14.000 Internet Access Policy

14.001

As part of the Keene Public Library’s commitment to meet the cultural, informational and educational needs of the community and in response to the advances in technology in this Information Age, the Library is pleased to offer public access to the Internet.

14.002

Information and resources on the Internet can enhance the material available at the Library and often go beyond what is locally available. The Library, however, does not monitor the Internet or control over the information accessed through the Internet. Not all sites on the global Internet provide accurate, complete or current information and access points often change rapidly and unpredictably. Some sites may carry information that a user finds controversial or inappropriate. Library users access the Internet at their own discretion. As with other Library materials, restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian. Parents are encouraged to come in with their children and supervise Internet sessions at the Library.

14.003

Reference staff will continue to use the Internet as a reference tool and will retrieve information for users. Also, the Library’s home page will offer specific starting points for searching the Internet, along with recommended sites for adults and children. Staff will also try to assist users with their Internet use and, as time permits, guide them to sites, but cannot offer personal instruction. Formal instruction will be offered by the Library at designated times. Current books and videos about the Internet are available in the Library’s collection.

14.004

Guidelines:

(a)

Users must agree to obey all applicable federal, state and local laws including, but not limited to, copyright, licensing and content restrictions. The Library reserves the right to terminate the User’s Internet privileges for abuse of these conditions or for unauthorized use of the Library’s Internet connection.

(b)

Users may not use Library equipment to access illegal materials including those that are obscene or harmful to minors, or for any illegal or fraudulent actions.

(c)

Users may not in any way engage in any activity which is libelous or slanderous. Nor shall any patron use any Internet resources to offend, harass, intimidate or threaten any third party.

(d)

Users may not download or save any files onto the computer’s hard drive.

(e)

Users may bring in removable storage devices and copy materials onto them. Printing is available at a charge.

(f)

E-mail access is only available through the World Wide Web.

(g)

Patrons will be personally responsible for any materials ordered via the Internet. They will need to pay for these items with a credit card. The Library will not be responsible for these costs.

(h)

Any damage to the computer or its peripheral devices is the responsibilities of the users. Abuse of the equipment or the service will result in the user being denied further access.

(i)

Internet users are required to follow the same rules of conduct as others in the Library, and not engage in disruptive behavior.

(j)

Violations of any of the guidelines may result in the loss of Internet privileges.

(k)

Before signing up for an Internet session, users must read the policy and guidelines. Further, it is understood that in signing up to use the service, the user has agreed to follow the policy and guidelines.

(l)

Users must obtain a valid Library card, owe no more that $5.00 in fines, and sign up at the Reference or Youth Desk. In addition, minors must have a current library card on file that is signed by a parent or guardian. (As a courtesy, visitors to Keene that are 18 years of age or older and possess a current ID card may be allowed Internet access for the purpose of accessing their e-mail accounts, a courtesy generally extended by other libraries.)

(m)

There will be no more than two people at a computer station.

(n)

Users are asked to restart the computer when they have finished their session and to inform the staff member at the desk that the computer is available for the next person.