COMPUTER & INTERNET USE POLICY

Policy Statement
Disclaimers
Time Limits & Reservations
Computer Use Cards
Printing & Saving
Internet Access for Portable Computers
Computers for Users with Special Needs
Responsibilities of Library Staff & Users
Technology Protection Measures
Suspension of User Privileges
Guidelines for Minor Children

Policy Statement
The Thomas Crane Public Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services that meet the informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of Quincy's diverse community. To achieve this goal, the Library offers various resource formats and services to users of all ages, including public access to computers, information databases, the Internet and the World Wide Web.

This policy is intended to ensure appropriate and effective use of the Library's electronic resources. The Library considers use of its public access computers and/or use of its Internet services to constitute acceptance of this Computer and Internet Use Policy.

Disclaimers
The Internet, a global computer network, is an essential medium for obtaining and transmitting information of all types, some of which is not available in print. However, the Internet is a decentralized, unregulated medium and provides access to information that is sometimes inaccurate, illegal or that some may find offensive or disturbing. Provision of Internet service does not constitute endorsement of Internet content by the Library.

The Library will identify on its Web site specific Internet sites that have potential interest for its users, but the Library cannot control a user's access to other Internet resources. While the Library endeavors to provide access to electronic information of the highest quality, the Library cannot specifically guarantee the information's accuracy, timeliness, authority, usefulness or fitness for a particular purpose.

The Library will have no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of the Library's computer hardware, software, Internet connections (both wired and wireless), including loss of data, privacy invasions, or damage to users' own disks or computers. Users of the Library's computers and/or Internet access do so at their own risk and assume full liability for their actions.

The Library employs filtering software on some Library computers but will have no liability for damages related to the operation of, or failure of, the filtering software, or for its circumvention by users.

Since software and information downloaded from any sources, including the Internet, may contain computer viruses, users are advised to use virus-checking software on their own personal computers.

Although the Library makes every effort to protect users' privacy, users must be aware that their privacy is not guaranteed while using Library computers. The Internet is not a secure environment by its very nature, making personal information included in transactions, files and communications subject to potential unauthorized access by others.

The Library's computers are subject to access by law enforcement authorities acting through state or federal law. The Library cooperates in the prosecution of violations arising out of use of its computers for illegal purposes and activities.

Regulations

Time Limits & Reservations
1. In order to ensure equitable access for all users, computer use is limited to one hour per user per day at the Main Library, and 30 minutes per user per day at the branch libraries. The Library gives priority to computer use that involves research or educational uses. Extra computer time may be granted, at the discretion of library staff, for use that includes but is not limited to homework or research projects, job searching, and word processing of resumes, cover letters, and reports.
2. All Main Library and branch library computers (except Adaptive Technology Room computers) are available on a first come, first served basis only and may not be reserved in advance.
3. All computers in the Main Library Computer Lab will be turned off 30 minutes before the library closes. All other computers will be turned off 15 minutes before the library closes. Users must be ready to end their computer session at that time.

Computer Use Cards

4. A computer use card is required to access most computers at the Main Library and the North Quincy Branch Library. Use of another user's computer use card for the purpose of exceeding the daily time limit is not permitted and may result in termination of computer privileges.
   
   ADULTS (Main Library)
   Adults and young adults in 8th grade or above may register for a computer use card in the Computer Lab. Users do not need to be registered OCLN borrowers to register for a computer use card. Computer use cards will be issued upon presentation of a valid OCLN library card or identification showing name and current address. Adult computer use cards may be used only to access computers in adult areas.
   
   CHILDREN (Main Library)
   Children in 7th grade or below may register for a computer use card in the Children's Room upon presentation of a valid OCLN library card. Juvenile computer use cards may be used only to access computers in the Children's Room.
   
   NORTH QUINCY BRANCH LIBRARY
   All ages may register for a computer use card at the circulation desk. Children in 7th grade or below must present a valid OCLN library card. Adults and young adults in 8th grade or above may present either a valid OCLN library card or identification showing name and current address.

Printing and Saving

5. Printed copies may be made on library paper only for 15 cents per page.
6. Users may not save documents or personal files to the hard drive. Files that are saved to Library computers will be removed by the Library. All documents must be saved to a floppy disk, flash drive, or CD belonging to the user. New floppy disks may be purchased for $1.00 each. The Library is not responsible for loss of data that may occur when saving documents.

Internet Access for Portable Computers

7. Wired Internet connections for portable computers, such as notebooks and handhelds, are available at the Main Library. Connections are located in the study carrels in the first floor circulation area and in the study carrels and tables in the second floor reference area. These dataports are connected to the City of Quincy network, which filters sexually explicit and other content (see Technology Protection Measures).
8. Unfiltered wireless Internet service is available for portable computers in most areas of the Main Library and the branch libraries. The Library cannot guarantee that wireless service will be available at any specific time or in any particular location within a library building. Wireless signal strength is affected by many things including, but not limited to, cellular phones and microwave ovens.
9. The Library's wireless Internet access was designed for ease of use, and thus is not encrypted or password protected. Users of the Library's wireless network do so at their own risk. The Library strongly encourages users to install and update virus protection software, Spyware/Adware software and personal firewall.
10. The Library does not provide portable computing devices for public use and offers limited technical assistance to people using their own devices. Users of the Library's wireless Internet access must have their own portable computer with a standard wireless network capability that is compatible with the Library's Wi-Fi standard (802.11a/b/g).
11. The Library does not provide any print capability for portable computers. Users wishing to print must either supply their own printer or transfer documents to floppy disk, flash drive, or CD which can then be transported to a Library Internet workstation for printing.
12. Users connecting to the Internet via a portable computer must comply with the Library's Computer and Internet Use Policy.

