Mt. Caesar Union Computer & Internet Policy
Januray 16, 2007
PURPOSE:
The Mt. Caesar Union Library Association was established in 1880 to form and perpetuate a public Library in Swanzey, New Hampshire. It is the policy of the Association, in accord with its constitution, to preserve our literary and historic heritage, to continuously aid our community in its efforts to become better informed, and to encourage independent and constructive thought.
The Mt. Caesar Union Library is committed to providing access to information through technology. Access to digital information is fundamental for supporting continuous lifelong learning. To provide access to electronic information, the Mt. Caesar Union Library offers public access to the Internet.
The Internet is an immense global network of networks that is constantly growing and evolving, allowing an online user to communicate with others and connect to information around the world. The Library upholds and affirms the right of individuals to have access to constitutionally protected material on the Internet.
INTERNET DISCLAIMER:
The content of the Internet is not managed or governed by any entity; therefore users may encounter materials they consider offensive. Parents and guardians are responsible for monitoring Internet access by children. The Library Board and its employees assume no responsibility or liability for damages of any type arising from the use of Library computers or Internet access.
Additionally, no liability is assumed for damage to non-library software or hardware resulting from viruses downloaded via the Library's Internet services. Since the viruses, spyware, malware, trojans, and keyloggers are endemic in some portions of the Internet and especially problematic for public access computers, extreme caution is recommended with confidential personal data such as passwords, financial records, and personally identifying information. While the Library has anti-virus and anti-spyware programs in place, it can not guarantee the effectiveness of these programs. IT IS THEREFORE RECOMMENDED THAT PATRONS NOT ENTER CONFIDENTIAL PERSONAL INFORMATION ON THESE COMPUTERS.
All illegal activities defined in State and Federal law are prohibited on Library computers. Prohibited uses include, but are not limited to copyright abuse, gambling, child pornography, threatening, and terrorism related activities.
Any restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian. The Library will not be responsible for what a child accesses on the Internet, or act in loco parentis (in the place of a parent). Parents are encouraged to accompany their children and supervise Internet sessions at the Library. Use of the Internet may be monitored by Library staff.
USER GUIDELINES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Local users must have a valid Library card and register at the circulation desk to obtain computer and Internet privileges. At that time they will be requested to sign a form acknowledging receipt of this policy and agreeing to abide by its provisions. A parent/guardian must sign an application form for computer or Internet use for children under the age of 18. At that time all users will be offered additional information about safe and responsible use of the Internet.
Non-resident individuals (guests) wishing to use computers and Internet must register at the circulation desk and photo identification. Examples of guests would be campers or vacationers temporarily in the Swanzey area.
Internet users are cautioned against downloading files or programs from questionable sites since viruses, spyware, malware, and trojans are prevalent in certain portions of the Internet. Such programs degrade Library computer performance and may cause computers to be placed out of service while being repaired.
Internet access is limited to a 1/2 hour block of computer time per user. If no other users are signed up or waiting to use the computer, this time period may be extended. Unreserved time may be used on a walk-in basis. If the user is late for scheduled time in excess of 10 minutes, that time block may be forfeited. Computer use is restricted to regular Library hours and must end 15 minutes before the Library closes. No more than two persons may share the use of an Internet workstation at the same time without the explicit approval of the librarian. Study group accommodations may be made with the staff.
No person shall use a Library computer in a way that disturbs or interferes with users, employees or operations of the Library. Patrons may not do the following:
a) View, print, distribute, display, send, or receive images, text or graphics of material that violates laws relating to child pornography.
b) Disseminate, exhibit, or display to minors materials that are obscene or harmful to minors.
c) Engage, in any way, in any activity which is libelous or slanderous. Nor shall any patron use any Internet resources to offend, harass, intimidate or threaten any third party.
d) Violate copyright or software licensing agreements.
e) Gain unauthorized access to any computing, information. or communications devices or resources.
f) Damage, alter, or degrade computer equipment, peripherals, software, or configurations.
g) Download data to the Library computer hard drive other than to the Folder in My Documents, labeled Temporary Patron Data.
h) Install software applications.
i) Internet users under 18 years of age are prohibited from accessing web sites which contain visual depictions that are obscene and child pornography, as well as visual depiction that are "harmful to minors".
REVOCATION OF COMPUTER AND INTERNET PRIVILEGES
Mt. Caesar Union Library reserves the right to suspend the computer and Internet privileges, temporarily or permanently, of any individual found to violate this policy or who is disruptive or disrespectful of others in the use of Library computers.
