Internet Use and Safety Policy

The Edwards Public Library endeavors through its collections, programs and services to help meet the informational, cultural, and recreational needs of Southampton residents. It is within this context that the Library provides Internet access to its patrons.

The Internet and its resources contain a wide variety of material and options from varied points of view. It is one tool of many which the Library provides for finding information and should not be considered a substitute for other Library materials. Patrons who access the Internet are advised to use discretion in evaluating the validity and accuracy of any website information. Users should seek assistance from Library staff when doing research to help find the best sources of information.

ACCEPTABLE USE

Access to and use of the Internet is a privilege and should be treated as such by all users. Use shall be in a responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which the Library's electronic resources are provided. The following purposeful, illegal or criminal activities constitute unacceptable use:

  • using the Internet in violation of Massachusetts General Law 272, section 31, which prohibits dissemination or possession of child pornography
  • disclosing, using or disseminating, personal identity information about minors
  • using the Internet for illegal purposes
  • compromising the privacy of users
  • engaging in communications which are libelous or slanderous
  • violating copyright law or software licenses
  • developing computer programs which infiltrate a computer or computer system and/or damage or alter the software components of a local or remote computer or computer system
  • destroying the integrity of computer-based information in the Library's Internet computers
  • committing fraud
  • transmitting threatening, harassing or defamatory or obscene materials
  • transmission of chain mail, broadcast letters or junkmail of any type

The Library does not attempt to restrict access to Internet sites. The Library subscribes to the principles of intellectual freedom expressed in the American Library Association's Bill of Rights (appended). While constitutionally protected speech and information is available for access to all library patrons, users are reminded that the Library's computer terminals are located in public areas which are shared with library users of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities. Individuals are expected to consider this diversity and respect the sensibilities of others when accessing potentially offensive information or images.

USE OF THE INTERNET BY MINORS

As with other library materials, parents or legal guardians must assumer responsibility for guiding their children in the use of the Internet. Parents and guardians, not Library staff, are responsible for information acce4ssed by their children and for deciding whether material accessed by their children is appropriate. In addition, parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for ensuring their own minor children's safety and security when using email, chatrooms or other forms of electronic resource information.

MISUSE PENALTIES

Violators of the Library's policies, including the Internet Use and Safety Policy, may lose library privileges. Anyone discovered attempting to damage the Library's equipment or software, attempting to change files or reset configurations, or otherwise violating this Internet Use and Safety Policy, will immediately lose the right to use there resources. Violations of policies regarding acceptable use of Internet resources will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner. Illegal acts involving the Library's computers may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities. Users are responsible for any damage to hardware or software.

WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY

The Edwards Public Library does not actively monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its contents, authority, reliability, currency or use. Neither the Board of Trustees of the Edwards Public Library, the Library staff, nor the Town of Southampton is liable for any negative consequences that may occur as a result of using the Library's Internet connection.

Approved — Board of Trustees November 12, 2002