Belleville Public Library provides public access to the Internet to fulfill its mission of providing equitable access to information, and to meet the educational, recreational and cultural needs of our community.

The Library Board has established the following policy for Internet use in the library:

The Internet enables the Library to connect electronically to ideas, information and commentary and to offer access to many valuable local, national and international resources.  Belleville Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet, and cannot be held responsible for its content.  Not all Internet sources provide accurate, complete, age-appropriate or current information.  It is the user’s responsibility to question the validity of any information.

Belleville Public Library recognizes that children are entitled to access to all information and services of the Library, including the Internet. However, Belleville Public Library does not act in place or in the absence of a parent or guardian.  Parents or guardians are responsible for monitoring their children’s Internet use at the Library.  In keeping with the public library's tradition of providing age-appropriate materials for children in safe and welcoming environments, the Library provides filtered Internet workstations in the Children’s area which are available only to children under 12 years old.  Belleville Public Library assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and effectiveness of any installed filter.

With the exception of filters on designated children's workstations, the Library does not manage the content of the information accessed through the Internet and assumes responsibility only for the information provided on its own home pages.  Belleville Public Library's users are subject to federal, provincial and municipal legislation regulating Internet use, including the provisions of the Criminal Code regarding obscenity, child pornography, sedition and the incitement of hate. The use of the Library's Internet services for illegal purposes is prohibited, and may result in prosecution.

Internet workstations are situated in public areas shared by Library users of all ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities. Users are required to use the Internet in accordance with this environment and with consideration for fellow Library users. Viewing of sexually explicit material is prohibited.  All users of Belleville Public Library, including users of the Library's Internet services, are also required to follow the Library's Rules of Conduct which are designed to ensure a welcoming environment. Disruptive, threatening, or otherwise intrusive behaviour is not allowed and Library staff are authorized to take action. Violations of this Policy and/or the Rules of Conduct may result in suspension of library privileges and exclusion from the Library, as well as prosecution.

Certain copying or distribution of material found on the Internet may infringe on copyright or other intellectual property rights. The Library is not responsible for such infringements. 

Wireless Internet Access

Free wireless Internet access is available throughout the library for the use of laptops or other wireless devices. Users of the wireless Internet service are bound by the terms of Belleville Public Library's Rules of Conduct and Internet Use Policy.

The Library's wireless access points are unsecured connections to the Internet. The Library is not responsible for data transmitted or loss of information over the wireless network. Users should be aware that third parties may be able to obtain information about users' activities when using the wireless service to connect to the Internet. The Library assumes no responsibility for the security and privacy of on-line transactions.

 Approved by the Belleville Public Library Board April 2011

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Library Rules of Conduct

Approved:       May 18th 2010

The Belleville Public Library and John M. Parrott Art Gallery strives to provide everyone with fair and equitable access to a wide range of library services in a welcoming environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. Everyone has the right to equal treatment with respect to the access and use of the Library’s services and facilities without discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, race, colour, ethnic origin, creed and all other grounds set out in the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Discrimination and harassment will not be tolerated under any circumstances. These rules are intended to prevent such conduct and to ensure the dignity and safety of all and to maintain the security of library property without disruption to library services.

Staff make every effort to apply these rules in a fair and positive manner for the benefit of all. We ask your cooperation in maintaining a welcoming environment conducive to study and enjoyable use of the Library.

1.) Threatening, abusive, discriminatory or harassing language or conduct of any kind is not allowed.

2.) Damage, misuse, or theft of library materials, equipment and property is not allowed. Interfering with the designated use of computers and networks is also not allowed.

3.) Disruptive or intrusive behaviour is not allowed.

4.) Members of the public may not make requests for service based on prohibited grounds of discrimination under the Human Rights Code.

5.) Children requiring supervision must not be left unattended on library premises.

6.) Members of the public may use only authorized entrances and exits and are not allowed in "Staff Only" areas without permission.

7.) Members of the public must open all bags, books and papers for inspection if requested by staff.

8.) Library materials not yet checked out may not be taken into washrooms.

9.) Posting notices, distributing circulars or petitions, soliciting or engaging in any commercial activity on library property must not be conducted without prior written approval of the Library.

10.) Photographing, filming or video recording on library property must not be conducted without prior written approval of the Library.

11.) Members of the public must wear shirts and shoes and other appropriate attire. Use of sports equipment is not allowed on library property.

12.) Eating and drinking are allowed in designated areas only.

Animals are not permitted in library buildings, except in authorized programs or when needed to assist a person with a disability.

