Introduction:
Providing access to the World Wide Web
service ("the Web") on the Internet is central to the Ramsey
Free Public Library's ("the Library") purpose and mission.
The Web permits the Library to open to patrons a world of electronic
information beyond the confines of its own collections, facilities and
resources. It provides access to information that can make individual's
lives personally, professionally and culturally richer. As with the use of all Library
resources, the Library affirms the right and responsibility of
parents/guardians to guide, direct and oversee their children's use
of the Internet. Parental supervision of children searching the Web is
advised.
It is the stated policy of the Library
not to restrict Web access. The Library will not restrict or attempt
to censor access to Web sites except for specially identified
terminal(s) in the children's area, which have filtering software
installed.
To assist parents, the Library has
available the pamphlet "Child Safety on the Information
Highway," published by the National Center for Missing and
Exploited Children. Parents are encouraged to review this with their
children.
The Library reserves the right to
modify the rules and procedures as necessary to ensure the fair and
reasonable use of the Internet.
Disclaimer:
Not all information available via the
Internet is accurate, current, and complete. Patrons are encouraged to
evaluate carefully the validity of information accessed via the
Internet. Patrons are cautioned that ideas, points of view, and images
found on the Internet may be graphic and/or controversial,
inflammatory or offensive. The Library will not be liable for direct,
indirect or consequential damages related to the use of information
found throughout the Library's Internet service.
The Library is not responsible for any
information accessed by children. Parents are strongly encouraged to
supervise their children's Internet sessions. Parents/guardians are
responsible for any Internet information accessed by their children.
Patrons are cautioned that security in
an electronic environment such as the Internet cannot be guaranteed.
All transactions, files, and communication are vulnerable to
unauthorized access and use, and therefore should not be considered
confidential. Internet patrons must respect the privacy of others by
not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data
belonging to others.
All rules of copyright and personal
property must be honored. Information in the form of text, graphics,
music, video, software, and other media that is retrieved or utilized
electronically should be considered Constitutionally protected.
Patron Responsibilities:
All library patrons are expected to
treat this library resource in a responsible manner with courtesy to
others, consistent with the purposes for which it is provided, and to
follow all Library Internet access policies.
Failure to comply with those policies
may result in the suspension of loss of privilege to use these
resources. Illegal activity involving the Library's Internet
resources will be subject to prosecution by the appropriate
authorities.
Policies:
Following are the general policies
adopted by the Library regarding access and use of the Internet:
1. The Web, like all of the Library's
information sources, must be shared and used in a way that
respects the rights of others and refrains from activity that
prevents others from using it. The Library Internet is not to be
used for any purposes which violate Federal or New Jersey State
Laws.
2. Web access at the Library is
primarily for reference/research purposes. The Library does not
provide file transfer service (FTP), Telnet service, and e-mail
service (POP & SMTP) other than access to third party personal
email accounts via the Web.
3. Use of the Internet terminals is
on a first-serve basis. Patrons must check in at the Reference
Desk to use a computer.
4. Use of a computer will be
limited to a half hour. Patrons may extend the time slot if no one
is waiting to use a terminal.
5. Downloading or other replication
of copyrighted material without the owner's permission or a
license to use is illegal and prohibited.
6. Identified terminal(s) in the
Children's area will be equipped with filtering software.
a. This software diminishes the
likelihood that searchers will inadvertently retrieve text of
images that they may find offensive, but filters are not
foolproof, and may block access to sites that patrons would
consider both useful and inoffensive.
b. The Library suggests that
searchers use workstations equipped with filtering software if
the first concern is the possibility of being exposed to
offensive text or images. However, the software may impede
access to the information being sought.
7. Web access, transmission, and
display on the computer of obscene materials, child pornography,
or materials harmful to minors is illegal and prohibited. Such
access, transmission, and display may result in appropriate legal
action including suspension of Library privileges and police
intervention. Acts which constitute sexual and other harassment
against library patrons and staff are prohibited per Title VII of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the New Jersey Law Against
Discrimination.
8. The Library's Internet
resources may not be used to conduct a business, to advertise, or
to perform any illegal activity, including the deliberate
propagation of computer viruses. The Library's computers may not
be used to seek disallowed access to any other computer system.
Any verified complaints as to illegal activity may result in the
immediate shut down of the computer station, the suspension of
privileges, and possible referral to appropriate authorities.
9. Downloading refers to the
electronic transmission of data. No data files shall be
downloaded, installed or saved to Library Computer C-Drives (hard
disk drives). The Library sells formatted floppy discs for $2.00
at the Reference Desk to download or save files using the computer's
A-Drive. File saving must be accomplished within patron's 1/2
hour time allowance.
10. All patrons are responsible for
their behavior and for any damages that occur due to misuse. They
agree not to attempt to alter, even temporarily, the computer
setup. Any vandalism, destructive behavior or illegal activities
may result in police action as well as suspension of privileges.
All patrons will be held responsible for any damages done to
computers and furniture. Parents are responsible for damages done
by their children.
11. Printing must be accomplished
within the patron's 1/2 hour time allowance. Fees of $.10 per
page must be paid by all Library patrons for all pages (including
useless pages and mistakes). Retrieve printouts and pay fees at
the main desk.
Approved: 10/11/04 |
