Internet Acceptable Use Policy
The East Longmeadow Public Library provides public Internet access
to all patrons as part of its mission to provide the community with informative,
recreational, leisure and learning materials. The information that is
obtained from the Internet cannot be verified or authenticated by the
East Longmeadow Public Library and is to be evaluated by the user as
to its validity or appropriateness. The currency of the information is
not always apparent or indicated by the websites being accessed and the
East Longmeadow Public Library cannot monitor or control the information
being accessed.
The East Longmeadow Public Library uses filtering software on
all but its adult only Internet terminals. The filtering software being
used is not a replacement for parental guidance. The East Longmeadow
Public Library cannot insure the appropriateness of websites being
accessed. It is a parent’s responsibility to be aware of safety
guidelines and to instruct their children accordingly.
All patrons must have a valid C/W Mars library
card with them in order to use the library’s Internet computers
on the second floor. Guest use is provided to occasional visitors .
- All patrons may use the computers to access information and
materials from the Internet if the rules of conduct are followed. Failure
to follow these guidelines may result in the suspension or termination
of computer privileges depending on the nature and the repetitiveness
of the offense.
- Printing is available at a cost of 15 cents per page for
black & white and 25 cents per page for color. Please use
the printer appropriately, respect printing costs and ask for help
when necessary.
- E-mail is allowed via free, web-based e-mail services. The
library cannot offer e-mail accounts to patrons. Access to
e-mail includes the sending of mail.
- *****Please do not misuse e-mail access by sending e-mail
from terminal to terminal, through different levels of the building,
or to harass other patrons. It is not the library’s intention
in providing this service and it ties up the computers unnecessarily.
It also restricts the Internet access of other patrons.
- Files may be saved through e-mail accounts or diskettes,
or to the “Thaw Space”, the library’s portion of
the hard drive. Patrons should be aware that anything saved to the “Thaw
Space” is saved to that computer only, available to anyone
using that computer, and may be deleted at any time. For patrons
who have not brought their own means of storage, diskettes are available
at the Information Services Desk for $1.00 each. Users are not able
to download files or save information to drives other than the A:
or Z: (“Thaw Space”) drives. Downloaded files from
the Internet may contain viruses. The East Longmeadow Public
Library is not responsible for any damage incurred to a patron’s
disk, home computer, or for any loss of data. It is advisable
for patrons to have virus-checking software on their home computers.
- The library retains the right to monitor use and patron behavior
that affects other patrons and staff. The library is a public
setting and the library reserves the right to end an online session
at any time.
RULES OF CONDUCT:
- Please respect the rights and privacy of other users;
- All patrons have the right to expect comfort and courtesy.
Please refrain from displaying disruptive, inconsiderate, unethical
and/or irresponsible behavior while using the resources of the
East Longmeadow Public Library;
- Please refrain from eating and/or drinking anything at computer
workstations;
- Group computer use is limited to no more than two individuals
at any given terminal. Between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
computer use is limited to one individual at a time;
- The computers and applicable hardware are property belonging
to the Town of East Longmeadow . Misuse and vandalism of such property
is a serious offense which limits the freedom of others to use these
resources. Anyone found to be damaging or misusing any equipment
will have their use suspended or terminated;
- Access to the computer’s hard drive and the library’s
internal network is strictly prohibited. Any attempt to access
internal files or breach security will be considered a serious infraction
and will result in the suspension and/or loss of computer privileges. Repetitive
violations of this rule may instigate further action being taken
by appropriate authorities;
- Abide by all applicable federal and state laws,
a) Inappropriate graphics or language left on computer monitors
with the express purpose of offending the next user or staff is a form
of harassment and will not be tolerated;
b) Do not use computer resources to harass other patrons or
offsite individuals;
c) Be aware of the Copyright Laws and
license restrictions. Check the U.S. Copyright Office Site: http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/; it
is your responsibility to use available resources within the framework
of existing regulations;
Internet Safety Policy
The Town of East Longmeadow and East Longmeadow Public Library
restrict access by minors to material that may be harmful or inappropriate
by providing filtered Internet access on all Town public Internet access
computer terminals. Library staff will temporarily remove the filter
when requested by an adult. In addition, unfiltered access is provided
to adult patrons on the two C/W Mars public Internet access computer
terminals upstairs. Parents who wish their children to have unfiltered
access upstairs should see the Library Director.
Unauthorized access, including "hacking" and other unlawful activities,
is prohibited to all library patrons, and violators of this policy will be
turned over to the legal authorities for prosecution.
The East Longmeadow Public Library takes a proactive role in
the protection of minors on the Internet by providing materials such
as
Protect
Your Child on the Internet: A Parent’s Toolkit, by
John Lenardon, Self-Counsel Press, 2006, and posting on its web site
the addresses of World Wide Web sites that provide accurate information
about Internet Safety, such as:
Netparents.org
The Librarian's Guide to Great Web Sites for Kids
Safekids.com
The “Internet Acceptable Use” and “Internet Safety” Policies
are subject to review and change by the Board of Library Trustees
Approved by Board of Library Trustees, August, 2006