Internet and Computer Use Policy
The library has 6 computers with fast Internet access for public use
Internet Use and Safety Policy
Wireless/ Internet Use and Safety Policy
The Leverett Library's access to the Internet provides library users with an opportunity to search for information on the Internet. The Internet is a global collection of national, regional and local computer networks capable of communicating with each other through a telecommunications network. The Internet is one powerful tool among many in the Library for finding information.
UNACCEPTABLE USE OF THE INTERNET (applies to laptop users and users of library computers)
Access to and use of the Internet in the Library is a privilege. Unacceptable use of the Library’s electronic information resources, including the Internet, is prohibited and will result in loss of computer privileges. The following examples of inappropriate or illegal activities constitute unacceptable use:
Using the Internet for illegal purposes
Using the Internet in violation of Massachusetts General Law 272, Section 31, The Harmful to Minors Statute, which prohibits dissemination of material which is harmful to minors or which is obscene; or dissemination or possession of child pornography
- Deliberately displaying obscene images
- Disclosing, using or disseminating, personal identity information about minors
- Compromising the privacy of users
- Transmitting threatening, harassing or defamatory materials or messages
- Engaging in communications which are libelous or slanderous
- Committing fraud
- 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
- Transmitting chain mail, broadcast letters, or junk mail of any type
- Attempting to gain unauthorized access to the resources of the Library Internet computers
- Disrupting the intended use of the Library’s Internet computers
- Destroying the integrity of computer-based information in the Library's Internet computers
The Leverett Library does not provide email accounts to users; however, users with existing email accounts may access their accounts through the Library’s Internet terminals. The Library does not accept responsibility for the privacy of possible cached (temporarily stored) messages left after such use.
FILTERING OR BLOCKING SOFTWARE
The Leverett Library provides free, open, and unfiltered access to the Internet. The Library adheres to the principles of intellectual freedom as expressed in the Library Bill of Rights adopted by the American Library Association and, further, finds that filters often do not function as intended. The ALA Library Bill of Rights is attached as page 4.
USE OF THE INTERNET BY MINORS
The Leverett Library provides people of all ages with materials to meet their informational, educational and recreational needs. The Library affirms the right of parents to monitor their own children’s use of the Library’s electronic resources, including the Internet. Parents and guardians are responsible for monitoring their own children’s use of the Internet and for deciding whether matter accessed by their children is appropriate or inappropriate. Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring their own children’s safety and security when using electronic mail, and other forms of direct electronic communications.
PRIVACY
In accordance with Massachusetts General Law, the Library respects a user’s right to both confidentiality and privacy. Users are cautioned, however, that the Internet is not a secure medium. All transactions, files and communications, including the transmission of personal financial information, may be subject to access by third parties, whether legal or illegal. The Library will not release information on the use of its electronic resources by the public except as required by law. Unless there is a clear violation of this policy or the law, each user is requested to respect the privacy of other computer users.
MISUSE PENALTIES
Violators of the Library’s policies, including the Internet Use and Safety Policy and the Guidelines for Library Internet Use, 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 those resources. Violations of policies regarding acceptable use of computing resources will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner. Illegal acts involving the Library's computing resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities. Users are responsible for any damage to hardware, software or furniture.
OFFENSIVE AND DISRUPTIVE MATERIALS
The Library strives to balance the rights of patrons to access all types of information resources with the rights of patrons and staff to work in a public setting free from disruptive sounds and visual materials. The Library’s computers are located in public areas, which are shared with library users and staff of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities. Users are expected to consider this diversity and respect the sensibilities of others when accessing potentially offensive information or images.
WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY
The Library does not control or monitor material available on the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content, authority reliability, validity, currency or use. The Library does not accept responsibility for the retaining possibly cached (temporarily stored) information about sites visited on the Internet or World Wide Web. The Board of Trustees of the Leverett Library, the Library staff, and the Town of Leverett are not liable for any negative consequences that may occur as a result of using the Library’s Internet connection. It is the responsibility of each user to determine that information accessed electronically is appropriate for that user.
GUIDELINES FOR LIBRARY WIRELESS/ INTERNET USE
ACCESS
IDENTIFICATION: Individuals wishing to use a computer must sign in at the circulation desk. Patrons from Western Massachusetts must have a C/W MARS library card in good standing. If a person does not have a library card, the Leverett Library staff will help the individual to obtain one. Persons from outside Western Massachusetts must show a photo ID.
DEBT: Users with outstanding library debt may be denied Internet use at the discretion of library staff.
CHAT ROOMS
Entering or using chat rooms is not allowed.
COSTS
The user is responsible for any costs connected with Internet use.
POLICY
Users are responsible for understanding and adhering to the Wireless/Internet Use and Safety Policy.
PRINTING
Printouts are available from Internet access computers. The first two pages are free. Any pages or partial pages in excess of two pages cost $0.10 per page. This is a printing charge and not a paper charge; this means that double-sided printing (using two sides of a single sheet of paper) will be charged as two copies.Wireless printing is available for tablets, phones or laptops. Please see a staff person if you need help with wireless printing.
RESERVATIONS FOR INTERNET COMPUTER USE
Users may reserve up to one half hour of computer time, either in person or by phone. Users arriving more than five minutes late for their reserved time may forfeit their reservation if another person wishes to use the computer.
TIME ALLOWED
Internet computers are available for thirty (30) minutes at a time with longer use allowed if no one else is waiting to use them.
USER LIMITS
Users may be accompanied by only one other person at the Internet computer.
VIRUSES
Users must notify library staff when any virus alert occurs on a Library Internet computer.
