Internet and Computer Policy

To fulfill our mission, the William Jeanes Memorial Library provides access to a broad range of information resources, including those available through the Internet. What follows are the rules and regulations that govern patron use of the Library’s computers and Internet connection (via the Library’s computers or wireless).

Internet Use Policy

This policy applies to everyone who uses the William Jeanes Memorial Library public access computers and wireless connections to access the Internet.

Responsibilities of Computer Users

William Jeanes Memorial Library does not monitor the information accessed over the Internet. The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national and international sources of information. However, as with printed publications, not all sources available through the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. A good information consumer evaluates the validity of information found. The Internet is a global system of interconnected public, private, academic, commercial, non-governmental, and governmental computer networks linked by electronic, wireless and optical networking technologies. The Internet carries a broad range of information, resources, and services.

Library patrons access the Internet at their own risk. William Jeanes Memorial Library, as required for compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, has installed content filtering software provided through MCLINC on all Library workstations to protect against access to images deemed harmful or inappropriate for minors. No filtering product is 100% effective and parents are urged to monitor their children’s activities. The filtering software may block access to sites with legitimate value. Adults (17 years and older) may request that the filters be disabled during their session. Such requests will be kept confidential. William Jeanes Memorial Library does not restrict access to text materials and cannot protect computer users from information they may find offensive.

Except as stated by this Policy, all Internet resources accessible through the William Jeanes Memorial Library are provided equally to all computer users. Explicit sexual material, as defined Title 18, Section 5903 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (18 Pa.C.S. §5903), may not be displayed on computers in the Library. William Jeanes Memorial Library reserves the right to terminate any computer session where such material is displayed.

Supervision or restriction of a minor’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. William Jeanes Memorial Library does not have the right or the responsibility to act in loco parentis. Parents who believe their children cannot responsibly use the Library’s Internet workstations or wireless networks are requested to monitor their children’s Internet use. William Jeanes Memorial Library complies with the Acceptable Use Policy of the MCLINC Internet Service Provider, SNIP. Any activity which does not comply with that policy is prohibited. The Acceptable Use Policy can be found at http://www.mclinc.org/AUP.htm. Computer users are warned that public access computers and wireless networks are not secured. The Library cannot ensure the confidentiality of credit card or other personal information transmitted through library computers.

Computer users may not download software onto Library computers.

Computer users may not use any Library Internet workstation for any illegal or criminal purpose including but not limited to harassment, stalking, child pornography or scams.

Computer users may not display materials that by community standards are obscene.

Copyright

U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of “fair use”.

Computer users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including text, images, programs, data or files) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for and consequences of copyright infringement lies with the computer user; the library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.

Computer Use Policy

This policy applies to all users of the William Jeanes Memorial Library public access computers.

To ensure that computer time is equitably allocated among computer users, the William Jeanes Memorial Library uses EnvisionWare’s PC Reservation® – PC Access and Session Control. To access a computer session, users must enter a current Library card barcode and PIN. Anyone unable to obtain a Library card can request a temporary pass (good for only the date issued) from the front desk. A 30-minute time limit comes into effect when others are waiting. When computers are full, users may reserve the next available computer at the Library’s Reservation Station. Public computers are available from opening until 10 minutes before closing, when computers will be automatically shut down. To ensure the privacy of individual computer users, barcode information or data on Internet searches and software use is not tracked.

Rules governing the use of Library workstations

1. Food or drink at the computers is strictly prohibited.

2. Computer users may use their own portable media (diskettes, CDs, USB devices) in library computers.

3. No more than two people working together at any one workstation.

4. Computer users must either mute or use earphones when sound is activated.

5. Computer users may not obstruct other people’s work by tampering with any Library workstation.

6. Computer users may not make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software, to alter software configurations, or to degrade system performance.

Approved by the William Jeanes Memorial Library Board of Directors 8/27/2015

7. Computer users may not use any Library workstation or wireless network for any illegal or criminal purpose.

8. Computer users may not violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements in their use of Library workstations or wireless network.

9. Computer users may not engage in any activity that is deliberately or maliciously offensive, libelous or slanderous.

10. Computer users may not install software on Library workstations or copy software from a library workstation.

Termination or prohibition of Computer User Access

Violations of the Internet & Computer Use Policy and Guidelines may result in loss of access or Library privileges. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner by the responsible law enforcement agencies, which will be notified of any such activities, brought to the attention of Library personnel. When Library employees believe that a computer user has failed to comply with the Internet and Computer Use Policy and Guidelines, they are authorized to terminate any computer user’s access session or to prohibit a computer user from subsequent access sessions for up to two weeks from the date that the computer user was informed of the action. A computer user may be permanently barred from Internet access from the Library by the Library Director. These decisions may be appealed to the Library Board. Requests for reinstatement of Internet privileges will be made in writing to the Library Board.