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Internet Safety and Computer Use Policy
The use of any Internet workstation in the Newburyport Public Library
or access to the Library’s wireless network constitutes acceptance of
this Internet Safety and Computer Use Policy. Patrons reaffirm this
agreement each time they access the Internet in the Library. Failure to
comply with Library policy may lead to the loss of computer and/or
Library privileges.
INTERNET ACCESS
The Newburyport Public
Library provides equal user access to information that is available
through the Internet. This means that people of all ages can search
freely through our Internet access terminals. Computers are available
on a first come first served basis. The Library cannot guarantee access
to a computer.
The Newburyport Public
Library endeavors to maintain access to the Internet. However,
technical, mechanical or other problems may interrupt service. The
Library is not responsible for problems that may arise when patrons are
unable to connect to the Internet.
The Library offers free
wireless Internet access. This is an open, unsecured public network.
The Library assumes no responsibility for the security or safety of
equipment, personal information, or data files resulting from connection
with the Library’s wireless network. Library staff are not able to
provide technical assistance, and no guarantee can be made that patrons
will be able to make a wireless connection.
The Newburyport Public
Library assumes no liability for any loss, damage, or injury to a
Library computer user or network user's data, files, accounts, programs,
or equipment. Furthermore, the Library assumes no liability for any
loss, damage or injury to a third party that results from the actions of
a Library computer user or network user.
The Newburyport Public
Library does not monitor and has no control over the information
accessed through the Internet. The Library, therefore, cannot be held
responsible for the content of the Internet.
The Newburyport Public
Library has no control over the functionality of Internet web sites.
Therefore, the Library cannot be held responsible for the inability of
patrons to access or use specific web sites.
Information on the
Internet comes from many sources throughout the world, including
governmental, corporate, university, organizational and individual;
therefore, Library patrons should note that information the Internet
provides is not always accurate, complete or current.
The library does prohibit
any use of library equipment to access or display material that is
obscene, child pornography or "harmful to minors."
The library will not
tolerate use of its computers in any way that violates local, state or
Federal law.
Use of computers at the
library is a privilege which requires users to be civil and courteous to
other users, Library patrons, and Library staff.
ACCESS by MINOR PATRONS
(under the age of 18)
Parents and guardians, not
the staff of the Newburyport Public Library, are responsible for what
their minors view on the Internet. Parents or guardians who wish to
limit or restrict their minors' access to the Internet must accompany
minors while they are using the Internet in the Library.
The Newburyport Public
Library does not censor or filter the Internet. Be aware that there are
images and information which may be personally offensive, controversial
or inappropriate to you, minors, Library staff or other patrons. It is
the responsibility of parents/guardians to advise their minors
concerning the danger of providing names, addresses, telephone numbers,
or other personal information through chat rooms, instant messaging,
e-mails, and social networking sites.
To address the issue of
access by minors to inappropriate material on the Internet, including
material that is harmful to minors, the Library develops and maintains
special Web sites for minors, encourages staff to guide
minors
away from materials that may be inappropriate, and provides public
training programs on safe and effective Internet use.
Children aged 12 and under
should use the Internet workstations located in the Children's Room. In
order to use a computer outside the Children's Room, children aged 12
and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 and over.
Teen Loft computers are reserved for use
by young adults, specifically students in grade 7 through 12.
PROCEDURES GOVERNING USE
In
order to make the limited computer resources available to as many people
as possible, and to ensure they are used in a manner consistent with
library policy, the Library has developed procedures and implemented
systems to manage their use.
Online catalog computers are designed to be used for the library catalog
only and may not be used for other purposes.
Access to the Library computers is controlled by a PC management
system. Patrons need a valid library card to use the Library computers.
Computer use is limited to one session per day, excluding use of the
Express Station(s).
Session length is limited, but may be extended if no one is waiting.
Instant messaging is not permitted on any Library computer without the
express permission of the librarian on duty.
Library staff may reserve computers for classes, training, or other
library purposes.
Printing costs 10 cents for every page printed. Patrons may pay at the
2nd Floor Reference Desk or the 3rd floor
Technology Center after printing.
The
Newburyport Public Library does not provide e-mail accounts but patrons
may use free on-line e-mail services.
For security reasons, downloading
to the computer hard drive is not permitted. Saving to data storage
devices is not permitted on 2nd floor computers, but is
permitted in the 3rd floor Technology Center.
No
more than two individuals may be at each computer station at one time.
UNACCEPTABLE USE
Viewing pornographic
materials or other graphic images which may be considered obscene in a
public setting.
Disturbing, threatening or
harassing others.
Altering, destroying or
damaging equipment, software, systems, configurations or data, e.g.
downloading to the hard drive, altering the computer's setup, etc.
Unauthorized
copying of copyright - protected materials.
Distributing unsolicited
advertising, messages, or other electronic communication.
Unauthorized disclosure,
use or dissemination of personal identification or information.
Performing any action
that violates local, state or Federal laws while using
the Library's computers or network.
Using another's library
card or disclosing your library card number to another.
Manipulating, avoiding, or
subverting the PC management and/or printing systems.
Failing to pay for
printing.
PENALTIES for UNACCEPTABLE USE
Library staff will issue a corrective warning to any person engaged in
any of the above unacceptable uses. Any subsequent misuse of computer
hardware or software will result in temporary or permanent loss of
computer privileges at the discretion of the Library Director.
LIBRARY STAFF ASSISTANCE
The staff of the Newburyport
Public Library has had basic Internet training. Some staff may have more
experience than others but all are willing to assist patrons in finding
the information they wish to see on the Internet. Staff cannot do
extensive research for patrons.
Library staff cannot provide
in-depth training on the Internet, but patrons can schedule one-hour
basic Internet training sessions with a member of the Information
Services staff. Library staff will make reasonable efforts to assist
patrons in their use of Library computers. However, they are unable to
provide detailed instruction outside of scheduled training sessions. It
is the patron's responsibility to learn the programs they wish to use.
Library staff cannot provide
technical assistance for wireless use.
Revised and approved: Library Board
of Directors on 4/02/07 |