The Internet offers access to a wealth of information that can be personally, professionally, and culturally enriching. Library staff members have attempted to identify on the Flint’s Home Page specific starting points for searches and links to sources on the Internet which are consistent with the Library’s mission and organizational values. But, because the Internet is a vast and unregulated information network, it also enables access to ideas, information, images and commentary beyond the confines of the Library’s collection, mission, selection criteria and collection development policies. Because of this access and because sites on the Internet change rapidly and unpredictably, the Library cannot protect users from information or images that they might find offensive or disturbing.
Not all the information available via the Internet is accurate, current, or complete. Users are encouraged to exercise critical judgment in evaluating the validity of information accessed via the Internet. The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to the Internet.
Providing Internet access at public terminals involves adapting what is ordinarily a private instrument, the personal computer, to a public setting. When using a Library computer, complete privacy cannot be guaranteed. Users are cautioned that the Library public access computers are located in public areas shared by library users of all ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities. Individuals are asked to consider the sensibilities of others when accessing potentially offensive information and images. Use of library terminals for viewing or disseminating illegal images is not permitted.
Users must understand that, because security in an electronic environment such as the Internet cannot be guaranteed, all transactions, files, and communications are vulnerable to unauthorized access and use and, therefore, should be considered public.