The Webster Public Library upholds and affirms the Library Bill of Rights,
which supports the right of each individual, regardless of age, access to
constitutionally protected material in any format.
All collections of the library, including adult collections and
Internet access, are available to children and teenagers.
The Internet, as provided
by the Monroe County Library System, enables the Webster Public Library to
provide electronic information beyond the confines of our collection.
The Internet is an unmediated, global medium which offers access to
a wealth of excellent material, but also provides access to materials and
images which some might find offensive, disturbing, and in some cases
inaccurate. Users must be
aware that the Webster Public Library cannot be held responsible for what
may be accessed through the library computers.
Internet
Safety
The Children’s Internet
Protection Act requires all public and school libraries in the
United States
to use a filter to protect children from pornography and other harmful
material available on the Internet. In
compliance with this law, the Webster Public Library Board of Trustees has
elected to filter pornography and chat on its computers.
However, filtering software both under blocks (allows or misses
sites intended to be blocked) and over blocks (blocks sites that are not
intended to be blocked). It is the responsibility
of parents to monitor their children’s behavior and use of library
materials and resources, including Internet access. The library does
not have the right or responsibility to act in
loco parentis.
Rules
Governing Use
- Internet
use requires a library card issued through the Monroe County
Library System. Adult
visitors may request a temporary guest log-on or an Internet Only card
for those staying in the Webster area longer than two weeks.
- Minors
without parental supervision must have a library card to access the
Internet.
- The
Internet may be accessed for a 90
minute per person per day time period and is strictly enforced.
- Patrons
must use their own personal
library cards. Family members’ or friends’ library cards cannot be
used to extend time limits.
- Patron
use of the library computers including the wireless network
indicates agreement to abide by the Webster Public Library’s
Rules of Conduct.
- Use
of the Internet is on a walk-in basis only. The library does not
schedule sessions in advance and no waiting list will be taken.
- Users are cautioned that the library’s
Internet is not a secure medium and all transactions, files, and
communication may be subject to unauthorized access by third parties.
The library will not release information on the use of
electronic resources by members of the public except as required by
law.
- Users are reminded that the library’s
computers are located in public areas which are shared by people of
all ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities.
Strictly
Prohibited
- Any
illegal use including the viewing of child pornography, infringement
of copyright, credit card fraud, and the sending of libelous and/or
harassing e-mail.
- Any
attempt to damage computer equipment or software
- Any
attempt to alter software configurations
- Any
installation of software
- Any
attempt to move or change the arrangement of library computers and
attached equipment
- Any
impingement of other patrons’ privacy
Wireless
Network
The Webster Public
Library’s wireless network provides filtered Internet access for patrons
using personal laptop computers or other wireless devices.
The library’s wireless network is not
secure. Information sent
from a laptop can be captured by anyone with a wireless device and
appropriate software. Library
staff cannot provide technical assistance and assumes no responsibility
for the safety of equipment or configurations, security, or data files
resulting from connection to the library’s wireless network
Disclaimer
Users access the library
computers at their own risk. The
Webster Public Library is not responsible for equipment malfunction, loss
of data, or any damages to the user’s peripheral equipment (disks, flash
drives, etc.).
Compliance
Failure to comply with
this policy or with library staff instructions may result in restriction
or termination of the user’s library privileges and may result in
prosecution under local, state or federal laws.
Approved by WPL Board of Trustees,
May 13, 1998
Revised
October 10, 2002
Revised
March 12, 2008
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