1.  The Internet is free and available to anyone.  Children under 18 much have a signed permission slip from their parent/guardian on file at the Library.  Ask for blank forms at the desk. This permission slip stays in effect until the library receives written revocation.   Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.  All internet usage is subject to our policies, which are subject to change at any time.

2.  We recommend that you reserve time in advance to avoid disappointment but walk-ins are permitted.  You must have your library card in order to make a reservation, and your card must be in good standing.  Reservations can be made by phone or in person.  Adults may reserve up to 2 hour per day and children up to 1/2 hour per day.  If you fail to show up for your reserved time, it may be reassigned after 10 minutes.  Please be considerate of others and cancel when you cannot use your reserved time.  No more than 2 users at each station at one time.  As of 3/08, we use “PC Reservation” which allows patrons to sign themselves up, using their library cards,  at our “reservation station.”  The Internet and word processing stations turn themselves off at 15 minutes prior to our closing time each day.  Two warning notices are given on screen.  If you are saving work, please do so before the computers turn off.

3.  Users or their parents, in the case of minors, are responsible for any damage to hardware or software and will be liable for repairs or replacement costs.  Please report any problems to the desk immediately.  Do not attempt to fix it yourself.  The Library reserves the right to terminate the privileges of anyone who does not act in a responsible manner. 

4.  Printing is available in black and white or color.  Directions for printing are posted.  Black & white is $0.10 per page, color is $0.25.  The printer is coin operated, and you must deposit money before your prints are released. 

5.  The staff can provide general help in using the Internet.  Please do ask if you need help making a reservation or releasing a print job!   The Library also sponsors a 1-on-1 Tutoring Program which matches volunteers with patrons who would like personal help in searching the World Wide Web.  We can also recommend good sites and books to aid in searching.

Parents of Children between the ages of 8 and 17 must complete and sign an internet permission form available at the public library.

PLEASE NOTE: The Mansfield Public Library does not monitor access to materials on the Internet. We use filtering software in the Children's Room only. Keep in mind that filters are not infallible and there is always the possibility that you or your child could access material which you find personally objectionable. The responsibility for what minors read or view on the Internet rests with parents or guardians.  Children age 8-15 may use the unfiltered Internet workstations in the Adult Department if accompanied by a parent. If unaccompanied by a parent, children 15 and under must use the workstation in the Children’s Room. We encourage parents to use the Web with their children.  The following are recommended guidelines for parents and guardians o ensure that children have positive online experiences, whether in the library or at home. Use the Internet as a family.  Join your children in Internet exploration. Provide guidelines for your children on the amount of time they spend online.
Instruct children NEVER to give out personal information (name, address, password, telephone number, credit card number ) online. Teach children to be good online consumers.  As with print information, consider the source, date, and accuracy of information.
 Not all sources on the Internet are current, accurate or complete. You must analyze any information you gather. The Library is not responsible for any damage that might result from a user’s use of information obtained from the Internet. Internet sites are not selected or monitored by library staff and the library has no control over these sources.  All patrons using the Internet must do so in a responsible manner. 

This includes the following:
accessing resources only for educational, cultural, recreational and informational purposes, not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system,  not using the Internet for unauthorized, illegal, or unethical purposes, and not displaying text or graphics which may be considered obscene as defined in MGL 272, Section 31.  Users are urged to respect the sensibilities of others when accessing information that may reasonably be offensive to someone else. Privacy for patrons using electronic resources is not possible.

 CLICK HERE FOR  PRINTABLE FORM

INTERNET PERMISSION FOR USERS AGE 8-17

I give my permission as parent or guardian for (please print) ___________________________________ whose date of birth is __________________ to use the Internet at the Mansfield Public Library in accordance with the above policy and rules.  I understand that the Library is not responsible for any damage that might result from my child’s use of any information obtained from the Internet.

Parent’s signature _________________________________    Date ________________

Parent’s name (please print) 

___________________________________________

Address:   ___________________________________   
 

Phone: ___________________