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Lakeland Library Cooperative Employee Handbook
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Internet Usage
Internet access to global electronic information resources on the World Wide Web is provided by Lakeland to assist employees in obtaining work-related data and technology. The following guidelines have been established to help ensure responsible and productive Internet usage. While Internet usage is intended for job-related activities, incidental and occasional brief personal use is permitted within reasonable limits. However, misuse of the Internet access or violation of this policy by any employee may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
All Internet data that is composed, transmitted, or received via our computer communications systems is considered to be part of the official records of Lakeland and, as such, is subject to disclosure to law enforcement or other third parties. Consequently, employees should always ensure that the business information contained in Internet email messages and other transmissions is accurate, appropriate, ethical, and lawful.
The equipment, services, and technology provided to access the Internet remains, at all times, the property of Lakeland. As such, Lakeland reserves the right to monitor Internet use and to retrieve and read any data composed, sent, or received through our online connections and/or stored in our computer systems.
Data that is composed, transmitted, accessed, or received via the Internet must not contain content that could be considered discriminatory, offensive, obscene, threatening, harassing, intimidating, or disruptive to any employee or other person. Examples of unacceptable content may include, but are not limited to, sexual comments or images, racial slurs, gender-specific comments, or any other comments or images that could reasonably offend someone on the basis of race, age, sex, religious or political beliefs, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. The Internet is often used to transmit jokes of questionable content. If received the employee should advise the sender not to forward such material in the future, and then delete the material.
The unauthorized use, installation, copying, or distribution of copyrighted, trademarked, or patented material on the Internet is expressly prohibited. As a general rule, if an employee did not create the material, does not own the rights to such material, or has not received authorization for its use, the employee should not put the material on the Internet. Employees are also responsible for ensuring that the person sending any material over the Internet has the appropriate distribution rights.
Internet users should take the necessary anti-virus precautions before downloading or copying any file from the Internet. All downloaded files are to be checked for viruses; all compressed files are to be checked before and after decompression.
Abuse of the Internet access provided by Lakeland in violation of law or Lakeland policies will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Employees may also be held personally liable for any violations of this policy. The following provides a non-exhaustive list of behaviors that are prohibited and that may result in disciplinary action, up to and including discharge:
* Sending or posting discriminatory, harassing, or threatening messages or images
* Using the organization's time and resources for personal gain
* Stealing, using, or disclosing someone else's code or password without authorization
* Copying, pirating, or downloading software and electronic files without permission
* Sending or posting confidential material, trade secrets, or proprietary information outside of the organization
* Violating copyright law
* Failing to observe licensing agreements
* Engaging in unauthorized transactions that may incur a cost to the organization or initiate unwanted Internet services and transmissions
* Sending or posting messages or material that could damage the organization's image or reputation
* Participating in the viewing or exchange of pornography or obscene materials
* Sending or posting messages that defame or slander other individuals
* Attempting to break into the computer system of another organization or person
* Refusing to cooperate with a security investigation
* Sending or posting chain letters, solicitations, or advertisements not related to business purposes or activities
* Using the Internet for political causes or activities, religious activities, or any sort of gambling
* Jeopardizing the security of the organization's electronic communications systems
* Passing off personal views as representing those of the organization
* Sending anonymous email messages
* Engaging in any other illegal or inappropriate activities
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