Use of Technology

Purpose

The FFPL Board recognizes the importance of computers and the internet as work tools and sources of information. The FFPLTC supports the use of computers and internet technology by FFPLTC Staff in their work, while recognizing the need to protect its network, systems and resources. This policy covers FFPLTC Staff and Board use of FFPLTC computers, devices, e-mail systems and networks.

FFPLTC Staff and Board computer and internet use relies on Town of Fort Frances IT resources and are therefore subject to the Town of Fort Frances Information Technology Resources Policy.

Personal Use

1. While working in the FFPLTC, FFPLTC Staff must refrain from online activities that don’t bring value to the FFPLTC or which waste FFPLTC Staff time or network resources.

   FFPLTC Staff may make reasonable personal use of FFPLTC computer equipment, access to the internet and e-mail on their own time, provided it does not adversely affect their work or the work of others, and has minimal effect on the FFPLTC’s resources.

2. Computer resources cannot be used for private financial gain or commercial purposes.

Business Use

1. Any correspondence sent from a FFPLTC email address, or when a FFPLTC Staff member is identified as an employee of the FFPLTC, should be treated as a professional document.
2. FFPLTC Staff must observe the FFPLTC’s standard of confidentiality (e.g. privacy legislation) when communicating electronically.

3. All FFPLTC Staff have an obligation to protect systems and data.

   Passwords and access codes must not be disclosed to unauthorized FFPLTC Staff or the public.

Prohibited Use

The FFPLTC’s computers, network and access to the internet are not to be used to:

1. introduce any form of malicious software into the network
2. visit internet sites that may be offensive; including, but not limited to obscene, hateful, pornographic or illegal material
3. perpetrate any form of fraud, including software, film or music piracy
4. hack into unauthorized areas
5. send offensive or harassing material to other users

Misuse

1. FFPLTC Staff will be accountable to the CEO for their use of the FFPLTC’s computer network and internet access.
2. The CEO or Designate will investigate any suspected misuse of resources.
3. If there is a need to monitor or access non-work related files, the FFPLTC Staff member will normally be asked for his or her consent. There may be exceptions such as when there is reason to believe the law has been broken.
4. The CEO will decide, in light of the outcome of an investigation of possible misuse of computing resources, if disciplinary action is appropriate, and act in accordance with established disciplinary procedures.

5. Downloading software or attachments onto a work computer increases the risk of a virus propagating throughout the network.

   FFPLTC Staff should download any files and software in a responsible manner and in accordance with Library policy and procedures.