COMPUTER & INTERNET POLICY
January 16, 2007
PURPOSE:
The Mt. Caesar Union Library Association was established in 1880 to form and
perpetuate a public Library in Swanzey, New Hampshire. It is the policy of the
Association, in accord with its constitution, to preserve our literary and historic heritage,
to continuously aid our community in its efforts to become better informed, and to
encourage independent and constructive thought.
The Mt. Caesar Union Library is committed to providing access to information through
technology. Access to digital information is fundamental for supporting continuous
lifelong learning. To provide access to electronic information, the Mt. Caesar Union
Library offers public access to the Internet.
The Internet is an immense global network of networks that is constantly growing and
evolving, allowing an online user to communicate with others and connect to information
around the world. The Library upholds and affirms the right of individuals to have access
to constitutionally protected material on the Internet.
INTERNET DISCLAIMER:
The content of the Internet is not managed or governed by any entity; therefore users may
encounter materials they consider offensive. Parents and guardians are responsible for
monitoring Internet access by children. The Library Board and its employees assume no
responsibility or liability for damages of any type arising from the use of Library
computers or Internet access.
Additionally, no liability is assumed for damage to non-library software or hardware
resulting from viruses downloaded via the Library's Internet services. Since viruses,
spyware, malware, trojans, and keyloggers are endemic in some portions of the Internet
and especially problematic for public access computers, extreme caution is recommended
with confidential personal data such as passwords, financial records, and personally
identifying information. While the Library has anti-virus and anti-spyware programs in
place, it can not guarantee the effectiveness of these programs. IT IS THEREFORE
RECOMMENDED THAT PATRONS NOT ENTER CONFIDENTIAL PERSONAL
INFORMATION ON THESE COMPUTERS.
All illegal activities defined in State and Federal law are prohibited on Library
computers. Prohibited uses include, but are not limited to copyright abuse, gambling,
child pornography, threatening, and terrorism related activities.
Any restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal
guardian. The Library will not be responsible for what a child accesses on the Internet, or
act in loco parentis (in the place of a parent). Parents are encouraged to accompany their
children and supervise Internet sessions at the Library. Use of the Internet may be
monitored by Library staff.
USER GUIDELINES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Local users must have a valid Library card and register at the circulation desk to obtain
computer and Internet privileges. At that time they will requested to sign a form
acknowledging receipt of this policy and agreeing to abide by its provisions. A
parent/guardian must sign an application form for computer or Internet use for children
under the age of 18. At that time all users will be offered additional information about
safe and responsible use of the Internet.
Non-resident individuals (guests) wishing to use computers and Internet must register at
the circulation desk and present photo identification. Examples of guests would be
campers or vacationers temporarily in the Swanzey area.
Internet users are cautioned against downloading files or programs from questionable
sites since viruses, spyware, malware, and trojans are prevalent in certain portions of the
Internet. Such programs degrade Library computer performance and may cause
computers to be placed out of service while being repaired.
Internet access is limited to a 1/2 hour block of computer time per user. If no other users
are signed up or waiting to use the computer, this time period may be extended.
Unreserved time may be used on a walk-in basis. If the user is late for scheduled time in
excess of 10 minutes, that time block may be forfeited. Computer use is restricted to
regular Library hours and must end 15 minutes before the Library closes. No more than
two persons may share the use of an Internet workstation at the same time without the
explicit approval of the librarian. Study group accommodations may be made with the
staff.
No person shall use a Library computer in a way that disturbs or interferes with users,
employees or operations of the Library. Patrons may not do the following:
a) View, print, distribute, display, send, or receive images, text or graphics of material
that violates laws relating to child pornography.
b) Disseminate, exhibit, or display to minors materials that are obscene or harmful to
minors.
c) Engage, in any way, in any activity which is libelous or slanderous. Nor shall any
patron use any Internet resources to offend, harass, intimidate or threaten any third
party.
d) Violate copyright or software licensing agreements.
e) Gain unauthorized access to any computing, information, or communications
devices or resources.
f) Damage, alter, or degrade computer equipment, peripherals, software, or
configurations.
g) Download data to the Library computers hard drive other than to the Folder in My
Documents, labeled Temporary Patron Data.
h) Install software applications.
i) Internet users under 18 years of age are prohibited from accessing web sites which
contain visual depictions that are obscene and child pornography, as well as visual
depictions that are "harmful to minors."
REVOCATION OF COMPUTER AND INTERNET PRIVILEGES
Mt. Caesar Union Library reserves the right to suspend the computer and Internet
privileges, temporarily or permanently, of any individual found to violate this policy or
who is disruptive or disrespectful of others in the use of Library computers.
|