library, as described below.
Any of the following may result in suspension or loss of library privileges, including removal from the library and/or criminal prosecution or other legal action. Unacceptable use of library technology and resources includes, but is not limited to:
- Theft, damage or destruction of library property, including, but not limited to, books and other library materials, software or hardware components of a local or remote computer or computing system, and/or use of programs that infiltrate a computer or computing system, including uploading of any harmful form of programming, vandalism, hacking, and the production or use of malware or spam.
- Violation of the legal protection provided by copyright laws and licenses for print, electronic, video or digital resources, programs and data, including downloading or transmitting confidential or trade secret information or plagiarized material.
- Assuming the identity of another person without the explicit authorization of the other person, including, but not limited to, seeking information on, obtaining copies of or modifying files, data or passwords belonging to other users of the Library’s electronic resources.
- Viewing or downloading visual material that by local community standards would be considered obscene. While your standards may differ, these are public computers in a public place and can be seen by other library users, including children. Since the viewing of pornography on the Internet is prohibited by Federal (CIPA) and State of Colorado (HB-04-1004) statutes; the penalty for viewing or attempting to upload pornography at the Lamar Public Library will result in the immediate loss of computer privileges and a report may be filed with the Lamar Police Department for investigation and potential prosecution.
- Illegal activities in violation of federal, state or local laws, including illegal use of electronic resources or material that condones illegal actions or provides instructions for committing illegal acts.
The Library reserves the right to restrict the use of computers, tablets and other computing devices based on age in areas designated for teens and children at certain times of the day at the discretion of the Library Director. Restrictions may be posted on these computers and be in effect during all hours of library operation, or may be imposed on occasional bases.
The Library has no control over information accessed through the Internet and is not responsible for the substance or the accuracy of the content. We cannot guarantee privacy when using public computers. The use of the Internet provides access to materials which may be adult in content. As with other library materials, supervision or restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. The job of the library is to enable access only.
The Library reserves the right to ask any person who is not complying with posted restrictions to stop using the computer, and if that person does not comply, to leave the library. Internet access is filtered on all Library public computers, as required by Colorado law, to block access to obscene and sexually explicit materials. The Library keeps a chart of those items the Internet Filter is supposed to block, and this information is available to the public. The Library does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy of its Internet filters, as the Library Advisory Board believes that complete Internet filtering is not actually possible due to constant changes in the content of the Internet.
Electronic Equipment
Lamar Public Library provides some electronic equipment for check out. To check out electronic equipment a patron must provide a current library card.
- Patron agrees to pay full cost of equipment replacement and a processing fee if equipment is damaged or lost during check-out. Replacement cost is to be determined by the Library.
- Patron must return equipment to Circulation Desk. They are not to return it in the drop boxes.
Gaming Systems
The Lamar Public Library welcomes patrons to use the Gaming System in the Teen Room. The Library’s Gaming Area is designed to offer a casual space, and encourage fun and relaxation. Any damages that occur to the library’s space, equipment, and/or accessories will be the responsibility of the patron(s) using the area at the time the damage occurs. Special events and tournaments may preclude private use. Failure to follow this policy may result in loss of Library Gaming system privileges.