INTERNET STAFF USE POLICY

APPENDIX 5
HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY
INTERNET STAFF USE POLICY

The Hennepin County Library offers tools useful for living in a democracy. The Internet is an evolving yet powerful tool which significantly enhances our ability to share resources and ideas. Its use promises to reshape our society and challenge the very tenets of our democracy. Thoughtful preparation is essential for us to harness the Internet's potential and meet the challenges of the future.

It is the policy of the Hennepin County Library to encourage staff to use the Internet to the fullest of its potential in order to further the library's mission, to provide effective service of the highest quality to its patrons, to discover innovative and creative ways to use resources and improve service, and to promote staff development.

It is the policy of the Hennepin County Library to provide staff with training opportunities and guidance to make use of Internet resources. Elements of training include: attendance at workshops, sharing of information at staff meetings, access to instructional materials, and worktime to practice skills.

The primary uses of the Internet are described below in rank order.

1. Encourage use of the Internet to accomplish job responsibilities.
Examples:

a. Providing reference service.

b. Obtaining timely cataloging information.

c. Acquisition of materials (e.g. electronic journals, government documents).

2. Encourage use of the Internet for work-related contacts and career development.
Examples:

a. Communication with fellow members of a committee.

b. Participation in listserv discussion groups.

c. Collaboration on articles and other writing.

d. Identification of educational opportunities.

e. Development of Internet skills.

3. In order to practice Internet skills and explore Internet resources, allow personal use of the Internet by HCL staff on personal time including remote access to HCL Internet account.
Examples:

a. Sending e-mail to colleagues and friends.

b. Reading listservs on personal interest topics.

Status:
Approved by Internet Team: 4/17/95
Approved by Administrative Committee: 5/9/95

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	a.	Providing reference service.
	b.	Obtaining timely cataloging information.
	c.	Acquisition of materials (e.g. electronic journals, government documents).

	a.	Communication with fellow members of a committee.
	b.	Participation in listserv discussion groups.
	c.	Collaboration on articles and other writing.
	d.	Identification of educational opportunities.
	e.	Development of Internet skills.

	a.	Sending e-mail to colleagues and friends.
	b.	Reading listservs on personal interest topics.

APPENDIX 5 HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY INTERNET STAFF USE POLICY

APPENDIX 5
HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY
INTERNET STAFF USE POLICY