PURPOSE:
The Mt. Caesar Union Library Association was established in 1880 to form and perpetuate a public Library in Swanzey, New Hampshire. It is the policy of the Association, in accord with its constitution, to preserve our literary and historic heritage, to continuously aid our community in its efforts to become better informed, and to encourage independent and constructive thought.
The Mt. Caesar Union Library is committed to providing access to information through technology. Access to digital information is fundamental for supporting continuous lifelong learning. To provide access to electronic information, the Mt. Caesar Union Library offers public access to the Internet.
The Internet is an immense global network of networks that is constantly growing and evolving, allowing an online user to communicate with others and connect to information around the world. The Library upholds and affirms the right of individuals to have access to constitutionally protected material on the Internet.
INTERNET DISCLAIMER:
The content of the Internet is not managed or governed by any entity; therefore users may encounter materials they consider offensive. Parents and guardians are responsible for monitoring Internet access by children. The Library Board and its employees assume no responsibility or liability for damages of any type arising from the use of Library computers or Internet access.
Additionally, no liability is assumed for damage to non-library software or hardware resulting from viruses downloaded via the Library's Internet services. Since the viruses, spyware, malware, trojans, and keyloggers are endemic in some portions of the Internet and especially problematic for public access computers, extreme caution is recommended with confidential personal data such as passwords, financial records, and personally identifying information. While the Library has anti-virus and anti-spyware programs in place, it can not guarantee the effectiveness of these programs. IT IS THEREFORE RECOMMENDED THAT PATRONS NOT ENTER CONFIDENTIAL PERSONAL INFORMATION ON THESE COMPUTERS.
All illegal activities defined in State and Federal law are prohibited on Library computers. Prohibited uses include, but are not limited to copyright abuse, gambling, child pornography, threatening, and terrorism related activities.
Any restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian. The Library will not be responsible for what a child accesses on the Internet, or act in loco parentis (in the place of a parent). Parents are encouraged to accompany their children and supervise Internet sessions at the Library. Use of the Internet may be monitored by Library staff.
USER GUIDELINES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Local users must have a valid Library card and register at the circulation desk to obtain computer and Internet privileges. At that time they will be requested to sign a form acknowledging receipt of this policy and agreeing to abide by its provisions. A parent/guardian must sign an application form for computer or Internet use for children under the age of 18. At that time all users will be offered additional information about safe and responsible use of the Internet.
Non-resident individuals (guests) wishing to use computers and Internet must register at the circulation desk and photo identification. Examples of guests would be campers or vacationers temporarily in the Swanzey area.
Internet users are cautioned against downloading files or programs from questionable sites since viruses, spyware, malware, and trojans are prevalent in certain portions of the Internet. Such programs degrade Library computer performance and may cause computers to be placed out of service while being repaired.
Internet access is limited to a 1/2 hour block of computer time per user. If no other users are signed up or waiting to use the computer, this time period may be extended. Unreserved time may be used on a walk-in basis. If the user is late for scheduled time in excess of 10 minutes, that time block may be forfeited. Computer use is restricted to regular Library hours and must end 15 minutes before the Library closes. No more than two persons may share the use of an Internet workstation at the same time without the explicit approval of the librarian. Study group accommodations may be made with the staff.
No person shall use a Library computer in a way that disturbs or interferes with users, employees or operations of the Library. Patrons may not do the following:
a) View, print, distribute, display, send, or receive images, text or graphics of material that violates laws relating to child pornography.
b) Disseminate, exhibit, or display to minors materials that are obscene or harmful to minors.
c) Engage, in any way, in any activity which is libelous or slanderous. Nor shall any patron use any Internet resources to offend, harass, intimidate or threaten any third party.
d) Violate copyright or software licensing agreements.
e) Gain unauthorized access to any computing, information. or communications devices or resources.
f) Damage, alter, or degrade computer equipment, peripherals, software, or configurations.
g) Download data to the Library computer hard drive other than to the Folder in My Documents, labeled Temporary Patron Data.
h) Install software applications.
i) Internet users under 18 years of age are prohibited from accessing web sites which contain visual depictions that are obscene and child pornography, as well as visual depiction that are "harmful to minors".
REVOCATION OF COMPUTER AND INTERNET PRIVILEGES
Mt. Caesar Union Library reserves the right to suspend the computer and Internet privileges, temporarily or permanently, of any individual found to violate this policy or who is disruptive or disrespectful of others in the use of Library computers.