Edwards Public Library

Policy and Guidelines for Library

Internet Use and Safety

Internet Use and Safety Access

The Library provides access to the Internet to help meet the diverse needs of its patrons. Internet resources offer a wealth of information that augments library collections. The library has no responsibility for content found on the Internet, including information that may be inaccurate, out-of-date, offensive or illegal. The Edwards Public Library Board of Trustees endorses the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights, a policy that protects a person’s freedom to choose library materials free from censorship.

Filtering

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the Internet is a forum of free expression, and as such is protected by the First Amendment. The Library does not use filtering software to block access to the Internet or the World Wide Web.

Safety

Parents and guardians are expected to set and enforce rules for their children’s use of the Internet as well as expectations for behavior of older children in public places. Parents are encouraged to accompany children under 10 years old in using the Internet.

Computers in the Children’s Area of the Library are reserved for the exclusive use of minors and their parent or guardian. Adults not accompanying minors are prohibited from using computers in this area of the building without express permission of the Librarian on duty.

The Library will inform patrons on steps to enhance the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications.

Access by minors (a person under 18 years of age) to visual depictions that are obscene is illegal and will not be allowed at the Library. Display of child pornography is illegal at any age. Display of obscene material by persons of any age is not acceptable behavior at the Library and will result in loss of Internet use privileges.

Prohibited Activities

• Using the Internet for illegal purposes, for example, the display of child pornography;
• Using the Internet in violation of the Massachusetts General Law 272 Section 31, the Harmful to Minors statute;
• Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material in any format;
• Transmission of threatening, harassing, defamatory or obscene materials. Obscene materials, as determined by the office of the Massachusetts Attorney General, are illegal.
• Unauthorized access to remote computer systems, including so-called “hacking”.

Privacy

The Library will protect the privacy of patrons in their use of the Internet to the fullest extent possible under the law. The libraries keep no permanent record of the Internet sites visited, the electronic databases used or the searches performed by individuals. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 78, Section 7, names and addresses of public library patrons as well as the materials borrowed or information accessed electronically are considered not to be part of the public record.

The library cannot be responsible for any confidential or financial information patrons may send over the Internet. A person’s use of the Internet leaves electronic information in the public domain. Internet communications are not private, nor are they confidential.

Enforcement

• Library staff will take action to implement this Internet Policy and will report violations of the policy to the Library Director for follow up with the proper authorities.
• Violations of policy may result in the loss of Internet privileges.
• Illegal use of the Internet will be considered grounds for a “no trespass” order to be served to the offender.
• Any Internet crime that can be documented will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY

The Edwards Public Library does not actively monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its contents, authority, reliability, currency or use. Neither the Board of Trustees of the Edwards Public Library, the Library staff, nor the Town of Southampton is liable for any negative consequences that may occur as a result of using the Library’s Internet connection.

Guidelines for Library Internet Use

Computer Use

Computer time is on a first come, first serve basis. You must present a valid library card or driver’s license in order to use the Library’s computers.

Computers in the Children’s Area of the Library are reserved for the exclusive use of minors and their parents or guardians. Adults not accompanying minors are excluded from using computers in the Children’s Area.

Downloading

As a protection against viruses, there will be no downloading of information from the Internet to the library’s public Internet computers.

Policy

Users are responsible for understanding and adhering to the Internet Use and Safety Policy.

Printing

The first FIVE pages of printing are free. There will be a charge of $0.10 per printed page after the first five pages.

Minors

Parents and guardians, not Library staff, are responsible for information accessed by their children and for deciding whether material accessed by their children is appropriate. In addition, parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for ensuring their own minor children’s safety and security when using email, Instant Messaging, Social Networking sites such as Facebook or MySpace, chatrooms or other forms of electronic resource information.

Approved — Board of Trustees April 2009