Internet Use Policy 

The Internet brings a world of resources, including information, ideas, and issues, to the library.  By providing access to the Internet, Conant Free Public Library accomplishes two goals:

 

  1. Staff and patrons can access current and accurate resources not readily available in other resources in the library.
  2. The public, and especially those who would otherwise be without access to internet services, has free access to the Internet to search for information to meet educational, business, or personal needs.

The following policies apply to public use of the Internet at the Conant Public Library.

 

Eligibility: All library patrons are free to use the Internet. Library card holders may sign in directly at a computer; non-library card holders and visitors can request a guest pass from library staff. As anywhere else in the library, a responsible adult must directly supervise children aged nine and under, when using computers.  All public computers are available for 1 hour sessions; sessions may be extended at the discretion of staff.

 

Access: The expression or receipt of constitutionally protected speech will not be restricted or denied.

 

Content: The Conant Free Public Library cannot be held responsible for the information on the Internet.  The Library cannot control and does not block any information for content or accuracy.  It is an individual’s responsibility to judge the validity, accuracy or appropriateness of any information available via the Internet.  As with other library materials, it is a parent or guardian’s responsibility to monitor their child’s use of the Internet.

 

Training: The staff cannot give one-on-one instruction with the use of the Internet but will answer basic questions. 

 

Services: Printing is available at a cost of 25 cents per page.  Library Policy does not allow loading of personal software onto library computers. We encourage you to save your data regularly using a removable storage device. If the library computer you are using powers off for any reason or when your session ends, any files that you have saved to the computer are immediately deleted, and cannot be recovered by library staff.

 

Monitoring: 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. 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. Staff are 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. 

 

Suspension of Privileges: The library reserves the right to suspend the privileges of users who abuse the library’s Internet access by unethical or illegal use of the Internet or the library’s equipment.  Users are responsible for damages to equipment.  Examples of unethical or illegal use include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data
  • Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications
  • Harassment of other users
  • Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material
  • Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification codes/numbers
  • Use of computer communication facilities in ways that are intended to impede the computing activities of others
  • Violation of another’s privacy
  • Violation of computer system security
  • Violation of network or host usage policy
  • Violation of software license agreements

​​​​​Public Environment: Whether using a library computer or a personal device, patrons are expected to refrain from displaying or printing graphics which are inappropriate for public viewing, or playing audio that could disturb other patrons.

Internet Safety Policy: Using computers in the library for illegal purposes is strictly prohibited.  This includes, but is not limited to using the Internet in violation of Massachusetts General Law 272 Section 31, the Harmful to Minors statute or for the transmission of threatening, harassing, or obscene materials.

Images that are deemed by the library staff to be threatening or unsafe for very young children will not be allowed on computer monitors in the children’s room.  The public is encouraged to seek the assistance of a library staff member if enforcement of this rule is necessary.

For their own safety, members of the public who access direct electronic communication on the Internet should not reveal private information about themselves or respond to inquiries from anyone they meet online. 

The library protects information that reveals the identity and intellectual pursuits of a person using library resources. (Massachusetts General Laws CH. 78, Section 7)

Violation of internet policies may result in the cancellation of the individual’s computer privileges and may also be subject to prosecution by local, state and federal authorities.

 

Adopted November 4, 2003, amended December 13, 2021