Library Internet Access and Acceptable Use Policy

Introduction

The Internet is a global electronic information infrastructure, consisting of many connections between computers and computer networks that allow information to be easily and swiftly transferred between computers. The internet is used by educators, businesses, the government, the military and other organizations, as well as private individuals. The Upton Town Library provides access to the Internet for the purpose of searching for information relevant to academic, business or personal interests.

The most commonly used means of accessing information from the Internet is the World Wide Web, a system which allows individuals and organizations to share information in text, graphical, audio and video formats. Other common uses of the internet are email, a means of sending written messages or computer files from one person to another, and instant messenger, a form of written personal communication similar to speaking on a telephone.

The Internet and its available resources may contain material considered controversial. In offering Internet access, library staff cannot control access points which often change rapidly and unpredictably, nor can they monitor the broad range of information easily accessible through the World Wide Web. Users are hereby reminded that it is their responsibility to control what access points are reached, and what information is obtained. As with other library materials, restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.

Neither the Upton Town Library Board of Trustees, nor the Library staff, nor the Town of Upton is liable for any negative consequences that may occur as a result of using the Library's Internet connection. The Library is an advocate for free speech and expression; we support the American Library Association (ALA) interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights for Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks as adopted by the ALA Council on January 24, l996.

Current Library-Provided Resources

As of January 1, 2006, the Upton Town Library provides free, unfiltered and unmonitored Internet access from three public computer workstations. All of these workstations are equipped with word processing programs and browser programs to access the World Wide Web. Two of these workstations are also equipped with instant messenger programs. One workstation has a document scanner. All workstations have color printers. Patrons are allowed to print for a fee of 10 cents per page. Our public internet connection is provided by Charter Communications. We are not able to allow patrons to connect their personal computers to our internet connection, printers, or other equipment. The Library staff will attempt to provide basic assistance with using our computer systems. However, the demands on our time and expertise do not allow us to offer services as computer instructors or troubleshooters.

Acceptable Use

Access to and use of the Internet is a privilege and should be treated as such by all users of the system. The Upton Town Library and its staff cannot monitor the information accessed by our users or the content of any messages sent or received over our public Internet connection. We expect all users of our resources to abide by all applicable local, state and federal laws regarding use of the Internet, copyright protections and personal interactions.

The following purposeful activities characterize unethical and unacceptable Internet usage:
· Attempting to gain unauthorized access to the resources of the Internet;
· Disrupting the intended use of the Internet;
· Destroying the integrity of computer-based information on the Internet;
· Violation of any legal copyright protections;
· Compromising the privacy of users.

Additionally, the Library does not allow patrons to:
· Download or install software onto our computers;
· Modify or adjust any settings or configurations of our computer hardware or software;
· Use software contained on floppy discs or CD discs not provided by the library.
· Save personal files or information on our computers.

Printouts of information may be made on the library’s printers at a cost of 10 cents per page. Blank floppy discs are available at the circulation desk at a cost of 25 cents per disc. The library provides headphones for listening to audio information. Audio must be kept at a volume that is inaudible to anyone other than the computer user. Personal headphones may be used, provided that they are compatible with our computer systems. A privacy screen is available upon request.

Only one patron should be working at each computer, except for a parent assisting their child. Patrons that have not reserved a computer slot may be asked to leave the computer area.

Patrons are allowed to reserve one ˝ hour time slot per day. After the reserved slot, patrons may continue to use the unreserved time until someone else requests use of that computer, at which time they must turn over use of the computer immediately. Any patrons engaging in disruptive or offensive behavior while in the computer area will be asked to leave the library. Patrons viewing material which may be considered offensive will be asked to use a privacy screen or to relocate to a private area within the library. Any Patrons engaging in illegal activity or otherwise violating the terms of this policy will be asked to leave the library, and may have their library account blocked.

The Upton Town Library provides unfiltered, unmonitored Internet access. By reserving computer time, patrons accept responsibility for any and all consequences of their use of the library’s electronic resources. Parents bear the sole responsibility for regulating their children’s use of library resources.