Public Computers and Internet Use

The Somers Library provides access to the Internet and free WiFi as a means to enhance the informational and learning opportunities of the patrons of the library. The Board of Trustees has established this Internet use policy to ensure appropriate and effective use of this resource. All Library usage must comply with the rules set forth in the Somers Library Code of conduct and other library policies.

Access to the Internet is available to all patrons; however this service may be restricted at any time for use not consistent with these guidelines. This service is a privilege and not a right and use of the Library’s Internet access (both wired and wireless) constitutes the user’s acceptance of this policy. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Library’s Internet service.

Expectations

Users should be aware that the inappropriate and illegal 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. Further, unacceptable uses of the service will result in the suspension or revocation of Internet use privileges.

Warnings and Disclaimers

The Internet is a decentralized, global network; the Somers Library has no control over the content found there. The Library is not responsible for the accuracy of any information found in any site. Not all the information is current, authoritative, useful and complete. Users are also cautioned that ideas, points of view and images found on the Internet may be graphic and/or controversial, imflammatory, or offensive. The Library will not censor access to material nor protect users from any Internet content.

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 personal computer from the use of data downloaded from the Library’s Internet service.

The use of the Internet and e-mail is not guaranteed to be private. Messages relating to, or in support of, illegal activities may be reported to the proper authorities.

Guidelines

Internet use if offered in thirty (30) minute sessions on a first-come basis; each user is allowed one session — if there is no patron waiting for the service at the end of a session, the user can have another 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 may use the Internet for research and the acquisition of information to address their educational, vocational, cultural, and recreational needs
Users may use the Internet for the receipt and transmission of electronic mail
Users will respect and uphold copyright laws and all other applicable laws and regulations; they will not use the Internet for any illegal purposes
Users agree not to incur any costs to the Library through their use of the Internet service
Users shall not create and/or distribute commercial promotions, computer viruses, spam, Trojan Horses, or other destructive activities over the Internet
Users shall not deliberately or willfully cause damage to Library computer equipment, programs, or parameters. Users may not install software on or re-configure Library computers
Users must respect the sensibilities of others by abiding with community standards of decency. Library computers are located in public areas shared by patrons of varying ages, background and sensibilities. Users must be considerate about accessing potentially controversial information and images
Displaying or printing any pornographic images and materials, or those which are sexually explicit, obscene, or harmful are expressly prohibited in the Library

Users shall not create or distribute material with obscene or racist content, personal attacks, insults, threatening language, potentially libelous statements, plagiarized statements, private or personal information published without consent or which engages in any illegal or criminal behavior

Approved on March 12, 2008 by resolution of the Somers Library Board of Trustees.

Reviewed and approved by of the Somers Town Supervisor and Somers Town Attorney on May 14, 2008

Public Computers and Internet Use