Town of Granby
Department of Library Services
Internet Use Policy
Statement of Purpose
The library is committed to its mission to provide free access to a diversity of ideas, resources and experiences and to provide life-long learning with a variety of resources. Providing access to the Internet as an information resource enables the library to provide information beyond the confines of its own collection. The purpose of this Internet Use Policy is to establish procedures and rules for access to and use of the Internet and to apply them without discrimination and in the best interests of all library patrons.
Confidentiality and Security
Confidentiality and privacy for patrons using electronic resources cannot be guaranteed. Anything accessed or entered, including personal or financial information, may be accessible to others; patrons who enter such information do so at their own risk. Users should be aware that the library may be required to disclose data related to computer use when the library is served with a valid subpoena or court order.
General Rules and Information
The library has no control over the validity, timeliness or accuracy of the information available on the Internet. Each user must exercise critical judgment and determine how information will be used.
User sessions and/or usage privileges will be suspended or revoked if, in the opinion of the library staff, use and/or behavior at the workstation is not in accordance with this policy or library rules. Such use will result in suspension of Internet and/or library privileges for that person. In addition, that person may be reported to the appropriate authorities.
The Internet connection cannot be guaranteed. The library is not responsible for lost data.
The library staff reserves the right to schedule computer time on all public computers. When others are waiting to use computers, user sessions will be limited to one hour. Advance reservations are not taken; staff will maintain a waiting list when all computers are in use. The library may limit the number of people using the same workstation based on space and activity.
Patrons wishing to use the library’s wireless service must have a properly equipped and configured laptop computer or PDA; the library cannot provide assistance related to laptop configurations, security, settings, or changes to data files. The wireless connection is unencrypted and unfiltered. Security cannot be guaranteed; this is an inherent risk associated with wireless service.
Uploading software or saving files onto the library’s computers is not permitted. Any files that are saved onto the library computers are deleted daily.
The library allows the use of USB or other storage devices to save or retrieve information. These devices should not require drivers or special software to be installed for use with the library’s operating system. Pre-formatted disks or CDs may also be used to save files.
There is a per page charge for printing which should be paid at the check-out desk.
A copy of library computer rules is posted in each area.
Use of Computers by Children
Monitoring a child’s use of library computers and access to the Internet is the responsibility of the child’s parents or legal guardians. Children under the age of 6 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when using a computer. Users, in particular the parents or guardians of minors, should be aware that not all of the library’s computers have filtered access. Computers in the Children’s Room have filtering software, but parents should be aware that software is not guaranteed to block objectionable materials.
Responsibilities of Users
Users agree to use library computers in compliance with all library policies and rules.
Users are expected to have basic computer skills.
Patrons may be asked to present a library card or other acceptable form of identification to use a computer. Guest registration is available for those unable to do so.
It is the user’s responsibility to exercise good judgment and to respect the rights of other patrons when choosing and viewing Internet sites. The library’s computers may not be used for illegal, harmful, or damaging purposes, including access to potentially offensive information or images, or to violate any applicable law, regulation or legal precedent. Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:
· Transmitting, posting or uploading defamatory, abusive or threatening material or language.
· Violating intellectual property rights.
· Accessing, transmitting, posting or uploading material that is obscene in accordance with established constitutional and statutory dictates or that constitutes child pornography.
· Spamming, hacking, distribution of viruses, other destructive activities or violations of privacy.
· Any other activities which are intended to harm or interfere with the rights of others.
The Library Board reserves the right to amend or revise this policy.
Approved by Granby Library Board
October 20, 2008
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