Internet Use Policy at the South Windsor Public Library

INTERNET ACCESS AND THE LIBRARY’S MISSION

In keeping with its stated mission to "provide educational tools and research facilities for all people of the community in order to promote the communication of ideas, an enlightened citizenship, and the enrichment of personal lives", the South Windsor Public Library is pleased to offer public access to the wealth of resources available on the Internet.

DISCLAIMER

Users should be aware that not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. The library is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of Internet sites and urges patrons to be informed consumers and carefully evaluate information obtained via the Internet. The South Windsor Public Library Home Page offers Internet links that may prove helpful in beginning an Internet search, but the Library has no control over the reliability of information patrons find on the Internet.

Because Internet workstations are located in public areas which are shared by library users of all ages and backgrounds, individuals must respect the sensibilities of others when accessing potentially offensive information and images. The Library reserves the right to end an Internet session at any time if it is creating a disturbance.

PATRON ASSISTANCE AND INSTRUCTION

The Library offers orientation sessions on using the Internet. Check the library newsletter or the calendar of events on our home page for dates and times. Staff at the Information Desk can offer searching suggestions and answer general questions. In-depth, one-on-one Internet training, however, is not available. Printed documentation is available at the Internet terminals.

INTERNET USE IN THE LIBRARY

The networked library computers provide access to our catalog, the catalogs of other libraries, research databases, and the Internet. These computers are reserved for informational purposes only. Any other Internet use, such as access to web-based e-mail, should be confined to the Library’s two dedicated Internet computers (available in the Adult and Children’s Departments). Please see staff for details.

THE LIBRARY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF INTERNET TIME AVAILABLE, ESPECIALLY DURING PEAK USAGE.

Internet users may not download any files from the Internet on our networked library computers. They may not load their own software programs or disks on the Internet access computers. Downloading is permissible at the dedicated Internet stations, but only to a disk Purchased at the Library Circulation Desk.

Users must not alter, remove, or damage configurations, software or hardware on library computers. Misuse, abuse, or illegal use of the Internet will result in suspension of Internet and/or Library privileges. In addition, illegal activities involving the Library’s Internet resources will be subject to prosecution by the appropriate authorities. Library personnel may monitor customers’ use of the Internet to assure that library policies are being upheld.

Users are cautioned that because security in an electronic environment such as the Internet cannot be guaranteed, all transactions, files, and communication are vulnerable to unauthorized access and use and, therefore, should be considered public.

CHILD SAFETY ON THE INTERNET

Age-inappropriate material is available on the Internet. Parents and guardians are expected to supervise and monitor their children’s use of the Internet. South Windsor Public Library cannot assume responsibility for the information accessed by children from library Internet computers. Parents and children are encouraged to read "Child Safety on the Information Highway", which is available at the Information Desk in both the Adult and the Children’s Departments.

USER RESPONSIBILITIES

All users of the Internet at the library are expected to use this resource in a responsible and courteous manner, consistent with the purposes for which it is provided, and to follow all Internet-related rules, regulations, and procedures established for its use.

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