Hopkinton Town Library
Internet Use Policy
In response to advances in
technology and the changing needs of the community, the Hopkinton Town Library
develops collections and services that meet the informational, recreational, and
educational needs of our diverse community. It is within this context that the
Library offers access to the Internet.
Responsibility of Users
The freedom to access information is also a responsibility. The Internet enables
the Library to provide resources not available within the confines of its own
collection. However the Internet is currently an unregulated medium. It offers
access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and
culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, but it also enables access to
some material that may be offensive and/or illegal. Not all sources on the
Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. Internet resources
are not subject to the same selection criteria which the Library uses for other
materials. Be a selective consumer, questioning the validity of the information
you find.
Library staff will be available to provide assistance and to help identify
appropriate sites for children exploring the Internet, but the Library also
upholds and affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and
monitor their children's use of all Library materials and resources. Library
users, whether children or adults, are the final selectors in using the Internet
and are responsible for their individual choices and decisions.
Staff Assistance
Library staff is available to assist you in your use of these resources, but may
not be familiar with every application you might wish to use. Due to scheduling
constraints, there may not be an Internet-trained Librarian on duty at all
times. In all cases, we will try to assist you in accessing the Internet, offer
searching suggestions and answer questions. The staff regularly provides
Internet training for groups or individuals. Books about the Internet are
available in the library’s circulating collection.
Guidelines for Use
1.
Library computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis with one
exception. One computer is reserved for short-term use only which is defined as
15 minutes or less. Although there is no time limit placed on use of other
computers, you must make any computer available to others who are waiting when
asked to do so by library staff.
2. Patrons should read the
Library's Internet policy before using the computers. Anyone under the age of 18
must have a parental permission slip on file at the reference desk. Ask the
staff for details.
3. The Internet access computers are available during hours when the Library is
open, subject to periodic maintenance and staff use.
4. Wireless Internet access is available in the library to individuals with
laptop computers containing wireless cards.
5. To help prevent
computer viruses, personal software programs may not be used at the Internet
access computers.
6. Information may not be downloaded to the hard drive of library computers.
Patrons may download to their own preformatted disks or USB storage devices.
Although we use anti-virus software on the Library's computers, this will not
completely protect your data. Software downloaded from the Internet may contain
a virus and you need to have virus-checking software on your computer. The
Library is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal disks when
downloading.
7. The first 5 pages of printing are free, subsequent pages will be charged at
10 cents per page. Any items ordered via the Internet must be paid for with a
personal credit card. The Library assumes no financial responsibility.
8. Internet sites you wish to visit may not always be available
due to heavy traffic. The database or resource may be licensed to a
particular institution, the host computer may have changed its address or closed
down, or the Library's Internet connection may be periodically and temporarily
inoperable due to technical difficulties.
9. Please do not attempt to tamper with the computer settings. Misuse of the
computer or Internet access may result in loss of your computer privileges. Your
use of the computer should not infringe upon the rights of others.
10. E-Mail: The Library does not offer electronic mail accounts. Web-based
e-mail is available through several different sites including
www.hotmail.com and
www.yahoo.com. Ask staff for details. Patrons may access their e-mail if
they know the Internet address of their private accounts.
11. Ethical Use: Internet computers may only be used for legal purposes.
Unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to: harassment of other users;
libeling or slandering other users; destruction of or damage to equipment,
software, or data belonging to the Library or other users; disruption or
unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications; or unauthorized copying of
copyright-protected material.
Adopted by the Library Trustees 1/97
Revised 10/19/04
Revised 12/19/06
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