Policies for the Use of Computers
I. Public Use Policy for the Internet
The Mattapoisett Free Public Library endeavors to develop collections, resources and services that meet the diverse cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of the Mattapoisett community. In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the library offers Internet access to the public. Internet users have access to a world-wide network of information.
The Mattapoisett Free Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet, and is not responsible for its content. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. The Internet and its available resources may contain materials of a controversial nature. Users are responsible for choosing and evaluating the information that they find. In no case does the display of any material on the library's Internet workstations constitute and endorsement by the library of the material's content or point of view. Parents or guardians of minor children must assume responsibility for their children's use of the Internet through the library's connection.
The library reserves the right to establish limits on the downloading and printing of information and the length of each Internet session.
Patrons are expected to use the public Internet workstations in a responsible manner. Misuse or abuse of the Internet workstation may result in cancellation or suspension of Internet use privileges.
Adopted November 21, 1996
II. Internet User’s Agreement
Mattapoisett Free Public Library patrons are welcome to use our Internet workstations. Patrons must first sign an Internet User’s Agreement. A Public Use Police for the Internet is on file at the main desk and at the children’s desk.
A. Use of Internet computers by minors
A person under the age of 18 who wishes to use a library Internet workstation must submit a registration form signed by his/her parent or guardian. Parents are encouraged to be involved with their children’s use of this equipment.
B. Reservations
1. A patron may reserve one 30-minute block of time at the Internet workstation.
2. Reservations will be held for 10 minutes. If a patron has not appeared for his or her scheduled use, the computer will then become available for walk-in use.
3. Advance telephone reservations are encouraged.
4. The workstation may also be used on a walk-in, first-come first-served basis.
C . Training and equipment
1. Users are encouraged to learn about the Internet by checking out materials in the library system or by attending computer classes periodically offered by the library.
2. Printing costs $.10 per page.
3. Downloading of files is not permitted.
4. Access to on-line chat and instant messaging is not permitted.
5. Internet workstations will not be available 30 minutes before closing, during special programs, or when staffing is not available.
D. Accuracy and appropriateness of Internet information
1. The Mattapoisett Free Public Library provides only access to the Internet. TheLibrary cannot control and is not able to monitor any information on the Internet for either content or accuracy. The individual user is the ultimate judge of the appropriateness, usefulness, and value of the material. In the case of minors, the final responsibility for this judgment rests with their parents or legal guardians.
2. In no way does the display of any material on the Library's Internet stations constitute and endorsement by the Library of the content or point of view of that material.
3. The Mattapoisett Free Public Library Board of Trustees, the Library staff, and the Town of Mattapoisett are not liable for any negative consequences that may occur as a result of a person's using the Library's Internet connections.
E. Online behavior
The Internet workstation may be used for acceptable purposes by the public. Examples of unacceptable, unethical, or illegal purposes include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Harrassment of others and libeling of others.
2. Destruction or damage of equipment, software, or data.
3. Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications.
4. Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material.
5. Unauthorized copying of computer accounts, access codes, network identification assigned to others.
6. Use of computer communication facilities in ways that unnecessarily impede the computing activities of others.
7. Violation of computer system security.
8. Violation of software license agreements.
9. Violation of network-usage policies.
Violation of the Mattapoisett Free Public Library's Internet User's Agreement will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner. The Board of Trustees of the Library is the final authority in determining inappropriate use. Illegal acts involving Library computing resources may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.
Adopted September 17, 1998
III. Non-Internet Workstation Policy
A. General
1. Non-Internet workstations are available for all Mattapoisett Free Public Library patrons. These workstations provide information retrieval through CD-ROM programs, word processing, and games.
2. As with Internet access, any patron using one of the workstations MUST sign up at the desk.
B. Reservations
1. Patrons may reserve one 45-minute block of time on a given day. At the end of the time block, an additional 45 minutes may be reserved if no one is waiting.
2. Reservations will be held for 10 minutes after the beginning of a reserved block of time. After 10 minutes, the computer becomes available for use by other patrons.
3. Advance reservations may be made by telephone.
4. Workstations may also be used on a walk-in, first-come first-served basis.
C. Training and equipment
1. Library staff members can assist patrons with basic questions related to the workstations.
2. The charge for printing is $.10 per page.
3. Material may not be stored on the hard drive of a workstation.
4. Patrons may not use personal software. Disks are available at the desk for $1, and will be kept on file at the library for future use.
5. Two CD-ROM programs may be requested at a time.
6. Workstations will not be available 30 minutes before closing, during special programs, or when staffing is not available.
D. Acceptable use
Patrons are expected to use the workstations in a responsible manner, respecting the rights of others. Examples of unacceptable use include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Degrading or disrupting equipment or system performance.
2. Vandalizing the data of any other user.
3. Gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities.
4. Invading the privacy of individuals.
5. Violating software license agreements and copyright laws.
6. Violating other local, state, or federal laws.
Violation of any of these provisions may result in suspension or cancellation of the patron's access to library workstations.
Adopted September 17, 1998
IV. Policy for use of game/CD-ROM computer in children's room
A. Procedures
1. Children's Room Staff person will note date, name, age and time in sign-up book.
2. Staff member will give list of programs to child. Child will be asked to select the ones to be used (no more than three at a time). Staff member will make note in sign-up book of programs selected.
3. Staff member will set thirty-minute timer when child begins. Timer will be kept at staff desk.
4. Child is to return the CD-Roms to desk; staff member will enter check-out time in sign-up book.
B. Rules
1. First-time users must demonstrate that they can use a computer.
2. Children must sign up in person, but they may call ahead to check computer availability. If a child fails to arrive for a scheduled time slot, library staff will hold the computer for five minutes, after which the library has the right to give the time slot to someone else.
3. No more than two children may use the computer at the same time.
4. Children under age 6 must use the computer in the company of an adult.
5. A child may use the computer for a 30-minute block of time; an additional 30 minutes may be used if no one else is waiting.
6. The computer will not be available 30 minutes before closing, during weekday story hours, special programs, or when the children's room is not staffed.
7. Software and manuals will be kept at staff desk.
8. Use of equipment will be monitored by Children's Room staff.
Adopted September 17, 1998
LIBRARY POLICIES
Materials Selection and
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Policies for the Use of
Computers
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