Internet Access and Computer Use Policy
- Mission Statement for Computer and Internet Use
Internet access at Hildreth Public Library is an extension of the library’s commitment to meeting the community’s information needs. In addition to using the Internet as an information resource the library also seeks to provide the opportunity for Internet use, with limitations, to members of the public.
- Acceptable Use of Computers and Internet Policy
The Hildreth Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. Some information on the Internet may be found offensive, inaccurate, or inappropriate by individuals. The Library cannot censor access to materials nor protect users from information deemed offensive. The Internet is a world wide community with a highly diverse user population and it is your responsibility to use this resource wisely.
Internet resources accessible through the Library are provided equally to all library users. Parents or guardians, not the Library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Approval must be provided by a parent or guardian before a child under 6 years old will be allowed to use the Internet computer.
The Library’s computers must be used in a responsible manner, respecting the rights of others, and taking care with use of the equipment. Computer and Internet settings may not be changed.
The computers cannot be used for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose, including any activities prohibited under any applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Please be aware that material on the Internet and the World Wide Web is copyrighted. It is your responsibility to be aware of the display of any notices concerning the copyright of information on the Web and to respect the copyright laws of the United States
The Library customers and/or the parent/guardian are liable for any damage done to a computer’s hardware or software and for any illegal or unethical acts performed through our system. This is not limited to physical damage or vandalism. Tampering with local or remote computer files and/or committing illegal or ethical violations of acceptable Internet use may result in permanent loss of Internet privileges at the library and could also result in financial liability and/or criminal charges.
Library staff will not monitor an individual’s use of any Internet sites except when material displayed on the screen is not appropriate in a public environment. Patrons will receive one warning regarding this rule; another violation may result in permanent loss of Internet privileges at the library. Acceptability of screen displays will be left to the discretion of supervising Library staff.
The Library reserves the right to review any material stored in files to which all network users have access, and will remove any material which, in the library’s opinion does not comply with policy guidelines. The library also reserves the right to deny computer use to anyone who does not comply with these guidelines.
III. Guidelines for Public Internet and Computer Use
Computers are on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals are asked to be respectful of others waiting to use our electronic resources. Each user is limited to a maximum of 1 hour per day of use unless otherwise permitted by the librarian on duty. Library staff has the right to limit the number of people using a computer station at one time.
Printing may be done on the desktop computer printers. Fees for printing are a free will donation.
Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. The Library cannot be held responsible for its content and assumes no responsibility for any damages arising from the use of Internet services.
Data may only be downloaded to the user’s personal data storage devices.
Laptop and ipad computers cannot be taken out of the library.
Children under 6 may use an ipad which has age-appropriate apps.
Internet access will be denied to anyone breaching this use policy.
- Wireless Internet Access
Hildreth Public Library provides free wireless access to anyone.
The wireless internet access we offer is filtered. By choosing this free service, patrons agree to abide by the library’s Internet Use Policy. This policy states the limitations of internet access and responsibilities for using that access.
The Hildreth Public Library’s wireless network is not secure. Information sent to and from your wireless device may be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software.
Library staff are not able to provide technical assistance and no guarantee can be made that patrons will be able to make a wireless connection.
The Hildreth Public Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for wireless device configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the library’s wireless access.
- Assistance
The library staff, on a day-to-day basis, will help with computers and Internet use as able and reasonable. Staff is not available for extensive training except during scheduled training sessions.