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Ashland Public Library
Internet / Computer Use Policy

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Internet/Computer Acceptable Use Policy

The mission of the Ashland Public Library, as a community resource, is to provide free access to informational materials necessary for the exchange of ideas and independent decision making, to stimulate the growth of the individual through all stages of life and to make available recreational materials and programs for all community members.  The library has a responsibility to provide materials and information presenting all points of view, and supports access to all formats of material to meet the user’s informational needs, regardless of the user’s age or the content of the material.

The Internet is a significant electronic resource and offers information of many kinds, both educational and recreational.   In providing public access to the Internet, the Ashland Public Library subscribes to the principles of intellectual freedom expressed in the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read statements and its interpretations of these documents. 

Given the size and constantly evolving nature of the Internet, there may be occasions when information of a controversial nature is accessed.  Some Internet sites may contain material that would be considered by some to be defamatory, offensive, or even illegal.  Internet users are reminded that the library’s computer terminals are located in public areas which are shared with library users and staff of all ages and backgrounds.  The library has a duty to maintain a place of public accommodation where all patrons can be free from unreasonable interference with their use and enjoyment of the facility.  The display of materials, which are intended to or reasonably likely to create an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or sexually offensive environment in the library, is prohibited. 

Patrons may not use library terminals to access the Internet for illegal purposes.  Additionally, acceptable use excludes:

1.      Transmitting or displaying obscene, harassing or threatening materials or messages.

2.      Violation of copyright or licensing agreements.

3.      Violation of another user’s privacy

4.      False representation

5.      Distributing advertising, junk mail or chain letters

6.      Interfering with or harassing other users either in person or online.

7.  Attempting to violate computer workstation security or gain unauthorized       access to the library’s network or computer systems or any other network or computer system

It is the Library’s policy that parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding what library resources are appropriate for their children.  Parents or designated guardians, who wish to limit or restrict the access of their own children, should personally oversee their use of the Internet and other forms of electronic information.  Minors who visit the library without a parent or guardian are responsible for their own decisions and behaviors.

Parents should instruct their children on Internet safety.  The Children’s Internet workstation contains filtering software.  Parents are reminded that no filtering software can control access to all materials that an individual may deem inappropriate.  As with other library materials, the responsibility of determining what is valuable or appropriate lies with the library patron, or, in the case of minors, with their parent or legal guardian. Parents should always oversee their children’s use of the Internet and of the library’s materials in general.

The Library has available two pamphlets from the Office of the Attorney General:  “The Internet, Your Child and You:  What Every Parent Should Know” and “Internet Safety:  Advice from Kids Who Have Faced Danger Online.”  Parents are advised to review these pamphlets for detailed information and advice on the use of e-mail and chat rooms by their children.

Internet Access Disclaimer

Provision of access to the Internet does not constitute any endorsement by the Ashland Public Library.  The library cannot assume responsibility for any direct, indirect or consequential damage related to the use of information accessed on the Internet using Library workstations.  Internet users are reminded that:

  1. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information.

  2. Individuals are responsible for the decision to choose either filtered or unfiltered Internet access.

  3. Filtering software does not block all material users might find offensive.

  4. Public library workstations are not private or secure.

Rules of Conduct

  1. Internet computers will not be used for illegal activity or to access illegal materials.

  2. Installation, downloading or modification of software is prohibited.

  3. Users will not make any attempt to gain unauthorized access to restricted files or networks, or to damage or modify computer equipment or software.

  4. Users will respect copyright laws and licensing agreements.

  5. Users will respect the privacy of other users, and will refrain from attempting to view or read material being used by others.

  6. There is a limit of two patrons per computer.

  7. All printing must be paid for at the front desk before leaving the building.

Library staff is available to assist you in your use of the Internet, but may not be familiar with every application you might wish to use.

 

Ashland Town Hall, 101 Main Street, Ashland MA 01721 / (P) 508.881.0100 (F) 508.881.0102

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Page last updated on 05/15/2008. (website is best viewed at 1024x768 resolution)