PC AND INTERNET USE
The Library’s public PCs are protected by a security program whose password(s) are kept by the Director. Only Library staff may disable or turn off the security program while installing software or performing maintenance.
Users access the Internet at their own discretion. The Library staff is not responsible for the content of the Internet. We do not monitor or control information for either content or accuracy. The individual user is responsible for judging the validity, appropriateness, and value of the material.
As with other library materials, parents or caregivers are responsible for a minor’s use of the Internet.
All Library users in good standing are welcome to use the Internet terminal.
Users may be asked to sign in and out or to present a BPL card. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
There is no charge for accessing the Internet at the Library.
Printing is 10 cents per page.
The user’s own software and/or disks may not be used on Library machines.
The Library reserves the right to suspend immediately the privileges of users who abuse the Library’s personal computers and/or Internet connections and/or network connections by unethical or illegal use, for example:
· Destruction or damage of equipment, software, or data
· Rough use of equipment (e.g., pounding on the keyboard by young child)
· Wasting resources (i.e., staff time, supplies, etc.)
· Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications
· Harassment of other users
· Violating copyright or software licenses
· Deliberately displaying obscene messages or images, or images that are harmful to minors (as defined by 18 USC 1460 and 18 USC 2256, respectively)
· Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification codes or numbers (i.e., “hacking”)
· Use of communication facilities in ways that unnecessarily impede the computing activities of others
· Participation in chat rooms
· Violation of others’ privacy
· Violation of computer system security
· Violation of network or host usage policies or software license agreements
· Any other use of the Internet that violates Town, State, or Federal law
· Tampering with equipment or connections in order to connect personal equipment (laptop, phone, etc.) to the library’s networks
The Library staff will assist patrons with startup procedures and basic questions about Internet use; however, Internet-trained staff may not always be available.
The Internet terminal is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
No more than two people may use the Internet terminal at one time.
Blocks of time may be reserved on the Internet terminal by calling the Library during open hours. Users may reserve two blocks of time per day. Users who are 10 or more minutes late for reserved time forfeit that time if someone else is waiting to use the terminal.
The last block of time before the library closes is 20 minutes, not 30. The Internet PC will be shut down 10 minutes before closing.
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