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Internet Use Policy

LIBRARY BOARD POLICY MANUAL
K. INTERNET POLICY (rev 7/05 )
In keeping with its mission and with advances in information technology, the Hamden Public Library provides users with access to the Internet. The library provides these computers in order to support the education and information needs of the community. Use of the Internet computers implies patrons’ consent to follow the policy and the Internet and Computer procedures.

DISCLAIMER. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. The library has no control over the information on the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content or quality.

CHILDREN AND THE INTERNET. Parents/guardians are responsible for the supervision of their children’s use of the Internet computers. Please see the pamphlet Child Safety on the Information Highway for guidelines issued by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Copies are available at the Reference Desk and the Children’s Room.

STAFF ASSISTANCE. Librarians are available to assist with research, but not e-mail or discussion groups (chat rooms).

DOWNLOADING. To help prevent viruses that are common on public computers, we require you to download to preformatted disks that you must purchase for $1.00 at the Circulation Desk. You may not download or copy files to your own disks. You may e-mail files to your home computer.

ACCEPTABLE USE. Online resources may be used by the staff and public for cultural, informational and research purposes and other lawful purposes only.

UNACCEPTABLE USE. Examples of unacceptable use, some of which may have legal consequences, include, but are not limited to the following:

• Use of the Internet to make unauthorized entry into other computational, informational or communication services or resources.
• Distribution of unsolicited or any other forms of advertising.
• Invasion of the privacy of others.
• Make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software.
• View, print, distribute, display, send or receive materials that violate laws relating to child pornography.
• Disseminate, exhibit, or display to minors materials that are harmful to minors.
• View, print, distribute, display, send or receive materials that is “obscene” under the community standards of CT Public Act 04-139.
• Engage in any activity that is harassing or defamatory to library patrons and staff, including, but not limited to such conduct that has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an employee’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.
• Use of the Internet for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright law or software licensing agreements.

SANCTIONS. Violators of Internet policies may lose their library privileges to use library computers including the immediate termination of their login session and/or suspension of Internet privileges, as determined by the Library Director, or his designee(s). Illegal acts involving library’s computing resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.