Wilmington Memorial Library - Policies: Internet Policy

Policies

Computer Policy

Library’s Mission

In keeping with its stated mission “enrich the community by providing access to intellectual, cultural and recreational resources to all citizens,” the Wilmington Memorial Library is committed to providing all patrons the opportunity to utilize the latest advances in information technology. It is within this context that the Wilmington Memorial Library offers unrestricted access to the Internet, electronic resources, and available software.

Procedures and Guidelines for Computer Use

Sign-In

To use a computer, patrons must first sign in with date, time and initials. This information is for statistical us only.
Sign-in sheets are located near the computers on both floors of the library.
If no computers are available, patrons wishing to use a computer are asked to

notify the reference desk. Signing the sign-in sheet does not put patrons in line to use the computers.

Limits on Computer Use

Due to a limited number of library workstations, time is limited to thirty

minutes when others are waiting. All computers will automatically shut down 10 minutes prior to close. There is no time limit on the use of the wireless network.

Computers located on the 2^nd floor of the building are intended for patrons

under the age of 18 and for adults accompanying children. Patrons over the age of 18 may be asked to move their work to the 1^st floor computers.

Computers located on the first floor of the building are intended for patrons over

the age of 18. Patrons under the age of 18 may be asked to move their work to the second floor computers.

Patrons should have adequate computer skills in order to use the library

computers. The library staff will assist patrons as time permits, but cannot offer personal instruction. Patrons are encouraged to sign up for a free computer basics tutorial session offered by the library if assistance is needed.

Library staff is not available to assist patrons with the wireless network.

Users are responsible for configuring their own equipment. The Library does not guarantee all wireless devices will work with our network.

Printing and Saving

Black and white printing is available free of charge for the first five pages

printed per library visit. Additional printing is 10 cents per page.

Color printing is available for 25 cents per page. The first five pages are

not free when printing in color. Printing is not available via the wireless network. Patrons wishing to print must first transfer their work to the library computers.

The library is not responsible for the recovery of any files saved to the

library computers. All files saved to the library computers are deleted throughout the day. Patrons may save their work on a floppy disk, CD, or flash drive. CDs and floppy disks are available for purchase at the circulation desk on the first floor.

Responsible Use of the Internet, Computer Workstations, and Wireless Network

All users of the library’s computers and wireless network are expected to use these resources in a responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which they are provided, and to follow the rules and regulations in this policy.

Unacceptable use of the computers, Internet, and/or wireless network, including but not limited to the following activities, is prohibited:

Using the computers, Internet, and/or wireless network for any illegal purpose.
Using the computers, Internet, and/or wireless network in violation of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272, Section 29 which prohibits dissemination or possession of obscene matter.
Using the computers, Internet, and/or wireless network in violation of Massachusetts General Laws 272, Section 28, which prohibits dissemination of material harmful to minors, as defined in Section 31.
Unauthorized disclosing, using or disseminating, personal identity information about minors.
Compromising the privacy of other patrons.
Transmitting materials or messages that are threatening, harassing, defamatory, libelous, or slanderous.
Violating copyright or software licenses.
“Hacking” or attempting to modify or gain unauthorized access to files, passwords, or data belonging to the library or to other parties.
Damaging computer hardware or altering software on any computers.

Misuse Penalties

The library reserves the right to take appropriate action to insure compliance with this policy. Violators of this policy may lose computer privileges or in some cases library privileges. Illegal acts involving the use of the library’s computers may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

Internet Access

The Internet, a vast global electronic network, offers unlimited information of every kind both educational and recreational. Its strength is the vastness and wealth of information, allowing access to ideas, information and opinions from around the world. Unlike print resources, the Internet is characterized by constant change. While Internet resources may be useful and enriching, they may also be outdated, inaccurate and illegal, and even offensive and disturbing to some individuals.

The Wilmington Memorial Library offers unfiltered computer and Internet access. The library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and is not responsible for its content. Patrons are advised to exercise judgment when evaluating the usefulness and reliability of material found on the Internet. Neither the Board of Trustees of the Wilmington Memorial Library, the library staff, nor the Town of Wilmington is liable for any negative consequences that may occur as a result of using the library’s Internet connection.

The wireless Internet access offered is unfiltered via an open, unsecured wireless network. It is strongly recommended that the network not be used to transmit personal, financial or legal data. It is not possible for the Library to protect against malicious theft or interception of such data transmitted over our network. The Library will not be responsible for any information (i.e. credit card) that is compromised, or for any damage caused to hardware or software due to electrical surges, security issues or consequences caused by viruses or hacking. Use of the wireless network is entirely at the risk of the user. The library disclaims all liability for loss of confidential information or damages resulting from that loss.

The library strives to balance the rights of patrons to access all types of information resources with the rights of patrons and staff to work in a public setting free from disruptive sounds and offensive visuals. Patrons are reminded that the library’s computer terminals are located in public areas which are shared with library users and staff of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities. Individuals are expected to consider this diversity and respect the sensibilities of others when accessing potentially offensive information or images. The library reserves the right to ask users to refrain from displaying these kinds of computer images.

Children’s Use of the Internet

In accordance with the American Library Association “Library Bill of Rights” and a supplemental document entitled “Access to Electronic Information Services and Networks”, the library does not set an age limit on access to electronic information. In the Children’s Room, the library staff will refer children to appropriate web resources. As with other library materials, parents and legal guardians, not the library staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents who are concerned about their children’s use of the Internet are expected to provide guidance to their own children. The Library strongly urges parents to instruct children never to give out personal information (name, address, telephone number, password, credit card number) online. Please be aware that the library’s “Policy for the Safety of Children in the Library” states that “children under 10 may not be left unattended in the building.”

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees April 15, 2008

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