Internet Access Policy
See also:
• Your
Privacy and Confidentiality on MHL Computers
•
Statement on Filtering
Memorial Hall Library is committed to
providing access to informational, educational,
recreational and cultural resources for
library users of all ages and backgrounds.
Throughout its history, MHL has made information
available in a variety of formats, including
print materials, microforms, audiovisual
materials, and electronic resources. The
library's computer system provides the opportunity
to integrate electronic resources from information
networks around the world with the library's
other resources. The library's goal in providing
Internet access is to enhance its existing
collection in size and depth and to give
anyone who wishes to use the Internet the
chance to do so.
Library staff continuously identifies
and posts on the library's website age-specific
starting points for searches that are appropriate
to the library's mission and service roles.
Reference librarians will help you use the
computers to find the information you need.
Filtering: Memorial
Hall Library seeks to provide equal access
to information for persons of all ages.
With regard to the Internet, the library
does not selectively choose (i.e. filter)
which electronic resources to make available.
Just as parents are encouraged to discuss
appropriate use of other library materials,
the library encourages parents to discuss
with their children the appropriate use
of electronic resources available through
the Internet. (See also our
).
Legal Compliance: The
library will not tolerate use of its computers
and network in a way that violates local,
state, or federal law.
Public Environment:
Whether using a library computer or a personal
laptop, patrons are expected to refrain
from displaying graphics which are inappropriate
for public viewing, or playing audio that
could disturb other patrons.
Monitoring: Illegal
activities or activities that interfere
with or disrupt the network, users, services
or equipment are prohibited and not protected
by the library's privacy policy. The library
does not routinely monitor public computers,
but reserves the right to do so when a violation
of this policy or illegal activity is suspected.
Staff is authorized to take immediate action
to protect the security of computers and
the network. This includes confiscating
any removable media, requiring a user to
leave a computer or the premises, and contacting
law enforcement authorities.
Copyright and Licensing:
You are responsible for complying
with copyright law, licensing agreements
and the policies of individual websites
that you view.
Saving Your Data and Files:
If the computer you are using powers
off for any reason, any stored information
from your session is deleted. We encourage
you to use a removable storage device, like
a thumb drive, to store your data regularly
while working in Microsoft Office and other
applications.
Privacy: Although we
do not keep any permanent record of the
sites you visit or the files you create,
we would caution that complete privacy on
shared computers is not a realistic expectation.
However, we do try to protect your privacy
to the maximum extent possible. We strongly
suggest that you reboot the computer when
you are finished. The computer reboots itself
after a certain time of inactivity. (See
also:
)
Additional Information:
- Internet access is available whenever
the library is open.
- Users may log into the internet
computers for up to one hour. After
this first hour, they may reenter the
queue for a second hour. 20 minute express
stations are also available on Level
1 as part of the daily 2 hour limit.
- Users must log in to the computers
using their own library card number
and pin number. Using someone else's
login information is against library
policy, and will result in revocation
of computer privileges. Out-of-town
occasional visitors can get a guest
pass from the Information Services Desk.
- Printing is available at $.10/page
for monochrome printing, $.40/page for
color.
- Users must cooperate with librarians
as requested to insure equitable computer
use and a safe computing environment.
Failure to do so may result in loss
of computer privileges.
- Users may plug any appropriate device
into the front ports on our computers,
but may not remove anything from the
back of the computers.
- Use headphones when listening to
audio content, and keep volume low so
you do not disturb others.
- Do not gather around/stand behind
computer users since doing so may obstruct
or distract other patrons.
- Computers in the Teen Room are restricted
to Teens when school is not in session
during the week, and from 1-5 on Saturdays
and Sundays.
- The library offers free wireless
internet access throughout the building.
Children's Room Computer Use:
The Children's Room provides Internet
access to children through age 12. A menu
is displayed on the introductory screen
which connects the user to Internet sites
specifically designed for children. The
Internet is an ever changing source of information
and not all sites are accurate or current.
Many sites are inappropriate for children,
and therefore parents are encouraged to
come to the library and use the Internet
with their children. Ultimate responsibility
for how children use the Internet is a matter
for parents and their children to decide.
Adults and teens unaccompanied by children
are not permitted to use the computers in
the Children's Room.
Approved by the Memorial Hall Library Board of Trustees, May 6, 1998.
Modified by the Trustees, December 6, 2000; November 7, 2001; March 12, 2003; September 17, 2003, November 5, 2008.
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