Internet Policy
Library's Mission
In keeping with its stated mission "to ensure that all the people
of Wilmington have free and open access to information and ideas,"
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
unfiltered access to the Internet.
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useful and enriching, they may also be outdated, inaccurate and illegal,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 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 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."
Responsible Use of the Internet
All users of the library's electronic information resources including
the Internet 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.
The following activities are considered unacceptable use of the Internet and are prohibited:
- Using the Internet for any illegal purpose.
- Using the Internet in violation of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272, Section 29 which prohibits dissemination or possession of obscene matter.
- Using the Internet 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 using the Internet.
- Using the Internet to transmit materials or messages that are threatening, harassing or defamatory
- Using the Internet to transmit materials or messages that are 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.
- Accessing chat lines.
Misuse Penalties
The library reserves the right to take appropriate action to
insure compliance with this policy. Violators of this policy may lose
Internet 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.
Procedures and Guidelines for Internet Use
- To use the Internet, patrons must sign up at the reference desk. Due to the limited number of Internet workstations, time is limited to thirty minutes. If no one is waiting, the librarian may permit additional time. During busy periods, the librarian may limit Internet use to 15 minutes at a time.
- Normally one person per Internet workstation is allowed. Due to the limited number of Internet workstations, library staff may allow individuals working together to use an Internet computer.
- Patrons should have adequate computer skills in order to use the Internet. The library staff will assist patrons with Internet use as time permits, but cannot offer personal instruction. The library offers an introductory Internet class for Internet beginners.
- There is no cost for printing the first five pages from the Internet. Any additional printing is 10 cents per page.
Approved by the Board of Library Trustees April 15, 2003
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