Computers for Users With Special Needs

13. Two computer workstations in the Main Library Adaptive Technology Room enable persons with special needs to access the Internet or use word processing software. Priority is given to users who need assistive technology, including people with disabilities and literacy tutors. Staff assistance is available upon pre-arrangement. Reservations can be made up to a month in advance at the Main Library Reference Desk.

Responsibilities of Library Staff and Users

14. Library staff will not monitor a user's computer or Internet use, except to insure compliance with this Policy and its Regulations.The user, or the parent or guardian of a minor, is responsible for his or her Internet session at all times.
15. Library staff will assist users with the Library's electronic resources, including the library catalog, online databases, and the Internet, and will also provide limited assistance in the use of Library-installed software. Staff are not able to provide extensive tutoring in the use of Library-installed software or extensive assistance in the creation of documents such as letters or resumes.
16. All users of Library computers or portable computers are expected to use them in a quiet, responsible and courteous way, to respect the privacy of other users, and to follow all of the Library's policies, guidelines and procedures.
17. Users must refrain from viewing material that is inappropriate for a public area, including sexually explicit images. Display of material that may be deemed obscene and/or unlawful under federal or state law is not permitted. All audio must be disabled, unless headphones are used. Headphone volume must be low enough so that others cannot hear it.
18. Except for free Web-based e-mail services offered by third-party providers, electronic mail is not available using software on the Library's computers. Free services on the Internet may be accessed through Library computers.
19. Library computers may not be used to conduct a business or commercial enterprise from the Library. Library computers and Internet resources are for research, education, and personal communication uses only.
20. Library software is copyrighted and may not be reproduced. Users may not load their own or any other software on Library equipment. This includes, but is not limited to, disks that are checked out, disks in books that may be checked out, and disks in reference materials that must remain in the library. Users are not permitted to store any software or other data on the hard drives of the library's computers, add any hardware such as external drives and headphones, or alter the programs currently installed on the systems.
21. It is not acceptable to use the Library's Internet access for any purposes which violate federal or state laws, on either a Library computer or a personal portable computer. Examples of unacceptable use in violation of this policy include, but are not limited to:
    • any attempt to add, modify or damage files or data on Library computers, damage computer equipment or degrade system performance
    • any attempt to gain unauthorized access to local or remote computers
    • destruction or damage to equipment, software or data belonging to the Library or to other users
    • compromising the privacy of individuals
    • use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others
    • disclosing, using or disseminating personal identity information about minors
    • disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications
    • violating copyright law or software license agreements
    • transmitting threatening, harassing, obscene or defamatory materials or messages
    • transmitting libelous or slanderous materials or messages
    • transmitting chain mail, broadcast letters, or junk mail of any type
    • deliberately propagating computer worms and/or viruses
    • viewing obscenity or child pornography or, if a minor, viewing content defined as "harmful to minors" according to state or federal law

Technology Protection Measures

22. Main Library computers with Internet access via the City of Quincy computer network, including all computers in the Children's Room and all portable computer dataports, are filtered. A filter is third-party software that blocks or restricts access to predetermined words or Web sites. The City of Quincy Information Technology Department determines what content is filtered on the City network. An effort is made to eliminate access to sexually explicit materials and materials harmful to minors. Additional content may also be filtered on the City network.
23. Each Branch Library has at least one computer that is filtered locally to reduce access to sexually explicit materials and materials harmful to minors. Each Branch Library also has one or more unfiltered computers.
24. Because filters are imperfect, some offensive and inappropriate materials will be accessible; filters limit but cannot eliminate exposure to potentially harmful or undesirable information. Filters may also block useful and non-objectionable material and impede legitimate research.
25. Users who do not find what they need are encouraged to ask a librarian for help. Computers with unfiltered Internet access are available at all locations to any user upon request.

Suspension of User Privileges

26. Library staff are authorized to terminate any user's session or revoke a user's computer privileges if a user fails to comply with this Policy and its Regulations. Illegal acts involving Library resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.
27. A revocation of privileges may be reviewed upon written request to the Library Director.

Guidelines
The following recommendations apply to minor children (ages 16 and under) using the Library's Internet service.

The Library affirms the rights and responsibilities of parents and legal guardians to monitor their minor children's access to all library materials and resources, including those available via the Internet. Children using the Internet unsupervised may be exposed to inappropriate or disturbing content. Parents are advised to discuss appropriate use of this resource with their children, establishing guidelines and boundaries. Parents who believe that their children cannot responsibly use the Library's Internet access are requested to monitor their children's Internet use.

In order to offer some safeguards for children, all computers in the Main Library Children's Room and at least one computer at each branch library are filtered to reduce access to sexually explicit material. However, filters cannot be relied upon to block all inappropriate materials. In addition, filters may block useful and inoffensive materials. The Library strongly recommends that parents not only familiarize themselves with the scope of the Internet, but also accompany their children to the library to ensure proper use of this service.

The Library urges parents to instruct children never to give out personal information (name, address, telephone number, password) online or to arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone via the computer without parental approval.

Adopted by Vote of the Library Board of Trustees, September 12, 2005
Amended, April 14, 2008

Last Modified: May 14, 2008
©Thomas Crane Public Library, Quincy, Mass. 02169