Baldwin Public Library -- Internet Policy

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Internet Use Policy

The Baldwin Public Library provides public access to the Internet to expand our information services beyond the library collection. The Internet is a valuable tool for learning and offers adults and children experiences that are both educational and rewarding. However, the Internet has also raised concerns. It can present unsafe situations. It is important that parents guide and supervise their child's use of the Internet just as they guide and supervise their children's reading and television viewing.

Access to the Internet is available to all patrons; however, this service may be restricted at any time for use not consistent with the guidelines. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children's use of the library's Internet service prior to being granted access to the Internet.

Users should be aware that the inappropriate use of electronic information resources can be a violation of local, state, and federal laws and can lead to prosecution. The user will be held responsible for his/her actions using the Internet. Users are expected to abide by the policies below which include generally accepted rules of network etiquette. Unacceptable uses of the service will result in the suspension or revocation of Internet use privileges.

The library cannot assure that data or files downloaded by users are virus-free. The library is not responsible for damages to equipment or data on a user's service.

EXPECTATIONS

Children in 4th grade and below must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while using the computer for Internet access.
Students in 5th grade -up to age 17, along with a parent or guardian, must sign the Internet Use Agreement. Students with signed parental permission will receive a sticker on their library card and a note will be placed on their library records granting permission to use the Internet.
All users must sign the log-in/chart prior to beginning their session.
Chat Groups/Rooms are not to be accessed or entered.
Users may use the Internet for the receipt and transmission of electronic mail (e-mail) as long as they use a free e-mail service such as Hotmail.com which will establish and maintain an account for them.
Internet use is offered in thirty (30) minute sessions on a first-come, first-served basis. Each user is allowed one session--if there is no patron waiting for the service at the end of a session, the user may have another 30 minute session, but once having had the service for 30 minutes, the user must abandon use of the Internet if another patron requests use of the service.
Users will respect and uphold all applicable laws including copyright laws, and will not use the Internet for illegal purposes.
Users will respect the rights and privacy of others by not accessing private files or using accounts owned by other users without their permission.
Users shall not incur any costs for the library through their use of the Internet service.
Users shall not create and/or distribute computer viruses over the Internet.
Users shall not deliberately or willfully cause damage to computer equipment, programs, or parameters.

We reserve the right to restrict visual images. If a user is viewing images determined to be objectionable by a library staff member, the user will be asked to exit from that site. If the user is found viewing objectionable materials second time, their Internet session will be terminated.