Internet Use Policy

The internet and its available resources contain a wide variety of material and opinions from varied points of view. In offering Internet access, library staff cannot control access points which often change rapidly and unpredictably. Users are hereby notified that they are responsible for the access points they reach. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the internet through the library’s connection.

The library has implemented filtering softwae on its computers to protect against visual depictions of obscenity child pornography, and materials harmful to minors. While the library attempts through this filtering software to prevent direct access to materials that would not be generally acceptable in a public library, it is technically impossible to prevent access to all objectionable material.

The use of the internet, either using library equipment or through connections provided by the library, is a privilege and access is voluntary. Unacceptable use, as determined by the library, will result in disciplinary action. In this regard, the following specific guidelines will be in effect for the use of the library computer equipment and Internet access:

Sign up is on a first come, first serve basis.

Patrons may use the library’s computers or bring in a personal laptop to connect by wireless connection to the internet. The library’s policy prohibits non-library computers from being plugged into the library’s internet wired network.

Printing must be completed during the allotted computer time.

Care-givers are responsible for assisting and supervising children while using the computers.

The staff will be happy to assist with the basics of our computers. The staff may not have time to teach advanced graphics or word processing. The staff does not teach  programming skills. Still, staff will be happy to direct you to resources in the library or online on these subjects.

The library is not responsible for lost files, computer glitches or unforeseen problems.

Please keep gum away from the computers.

Should more than two people gather at a computer station and it becomes too noisy, the onlookers may be asked to leave.

Only program applications provided by the library may be used at the library. Personal program applications may not be installed onto these machines.

Cardholdrs have an initial time at the computer of 30 minutes with additional time available at the discretion of the staff. If another patron is waiting to use a computer the person having that time on a computer must ‘share’.

Computer sign-up sheets may be viewed by the parent or guardian at any time.

Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to discuss with their children the ramifications of using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communication. Disclosure and dissemination of personal information should also be discussed. Children’s access to the internet is strictly the responsibility of the parent or guardian. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the internet at the library.

Patrons using computer resources are asked to report any computer problems immediately to nearby staff.

These guidelines must be followed by all patrons using the library’s computer resources. Penalties for violations will be imposed commensurate with the nature of the violation.