THE SHREWSBURY PUBLIC LIBRARY
POLICY ON PUBLIC USE OF THE INTERNET
To fulfill its mission of providing public access to information
of all types in a wide range of formats, the Shrewsbury Public Library
provides access to Internet resources. The Internet offers access
to many valuable local, national and international sources of information.
However, some information found on the Internet may be inaccurate,
incomplete, dated, or offensive to some individuals. A good information
consumer must evaluate the validity and appropriateness of information
found.
Choosing and Evaluating Sources
The Internet is a series of communication linkages leading to a
highly diverse array of information content. Library patrons use
it at their own risk. In choosing sources to link to from its home
pages, the Shrewsbury Public Library follows its materials selection
guidelines. Beyond this, the Library is not responsible for the
content of the Internet, changes in content of the sources to which
the Library home page links, or for the content of sources accessed
through secondary links. In an effort to assist its users, the Library
has created a web site for the general population, to help guide
them with a wealth of information on the local, national and global
levels. In addition, the Library provides training for members of
the public to assist them in using the Internet in a safe, effective
and efficient manner.
Access by Minors
Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding
which library resources are appropriate for their own children.
Parents or legal guardians should guide their children in the use
of the Internet, and inform them about materials they should not
use. While the Library affirms and acknowledges the rights and responsibilities
of parents and guardians to monitor and determine their children’s
access to library materials and resources, including those available
through the Internet, the Library has taken certain measures designed
to assist in the safe and effective use of these resources by all
minors.
a. To address the issue of access by minors to inappropriate material
on the Internet and the World Wide Web, including material that
is harmful to minors, the Shrewsbury Public Library:
- Develops and maintains a list of special web sites for children
and teens;
- Develops and provides training programs on safe and effective
Internet use;
- Encourages staff to guide minors away from materials that may
be inappropriate;
- Distributes pamphlets, bookmarks, etc., that outline guidelines
for safe and effective Internet use.
b. To address the issue of the safety and security of minors when
using e-mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications,
as well as the unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of
personal identification information regarding minors, the Shrewsbury
Public Library provides training programs and also urges minors
to keep in mind the following safety guidelines (which are posted
near all public access Internet terminals):
- Never give out identifying information such as home address,
telephone number, or school name.
- 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 local police
(508-841-8577) and/or to the National Center for Missing and Exploited
Children (1-800-843-5678) if one becomes aware of the transmission
of child pornography.
- Remember that people online may not be who they say they are.
- Remember that everything one reads may not be true.
c. To address the issue of unauthorized access, including so-called
“hacking,” and other unlawful activities by minors online,
minors and all other Library users are hereby advised that use of
the Library’s computers for hacking or any other unlawful
activity is strictly prohibited.
Rules Governing Use
Due to the limited resources available for provision of public
access to the Internet, the Shrewsbury Public 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. The Library also reserves
the right to limit the amount of time an individual user can devote
to a single session. 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.
Users therefore may not:
- Use the network to make unauthorized entry into other computational,
informational or communication services or resources;
- Distribute unsolicited advertising;
- Invade the privacy of others;
- Make an attempt to damage computer equipment or software;
- Engage in an activity that is harassing or defamatory;
- Use the Internet for any illegal activity, including violation
of copyright or other rights of third parties, or in a manner
inconsistent with the Library’s tax-exempt status or its
proper operation.
Violations may result in loss of access. Unlawful activities will
be dealt with in an appropriate manner.
Public Users’ Security
Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium
and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding
users’ activities. However, the Shrewsbury Public Library
will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources
by members of the public, except as required by law or necessary
for the proper operation of the Library.
Compliance
The Shrewsbury Public Library reserves the right to take appropriate
action to insure compliance with this policy.
Guidelines on Access to Information
The Shrewsbury Public Library is guided by the following American
Library Association statements on access to information:
- The Library Bill of Rights
- Freedom to read Statement
- Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights: Free Access to
Libraries for Minors and Access to Electronic Information Services
and Resources
In general, the Library is guided by a commitment to access to
information policies that provide appropriate protections to its
patrons while being consistent with the Library'’ longstanding
commitment to the principles of free expression as set forth in
the First Amendment to the United States Consitution and elsewhere.
Policy Subject to Revision
The Shrewsbury Public Library’s “Policy on Public Use
of the Internet” may be revised from time to time.
(approved by Trustees, 6/25/2002)
Internet User Agreement
(Based on the policy statement of the New York Public Library)
|
Fast reads: 1
for 1 week/ 50 cents a day overdue charge.