Internet Policy

The Stevens Memorial Library will provide access to the Internet for library patrons during regular library hours. The intended use of Internet in the library is as a reference tool. This resource enhances and often goes beyond those that are locally available. The Internet is an unregulated global entity which is highly diverse and ever-changing. By providing access to it, the library is opening a gateway to information broader than its traditional practice of selecting materials and specific services. Users are encouraged to take advantage of the Internet and to exercise good judgment and discretion in their use of it.

Library patrons should understand that they use the Internet at their own discretion and that:

  1. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Patrons should question and validate the information found there. As a largely unregulated global creation, the Internet includes materials some individuals may personally find offensive, distasteful, controversial or inappropriate.
  2. Unlike printed sources, graphics on the computer screen can be viewed by anyone in the surrounding area, and displaying of obscene objects or pictures could be in violation of State and Federal obscenity laws. While, staff cannot monitor, control, or restrict anyone’s access to the range of information available, the library does reserve the right to ask users to refrain from displaying computer images that are inappropriate for public viewing  Violations of local, state and federal laws will not be tolerated.
  3. The Stevens Memorial Library does not censor or filter its Internet workstations. Parents and guardians are advised to supervise their children’s Internet sessions.  The Library does not have the authority or the responsibility to act in the place of the parent. Parents or legal guardians, not the library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents and guardians are responsible for advising their children of the dangers inherent in providing names, addresses and telephone numbers to strangers through chat rooms, instant messaging and e-mails. Children aged 11 (grade 6) and younger should use the Internet workstations located in the Children’s Room. Those in Grade 7 and above should use the computers in the Reference Department.  We encourage parents and guardians to share in the exploration of the resources available. In order to assist parents and children a special web page with links suitable for children through grade 6 has been provided on all Internet workstations in the Children’s Room.
  4. Due to the limited number of workstations available pursuits of educational and informational nature will take precedence over those of a recreational nature.  The library discourages the use of chat, and instant messaging. Priority will be given to users seeking information.
  5. Internet training is available, by appointment only, with the library’s Technology Librarian. The training is limited to one one-hour session, and covers basic Internet terminology, searching, and “surfing.”
  6. Just as the purchase, availability and use of media materials does not indicate endorsement of their contents by Library staff or Trustees, neither does making electronic information available to patrons imply endorsement of that content.

Internet Use (Acceptable Use Policy)

  1. Patrons shall not access materials that are obscene, pornographic, child pornography and “harmful to minors”, or is otherwise inappropriate.
  2. Patrons shall not use library resources to engage in “hacking” or attempts to otherwise compromise system security.
  3. Patrons shall not engage in any illegal activities on the Internet.
  4. Patrons should use caution in their use of electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications, as these forms of communication can expose individuals to dangerous situations.
  5. Patrons should be warned against disclosing personal information, such as name, school, address and telephone numbers to strangers on the Internet.

Voted & Approved Board of Trustees 3/18/03

Procedures For Computer and Internet Use

Computer use is on a first-come, first-served basis, unless a computer has been reserved in advance for a specific time.  Computers may be used for a � hour period, after which users must relinquish the workstation if other patrons are waiting.  If no one is waiting they may continue to use the computer, but are asked to be ready to yield as staff directs.

The library reserves the right to sign people up when computer use is heavy. Users must normally sign up at the Reference Desk or in the Children’s Room between 2 and 5 p.m. and at other busy times. During times when statistics are compiled (usually 4 times per year), patrons will be asked to sign up  at all times.

The cost of printing is $.10/page for black & white and $.25 for color.  Computers 1,3, 4 and 5 use the Laser Jet 4000 for black and white copies.  Computer 2 has its own printer. Color copies are printed at the Reference Desk.

Computer number 3 offers Microsoft Word and the Internet.  If this computer is in use and you  need to send out a document, please sign up at the Reference Desk.

Rules of Conduct For Computer and Internet Use

  1. No personal software may be used on library computers.
  2. While, staff cannot monitor, control, or restrict anyone’s access to the range of information available, the library does reserve the right to ask users to refrain from displaying computer images that are inappropriate for public viewing
  3. Users may not tamper with, compromise, or endeavor to bypass library security software in any way. Library resources shall not be used in “hacking”.
  4. Users may not engage in any illegal activity or in any commerce on library computers.
  5. Users are asked to follow copyright laws and licensing agreements.
  6. Patrons are asked to respect the privacy of people around them.
  7. Parents are responsible for supervising their children, 7 and younger, when using library equipment.
  8. Any patron who misuses or damages equipment will lose computer privileges, and may be required to assume the cost of repairing or replacing damaged equipment.
  9. The library is not responsible for a patron’s use of personal accounts and information on public computer workstations.

Voted & Approved  Board of Trustees 3/18/03