Public Computing and Internet Use Policy

Effective Date: June 19, 2023

Purpose

The Public Computing and Internet Use Policy (the Policy) governs computer, internet, and technology resource use at the Library. The purpose of this Policy is to set out the terms and conditions for public computing at the Library, and to ensure that internet use conforms with all applicable laws and the Library is maintained as a welcoming and supportive environment free from discrimination and harassment.

Scope

For the purpose of this Policy, public computing is defined as the in-branch hardware, applications, software, and peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and USB devices used by customers to effectively make use of the Library’s public computers and/or wired or wireless networks. Internet services are defined as the Library’s wired and wireless networks.

The Policy also includes printing and scanning services, as well as computing devices provided by customers such as external flash drives or storage devices.

The Policy applies to all library users with or without a library card using technology resources and internet services at all Library locations, online, or at an external outreach location.

Internet access provided through the Library's lendable technology equipment (e.g., Wi-Fi Hotspots) is out of scope of this Policy and is covered by the corresponding loan policy and agreement form.

Underlying Principles

The Public Computing and Internet Use Policy is driven by principles defined in the Library’s Values, Vision and Mission and in TPL's Equity Statement and Intellectual Freedom Statement.

The policy aligns with relevant government legislation such as Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), and the Criminal Code of Canada.

The Library supports the individual accessibility needs of persons with disabilities and respects the principles of dignity, independence, equal opportunity, and integration.

Policy Statement

The Library provides free and reliable public access to computer hardware, software and internet service (wireless or wired) to fulfill its mission to preserve and promote universal access to a broad range of human knowledge, experience, information, and ideas.

  1. General
    • 1.1 Computer hardware, software and internet access enables the Library to connect customers to ideas, information, and commentary from around the globe and to offer access to many valuable local, national, and international resources.
    • 1.2 Specific software, hardware, and technology resources may vary from branch to branch.
    • 1.3 Access to anonymous web browsers is available at some locations.
    • 1.4 Access to internet service provided by the Library is offered on a first come, first served basis and may be subject to time limits.
    • 1.5 The Library does not guarantee consistent quality and speed of hardware, software, and internet services across locations.
    • 1.6 While every effort is made to have technology resources available for customer use, the Library may at times reserve technology resources for specific programs, services or upgrades and repairs.
  2. Internet Safety & Privacy
    • 2.1 The internet is an unregulated environment. It contains information and opinions that range in scope from reliable and authoritative to controversial or extremely offensive.
    • 2.2 Some information found on the internet may not be accurate, complete, or current. Users must assess the validity of the information found.
    • 2.3 Users should be aware that others might be able to view the information displayed on computer monitors, and that the internet is not secure and third parties may be able to obtain information about users’ activities.
    • 2.4 The Library assumes no responsibility for the security and privacy of transactions performed using computer hardware, software, and/or internet services.
    • 2.5 The Library is not responsible for the privacy or security of confidential or sensitive information transmitted over the internet service.
  3. Access by Minors
    • 3.1 Specific Library workstation(s) and internet-enabled devices with filtering software are available for children ages 12 and under in designated areas of every branch (excluding the Toronto Reference Library). The Library assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or effectiveness of the filtering service.
    • 3.2 Children ages 12 and under are entitled to access all information and facilities in the Library. As with other library materials, children’s access to computing hardware, software, and the internet service is the responsibility of parents or guardians.
  4. Liability
    • 4.1 With the exception of filters on designated children’s computers and internet-enabled devices, the Library does not manage the content of the information accessed through the wired or wireless internet service and only assumes responsibility for the information provided on Library-developed websites, apps, and other digital products.
    • 4.2 The Library is not responsible for the content of links or secondary links from its website(s), affiliate websites, or third-party vendors.
    • 4.3 The Library is not responsible for the loss or damage of files or customer peripherals when using computer hardware, software, or accessories.
    • 4.4 The Library assumes no responsibility for any direct or indirect claims, damages or costs sought by users or third parties arising from users’ access to public computing and internet service.
  5. Legal Compliance
    • 5.1 The Library’s users are subject to federal, provincial and municipal legislation regulating computer and internet use, including the provisions of the Criminal Code.
    • 5.2 Use of the Library’s computer hardware, software, or internet services for a purpose or action that is, or the Library reasonably believes to be, contrary to the law or any of the Library’s Rules of Conduct or policies is prohibited.
    • 5.3 Users must comply with copyright laws, privacy laws, licensing agreements, and other intellectual property rights. The Library is not responsible for infringements of these laws.
  6. Public Space
    • 6.1 Users should bear in mind that they are accessing computer hardware and the internet service in a public setting.
    • 6.2 All users of the Library, including users of the Library’s public computing and internet services are expected to follow the Library’s Rules of Conduct, which are designed to ensure a welcoming and supportive environment, free from discrimination and harassment.
    • 6.3 Violations of this Policy and/or the Rules of Conduct may result in exclusion from the Library, suspension of Library privileges, and prosecution.
  7. Staff Assistance
    • 7.1 Upon request, staff may provide assistance with a customer’s personal device(s) that may require Library staff to operate, change settings, and/or install/update software on the device.
    • 7.2 The Library is not responsible for damage to property, equipment malfunction, configuration, and software changes or the loss or transmission of users’ data as a result of staff assistance.
    • 7.3 Staff may decline to provide assistance such as in situations that involve the disclosure of private information including financial and/or legal transactions, and/or requests that violate the Library’s Rules of Conduct.
    • 7.4 Staff are available to provide assistance with Library computing resources, but may not be able to provide advanced technical support beyond the scope of their professional capabilities.
  8. Conditions of Use
    • 8.1 The Library reserves the right to limit internet use in terms of the amount of time used and/or network capacity/bandwidth, and terminate an internet and/or a computer session at any time.
    • 8.2 Customers will be automatically logged off the computer when the session expires. The browsing history will be cleared, and all files saved to the computer will be deleted and non-recoverable as per the Online Privacy and Access to Information Policy.
    • 8.3 Non-TPL devices (e.g., laptops, tablets, portable gaming devices) must not be physically connected to the Library’s network.
    • 8.4 Users represent and warrant that all of the information they provide to the Library in order to log onto the computer is correct and current, and they are not prohibited by any law, order, or judgment (whether civil or criminal) from accessing the internet.
    • 8.5 Unauthorized actions are strictly prohibited and may result in loss of internet access and possible suspension from the Library. These include, but are not limited to, altering or installing hardware or software, bypassing the computer reservation software, and unauthorized network access.
  9. Customer Feedback on Computer or Wi-Fi usage
    • 9.1 TPL welcomes suggestions, compliments or feedback in accordance with the Customer Service Feedback Standards & Practices.
    • 9.2 The Library believes that a vital society encourages members of its community to actively participate in an open exchange of ideas and opinions.
    • 9.3 The content accessed by some Library customers, may, on occasion, be considered to be offensive by other Library customers. The Library recognizes the right of any individual or group to reject content for personal use, but does not accord to any individual or group the right to restrict the freedom of others to make use of that same content.
    • 9.4 The Library does not manage the content of the information accessed through the wired or wireless internet service. The Library is also not responsible for the content of links or secondary links from its website(s), affiliate websites, or third-party vendors.
    • 9.5 Library customers who have feedback about Computer or Wi-Fi use may submit written feedback. Feedback forms are available for this purpose on TPL's website.

Accountability

The Director, Branch Operations & Customer Experience is responsible for ensuring the policy is implemented and enforced.

Related Legislation

Related Library Policies and Statements

Related Standards, Procedures, and Guidelines

Contact

Director, Branch Operation & Customer Experience