Computer Use

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INTERNET AND COMPUTER ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

The William Jeanes Memorial Library (WJML) provides access to information opportunities through the use of computers which includes Internet access, whether wired or wireless.  Computer access is provided equally to all patrons as one means of fulfilling the Library’s mission: to be a resource center which serves the diverse and changing needs of the community by providing materials, programs and services for education, enrichment and enjoyment. This policy has been established to ensure the use of this resource is appropriate and in conformity with state and federal regulations.

COMPUTERS

Misuse or abuse of the library’s computers, ancillary storage devices, Internet access or network(s) will result in termination of privileges to use the library’s computers.  Such actions include without limitation, any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data, including the uploading or creating of computer viruses and intentional physical damage to library computer(s) and/or their peripherals.  No patron may tamper with the software or hardware configurations provided by the library. Use of the library’s computers and its computer network(s) is restricted to that which does not disrupt computer access by others. Misappropriation, modification and or use of password(s) utilized by the library to access the computer network(s) or computer equipment is not permitted.

REQUIREMENTS

The WJML provides free computer access to those patrons who submit a completed and signed Internet Access Registration Form acknowledging their agreement to abide by this Internet and Computer Acceptable Use Policy. Individuals above the age of 12 may use WJML computers if they have a library card, and their Internet Access Registration Form is signed by their parent or guardian. Individuals between 14 to 18 years of age may use library workstations and/or network(s) for internet access without filtering, subject to adult approval.  See particulars below.

INTERNET

The William Jeanes Memorial Library complies with the Internet Access Policy of the Montgomery County Library & Information Network Consortium (MCLINC), and the policies for internet access established by its Internet Service Provider, Netcarrier. Any activity that does not comply with such collective polices, rules, regulations & protocols are prohibited.

MCLINC ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY    http://www.mclinc.org/AUP.htm

MODIFICATION OF TERMS OF USE

You acknowledge and agree that we may update, revise, supplement and otherwise modify these this Policy and impose new or additional terms and conditions on your use of library workstations, access to its wired and/or wireless network(s) from time to time.  Such updates, revisions, supplements, modifications and additional rules, policies, terms and conditions will be effective immediately and incorporated into this Policy. If we change our Policy, we will post a new statement on the library website and change the date. By continuing to use of library workstations, access to its wired and/or wireless network(s) after we make any such updates, revisions, supplements, modifications and additions, you agree to be bound by the revised terms of use. Therefore, we encourage you to check the date of our Policy whenever you visit the library or its website for any updates or changes.

SUSPENSION & TERMINATION OF PRIVILEGES

The WJML reserves the right to suspend user privileges for non-compliance with this Policy, and all other applicable policies, procedures, rules & protocols referenced in this Policy.

Unacceptable uses of this service may result in the suspension or revocation of Internet use privileges. Where Library employees believe that a patron has failed to comply with this Policy and/or those polices, rules, regulations & protocols referenced herein, they are authorized to temporarily terminate such patron’s internet access and use of library workstations up to two (2) weeks from the date of the infraction. A user may be permanently barred from Internet access and/or the use of library workstations by the Library Director for violations of this Policy and/or those polices, rules, regulations & protocols referenced herein. The decision of a Library employee to deny access to a patron may be appealed to the Library Director, and the Library Director’s decision may be further appealed to the Library Board of Directors. Requests for reinstatement of Internet privileges will be made to the Library Board of Directors.

THE LIBRARY’S RIGHT TO MONITOR USE

The WJML reserves the right to investigate and prosecute violations of any of the above, including intellectual property rights’ infringement and library network security issues, to the fullest extent permitted by law. The library may involve and cooperate with law enforcement authorities in prosecuting users who violate its Policy and terms of use. You acknowledge that the library has no obligation to monitor your access to or use of its computer workstations and/or wired and wireless networks, but has the right to do so for the purpose of providing computer workstations and internet access to its patrons, to ensure your compliance with this Policy, or to comply with applicable law or the order or requirement of a court, administrative agency or other governmental body.

INDEMNIFICATION OF LIBRARY

By using the library computer workstations and/or wired and wireless networks, you agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the library, its affiliates, and its and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives, from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses and expenses, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, arising out of or in any way connected with your access to or use of the library computer workstations and/or wired and wireless networks, or your violation of this Policy.

FILTERING

Consistent with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), access to Internet content is filtered through software provided by MCLINC on all workstations. Individuals who have attained the age of fourteen (14) and wish to have unfiltered Internet access may request that the filtering of the content be disabled for that session. These requests will be kept confidential.

At present, nonfiltered internet access is only available on library computer workstations and its wired internet network.
Patrons between the ages of 14 and 18 who wish to use WJML computers or its computer network(s) without filtering content, may do so, upon having their Internet Access Registration Form (WJML) signed by their parent or guardian confirming assent for such unrestricted service.

Please note, filtering is not completely reliable, and access to obscene materials and images or materials patrons find personally offensive is still possible. The library cannot be held responsible for patrons who gain access to such sites. The library advises parents or guardians that they, not the Library or its staff, need to be responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents who believe their children cannot responsibly use the Library’s Internet access workstations are requested to monitor their children’s Internet use.

All patrons are asked to remember that they are in a public building and to show consideration for others when viewing web sites. Offensive images are harassing to the public and staff. Explicit sexual material, as defined in 18 Pa. C.S.A. 5903, may not be displayed on or printed from library workstations.

PRIVACY

The use of the Internet and e-mail are not guaranteed to be private or secure. The library cannot assure the confidentiality of credit card or other personal information transmitted through library computers or on its computer network(s). Minors are especially warned to not disclose personal information to strangers in any form of electronic communication.

COPYRIGHT

Patrons shall be obligated to respect and uphold copyright laws, licensing agreements and all other applicable laws and regulations; they will not use library Internet resources for illegal or criminal purposes.

SLANDER & CYBER-BULLYING

Patrons may not engage in any activity that is deliberately or maliciously offensive, libelous or slanderous, or may reasonably be deemed cyber-bulllying.

NON-COMMERCIAL USE

The library’s public computer and internet system is not designed for commercial use by patrons.

RULES GOVERNING THE USE OF LIBRARY WORKSTATIONS

• All patrons wishing to use Library computer workstations must first demonstrate they have a validly issued library card in good standing, and sign in at the front Circulation Desk before each computer use session. 
• When the library’s computers are at full capacity, a waiting list will be started, and patrons who have been on for the longest time period will be asked to sign off. Patrons are not guaranteed a minimum time period for usage, but the Library will endeavor to provide each patron with 30 minutes of uninterrupted usage of a computer and/or internet access.
• Patrons must supply their own headphones if they desire sound.
• Patrons may bring in removable media such as floppy disks, zip disks or thumb drives in which to transfer data associated with their computer workstation usage. Saving things directly to library computers in any fashion is prohibited. 
• Printing is available to patrons from the library’s public workstations. Please check at the desk for current charges and rules relating to printing. 
• Use of the library’s computers and its network(s) is restricted to that which does not disrupt computer access by others. Patrons of computers in the library may not disrupt general library use by other patrons.
• Patrons may not install software on library workstations or copy software from a library workstations. 
• The public access computers will be shut down fifteen minutes before the library closes.