Any behaviour that does not support a welcoming environment and/or violates the Rules of Conduct may result in cost-recovery charges, suspension of library privileges, exclusion from the Library and prosecution. These rules have been approved by the Belleville Public Library Board.

We would like to take this opportunity to inform you about the personal information that we collect, how it is used, how we protect its confidentiality and your rights in respect of this information.

The nature of personal information we collect may include:

• information we receive from you such as your name, address and other contact information
• information about your transactions with us, such as library barcode number, personal identification number (PIN), material currently on loan, history of material recently on loan, outstanding fines and fees

Belleville Public Library uses the information we collect for the following purposes:

• to provide you with library services
• to assist us in the collection of outstanding accounts, including disclosure to our Collection Agency as required
• to respond to your enquiries about our service
• to prevent fraud – abuse of library services with respect to both you and the Library
• to solicit support for library programs and services

• to meet legal requirements

You have the right to request access to your personal information that we have collected, and to request amendments to personal information about you to ensure its accuracy and completeness. To make a request for access to personal information we may have collected, disclosed or used about you or to request that your personal information be amended, please contact our Circulation Services Department.

We want to ensure that you understand our need to collect and use personal information in the delivery of our services. Please feel free to contact us if you have concerns about the collection and use of your personal information.

Should you wish to withdraw your consent to the use of your personal information for the solicitation of support for library programs and services, you have the option of doing so. Simply submit your request in writing to: Chief Executive Officer, Privacy Official, Belleville Public Library, 254 Pinnacle Street, Belleville, Ontario K8N 3B1; or by facsimile to (613) 968-6841 or by e-mail to lbell@bellevillelibrary.com

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Accessibility for People with Disabilities Policy 

The goal of this policy is to ensure that Belleville Public Library meets the standards set by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 ("AODA") and its regulations.

Belleville Public Library welcomes and encourages people with disabilities to use library services. The Library will provide access to library services for people with disabilities in a way that respects their rights to dignity, independence and integration.

The Library will establish policies, practices and procedures which support the accessibility standards established under the AODA on customer service, information and communication, employment and the built environment.

This policy applies to the delivery of operations, services and programs provided by Belleville Public Library.

Provision of Services

In keeping with Belleville Public Library's mandate to provide free and equitable access in a welcoming and supportive environment, the Library will:

·         Provide services in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities and provides them with an equal opportunity to learn about, use or benefit from library services;

·         Integrate services for people with disabilities.  The Library understands that equitable access sometimes requires different treatment including separate or specialized services.  However, such services will be offered in a way that respects the dignity and full participation of people with disabilities.

Training
The Library will train staff, volunteers and contractors who interact with the public to meet the needs of people with disabilities. This includes the training and documentation requirements in the AODA and its regulations.

Feedback Process

The Library welcomes customer feedback and makes information available to all customers on how to provide feedback. Feedback is accepted by the Library in a variety of formats. Staff assistance is available to support all patrons, including people with disabilities, in providing feedback.

Support People

The Library welcomes people with disabilities and accompanying support people. When admission fees are charged for library programs or services, admission fees will be waived for support people, or advance notice will be given of any admission fees that support people must pay.

Service Animals

The Library welcomes service animals that are needed to assist people with disabilities.

Assistive Devices

The Library will make reasonable efforts to facilitate the use of assistive devices that enable people with disabilities to use the Library's services. The Library also recognizes that accessibility can be achieved and provided in different ways.

Notice of Temporary Service Disruption

The Library will provide notice of service disruptions which include the reason for the disruption, how long the disruption will last and a description of available alternatives, if any. In the event of an unplanned disruption, notice will be provided as quickly as possible.

Definitions

"Assistive Device"

An assistive device is a tool, technology or other mechanism that enables a person with a disability to do everyday tasks and activities such as moving, communicating or lifting (examples include, walkers, magnifiers for reading, etc...).

"Barrier"

A barrier is any policy, practice or procedure, or part of the built environment, that prevents someone with a disability from participating fully in library programs or services because of his or her disability.

"Disability"

As defined in the AODA, disability can include: a) physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement, b) mental impairment or developmental disability, c) learning disability, d) mental disorder, and e) an injury or disability for which government benefits are received.

"Reasonable Efforts"

The Customer Service Standard requires organizations to make reasonable efforts to meet the needs of people with disabilities. The Library defines reasonable efforts as providing the best possible service within the context of: available resources, balancing the needs of people with disabilities with others who may encounter barriers to access and with the community at large, the health and safety of Library staff and volunteers, the security of Library property and existing laws and contracts.

Approved by the Belleville Public Library Board