You Must have an Internet User Registration Form on File at the Somerset Public Library to use the Internet.
Reminder: The use of Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, or Chat Rooms (including game room chat) is NOT allowed on the Somerset Public Library computers.
It is the policy of the Somerset Public Library to secure for the Community access to cultural, intellectual and recreational materials and information on as broad a range of subjects, for as broad a range of interests, and from as broad a range of viewpoints as possible. The Internet is one of the many ways of delivering these materials in electronic format. The Internet allows access to a wealth of information that the Library could not otherwise afford, or might not be able to obtain in another format. Therefore, it is the policy of The Somerset Public Library, within the limits of our financial resources, to make the Community's access to the Internet as full and free as possible.
The Internet randomly accesses an infinite amount of relatively disorganized information. In no case does the display of any material on the Library's Internet workstations constitute an endorsement by the Library of the material's content and/or point of view. On the other hand, the Library does not control or limit access to Internet material. Patrons should not be surprised if they encounter explicit material, which they may personally find inappropriate or offensive. If material appears which you didn't search for and it makes you uncomfortable, please alert the librarian right away. The library is not responsible for the accuracy or comprehensiveness of material displayed on its Internet workstations. As with all other library material, patrons need to be good information consumers, assessing the validity of the information they find.
The Somerset Public Library endorses the Library Bill of Rights, and the Freedom to Read Statement of the American Library Association (ALA), and the ALA's "Access to Electronic Information, services, and Networks: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights".
SCOPE
This policy applies to all uses of Internet workstations located in the Somerset Public Library and to any home use of the Internet which is obtained through SAILS, the consortium of libraries to which the Somerset Public Library belongs.
DEFINITION
The term "Internet" refers to a worldwide computer network that is capable of the rapid transmission of information to any of its component parts.
SCOPE OF ACCESS ALLOWED
Patrons may use the Library's Internet workstations to gain access to any information available in standard Internet resources. Access to Chat Rooms is not allowed. Email use is allowed under the terms explained later in this policy. The library reserves the right to establish limitations on the downloading and printing of information and the length or each Internet session.
CONFIDENTIALITY
For technical reasons, the sources of information to which a patron gains access on the Internet cannot be kept strictly confidential. Subsequent users of the Library's public Internet workstations may be able to see where previous users have "gone" in search of information. Privacy and identity fraud are an issue of concern for all users of any electronic equipment. Patrons therefore make use of the library's public Internet workstations at their own risk. It is not recommended that you input personal passwords or personal information on these workstations for your own security. The library is not responsible for information gained by a third party through use of the computers.
Patrons must also understand that the network system administrator, or website administrator may have to access e-mail while performing required duties. Use of the e-mail system should be considered comparable to writing a letter or postcard and posting it in a public place. Even if information has been deleted, it may still be retrievable.
CHILDREN'S USE OF THE INTERNET
. The public library, unlike schools, does not serve in loco parentis (in place of a parent). Librarians cannot act in the place of parents in providing constant care and supervision of children as they explore the Internet. The responsibility for what minors read or view on the Internet rests with parents or guardians. The Somerset Public Library will not be responsible for any child's access to any Internet materials.
A fact sheet to help parents or guardians guide their children to use the Internet responsibly is available to you.
EMAIL USE
Access to Internet based email is allowed. Downloading of email programs is not allowed. The library cannot provide instruction on setting up email accounts nor is the library responsible for passwords, lost messages, etc. You must have no expectations of privacy in anything you create or send via email. Downloading of attachments is not allowed. Sending or forwarding of email falling under libel or obscenity laws my be considered illegal acts and may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.
LEVEL OF ASSISTANCE
Librarians will help the patron get started in accessing the Internet, but cannot provide in-depth training. They may be able to offer searching tips and answer some questions, as with other forms of reference service. However, the staff may be unable to provide complete technical support of the many Internet applications available to users.
UNACCEPTABLE USE
As with all other Library resources and services, patrons are expected to use public Internet workstations in a responsible manner, respecting the rights of others. Examples of unacceptable purposes include, but are not limited to, the following:
q Degrade or disrupt equipment or system performance
q Vandalize the data of any other user
q Gain unauthorized access to resources or entities
q Invade the privacy of individuals
q Violate software license agreements and copyright laws
q Harassment of other users
q Libeling other users
q Violate other Federal, State, or local laws.
Violation of any of these provisions may result in suspension or cancellation of the patron's access to the Library Internet workstations. Illegal acts involving Library computer resources may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.
WORKSTATIONS
Public Internet use is permitted only at workstations identified by appropriate signage and during announced periods of availability. The library can not guarantee availability of workstations.
· Workstations are used on a first-come first served basis. · Use is limited to a 30-minute block of time, if no one is waiting, you may stay on until the next person needs use. · Some workstations do not have printers, · There is a cost for the printing of copies · No downloading onto the hard-drive or floppy disks is allowed. · Computers are shut down 15 minutes before the library closes. · You must sign up at the Reference Desk to use Internet workstations. · You must have a public library card, · Use only the computer assigned to you. Do not change computers during a session or attempt to use more than one computer at a time. · If you experience any problems in using the computer and/or the printer, report the problem immediately at the Reference Desk. Do not attempt to fix problems or do routine tasks such as filling paper trays or clearing the print queue. The staff will assist you. · Be respectful of other patrons' rights to a quiet and private environment in which to use the Internet. Do not engage other patrons in conversations or remain in the Web station area when others are using the Internet. · Leave the computer exactly as you found it. For example, do not change preferences or delete bookmarks. Do not turn off the machine. · When the Internet connection is down, do not tamper with the computers. There is no other software loaded on the machines. Do not try to reconfigure the system!The library reserves the right to discontinue computer privileges to anyone breaking the rules established in this policy by the Board of Trustees of the Somerset Public Library on the use of the Internet or the computers at this library.