|
Services| Public Access
Computers
 The library provides computers for public use with Internet
access and word processing software. Time is available by
reservation and on a walk-in basis. Printing is available
for a nominal fee.
Public Computer and Internet Access
Policy
Statement of Purpose
The Internet is a global telecommunications network that
offers its users an extraordinary range of information that
is vast, unique and ever-growing. The Leominster Public
Library provides access to computers and the Internet in
support of its mission to provide free and convenient access
to information in various formats to residents of Leominster
and the surrounding communities. The Reference Staff use
authoritative resources on the Internet as part of the
library’s Information/Reference Service, since resources on
the Internet can enhance the materials owned by the library
and often go beyond what is locally available.
The following portions of this policy apply to the public
use of computers and the Internet at the Leominster Public
Library.
Eligibility
Patrons using the library’s computer terminals may be
required to present a library card or alternate
identification. Reflecting the library’s commitment to
offering services in age-appropriate areas, children age 11
and under unaccompanied by a parent or guardian must use
computers in the Children’s Room. Teenagers (ages 12-18)
should use the computer in the library’s Robert Cormier
Center for Young Adults. When this computer is already in
use or during hours the Center is not open, teens are
permitted to use computers in the Adult Department.
Content
Library patrons use the Internet at their own risk. The
Leominster Public Library does not have complete knowledge
of what is on the Internet and cannot be held responsible
for its content. Information accessed via the Internet may
be reliable and current or it may be inaccurate, out of date
or unavailable at times. Some sites may carry information
that a user finds controversial or offensive. The individual
user is responsible for judging the validity,
appropriateness and value of material found on the Internet.
The Leominster Public Library offers unfiltered Internet
access for teenagers and adults. The Children’s Room
offers filtered access only for children age 11 and under.
Training
Staff will assist patrons with basic questions about
Internet and computer use as time permits but cannot offer
individualized instruction. Users are encouraged to learn
more by reading books or viewing videos from the library’s
collection about computers and the Internet. Library staff
and trained volunteers may offer sessions of formal
instruction or information on Internet use from time to
time. Such sessions will be publicized and the public is
encouraged to inquire at the Information Desk about future
sessions.
Rules Governing Use
Use of computers and the Internet at the Leominster Public
Library is a privilege and should be treated as such by all
users. Patrons accessing the Internet are reminded that the
library’s computer terminals are located in public areas
which are shared with library users and staff of all ages,
backgrounds and sensibilities. Individuals are expected to
consider this diversity and respect the sensibilities of
others when accessing potentially offensive information or
images.
Due to the limited resources available for provision of
public access to the Internet, the library may set limits,
for example, on use of large files of still or moving images
or sound, or on downloading files in any medium. Patrons may
use only software installed by the library. The public must
comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws,
including laws governing the transmission and dissemination
of information while accessing the Internet.
Library staff make every attempt to ensure that all
interested patrons have an opportunity to use electronic
resources by enforcing, as necessary, the time limits posted
at computer workstations. Patrons should plan and use their
time efficiently so that saving and printing of work is
completed before the end of their session. Patrons who
routinely exceed these time limits may lose their computer
privileges.
Users may not:
• Make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software.
• Remove the computer privacy screens.
• Engage in any activity that is disruptive, harassing or
defamatory.
• Use the Internet for any illegal activity, including
violation of copyright, viewing child pornography,
attempting to use sexually explicit images to entice a
child, or in a manner inconsistent
with the library’s proper operation.
• Invade the privacy of others.
• Leave web sites open at the end of a session.
• Use the network to make unauthorized entry into other
computational, informational or communication services or
resources.
• Distribute unsolicited advertising.
Violations may result in loss
of access. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in an
appropriate manner.
Safety Guidelines for Minors
As with other library materials, a child’s use of the
Internet is the right and responsibility of that child’s
parent or legal guardian. Parents or guardians concerned
about their children’s use of electronic resources are
ultimately responsible for setting standards and
establishing guidelines, and the library encourages
parents/guardians to visit the library with their children
and supervise their Internet sessions.
The library has taken certain measures designed to assist in
the safe and effective use of Internet resources by all
minors, including:
• Guiding children and teens to authoritative and
age-appropriate sites;
• Encouraging staff to guide minors away from materials that
may be inappropriate;
• Posting safety guidelines at computer workstations; and
• Distributing publications to parents on child safety on
the Internet.
The library urges minors to keep in mind the following
safety guidelines
• Never give out identifying information such as home
address, school name or telephone number.
• Let parents or guardians decide whether personal
information such as age, marital status or financial
information should be revealed.
• Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone via the
computer without parents’ or guardians’ approval.
• Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene,
threatening, or make one uncomfortable.
• Have parents or guardians report an incident to the
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
at 1-800-843-5678 if one becomes aware of the transmission
of child pornography.
Please inform a librarian immediately so that local police
can be contacted.
• Remember that people online may not be who they say they
are.
• Remember that everything one reads may not be true.
Procedures
Procedures regarding time limits and reservations are
approved in concept by the library’s Board of Trustees and
may vary within library departments. The library director,
in consultation with responsible staff, may change these
procedures to adapt to changing needs and circumstances.
Adult Department Procedures updated January 19, 2006
•The library has adopted a “zero-tolerance” policy
against viewing pornography or obscene materials. Users in
violation of this policy will have their computer privileges
revoked immediately.
•Computer reservations and time management are handled
through PC Reservation software.
•Patrons may make reservations for sessions of either 15 or
55 minutes in length.
•Patrons may reserve and use two sessions per day.
•PC Reservation software will hold a reservation for 5
minutes and then it be cancelled.
•Patrons must read and accept the library’s Public Computer
and Internet Access Policy at the start of each session.
Refusal to accept will end the session, which will count
towards daily usage totals.
•PC Reservation software may extend a session’s time period
if no other patrons are signed up to use the computer.
•No more than two people may use a computer at one time.
•Printing is managed through LPTOne software. There is a
nominal fee for printing. All printing fees are managed by
the Friends of the Library.
•Patrons may bring in compatible storage disks or devices
and copy material on them. The Friends of the Library also
offer floppy disks for sale.
•The library is not responsible for any damage or loss to a
patron’s storage disks or devices or data files during use
of the library’s computers.
•These procedures are subject to periodic review and change.
This policy is subject to periodic review. |
