This policy applies to all employees of the Morrisville Public Library who have access to computers and the Internet to be used in the performance of their work. Use of the Internet by employees is permitted and encouraged where such use supports the goals and objectives of the library. However, access to the Internet through the Morrisville Public Library network is a privilege and all employees must adhere to the policies concerning computer, email and Internet usage. Violation of these policies could result in disciplinary and/or legal action leading up to and including termination of employment. Employees may also be held personally liable for damages caused by any violations of this policy. All employees are required to acknowledge receipt and confirm that they have understood and agree to abide by the rules hereunder.
Computer, email and Internet usage
- Employees are expected to use the Internet responsibly and productively.
- Job-related activities include research and educational tasks that may be found via the Internet that would help in the employee’s role.
- All Internet data is composed, transmitted and/or received by the Mid York Library System. It is therefore, subject to disclosure for legal reasons.
- The equipment, services and technology used to access the Internet are the property of the Morrisville Public Library and the library reserves the right to monitor Internet traffic and monitor and access data that is composed, sent or received through its online connections.
- Emails sent via the library email system should not contain content that is deemed to be offensive. This includes, though is not restricted to, the use of vulgar or harassing language/images.
- All sites and downloads may be monitored and/or blocked by the Morrisville Public Library if they are deemed to be harmful and/or not productive to business.
Unacceptable use of the Internet by employees includes, but is not limited to:
- Sending or posting discriminatory, harassing, or threatening messages or images on the Internet via the library’s email service.
- Using computers to perpetuate any form of fraud, and/or software, film or music piracy.
- Stealing, using, or disclosing someone else’s password without authorization.
- Downloading, copying or pirating software, electronic files that are copyrights or without authorization.
- Sharing confidential material, trade secrets, or proprietary information outside of the library.
- Hacking into unauthorized websites.
- Sending or posting information that is defamatory to the library, it’s services, employees and/or patrons.
- Introducing malicious software onto the library’s network and/or jeopardizing the security of the library’s electronic communication system.
- Sending or posting chain letters, solicitations, or advertisements not related to business purposed or activities.
- Passing off personal views as representing those of the library.
- Engaging in private or personal business activities, including excessive use of instant messaging, social media sites and chat rooms.
- Accessing networks, servers, drivers, folders, or files to which the employee has not been granted access or authorization from someone with the right to make such a request.
- Making unauthorized copies of Library files or other library data.
- Destroying, deleting, erasing or concealing library files, or other library data, or otherwise making such files or data unavailable or inaccessible to the Library Manager or Board of Trustees.
Employees must be aware that the electronic mail messages sent and received using the Library’s equipment or Library provided Internet access, including web-based messaging systems used with such systems or access, are not private and are subject to viewing, downloading, inspection, release and archiving by the Library Board of Trustees or Library Manager at all times. The Library has the right to inspect any and all files stored in private areas of the network or on an individual’s computer or storage media in order to assure compliance with library policies and state and federal laws.
It is a violation of the Library policy for any employee, including the Library Manager and the Board of Trustees, to access email and computer system files to satisfy curiosity about the affairs of others, unless such access is directly related to that employee’s job duties. Persons found to have engaged in such activities will be subject to disciplinary action.
The Library has licensed the use of certain commercial software application programs for business purposes. Third parties retain ownership and distribution rights to such software. No employee may create, use or distribute copies of such software that are not in compliance with the license agreements for the software.
If an employee is unsure about what constituted acceptable Internet usage, then he/she should ask the Library Manager for further guidance and clarification.
All terms and conditions as stated in this policy are applicable to all employees of the Morrisville Public Library’s network and Internet connection. All terms and conditions as stated reflect an agreement of all parties and should be governed and interpreted in accordance with the procedures mentioned above. Any employee violating these is subject to disciplinary actions deemed appropriate by the Library Board of Trustees.
Social Media Use by Employees
At the Morrisville Public Library, we understand that social media can be a fun and rewarding way to share your life and opinions with family, friends, an co-workers around the world. However, use of social media also presents certain risks and carries with it certain responsibilities. To assist you in making responsible decisions about your use of social media, we have established these guidelines for appropriate use of social media.
- Know and follow the rules-Carefully read the library’s staff computer use policy and ensure your postings are consistent with this policy. Inappropriate postings may include discriminatory remarks, harassment, and threats of violence or similar inappropriate or unlawful conduct will not be tolerated and may subject you to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
- Be respectful-Always be fair and courteous to fellow employees or people who work on behalf of the library.
- Be honest and accurate- Make sure you are always honest and accurate when posting information or news, and if you make a mistake, correct it quickly. Be open about any previous posts you have altered. Never post any information or rumors that you know to be false about the Library, trustees, other co-workers or people working on behalf of the library.
- Post only appropriate and respectful content- Maintain the confidentiality of the library trade secrets and private or confidential information. Express only your personal opinions. Never represent yourself as a spokesperson for the library (unless asked to). Make it clear that you are not speaking on behalf of the library.
- Using social media at work- The library allows the use of social media while working but refrain from it until all your job duties and/or patrons are taken care of.
User Compliance
I understand and will abide by the Staff Computer Use Policy. I further understand that should I commit any violation of this policy, my access privileges may be revoked, disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.
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Employee’s Signature Date
Failure to follow and abide by this policy may result in poor evaluations by the Library Manager or further disciplinary action as stated in Section (I) of the Library Personal Policy.
Adopted November 20, 2014; Amended March 19, 2015
