Internet Use Agreement Policy

Please read carefully before proceeding.

Each time you log in for an Internet session, you will be required to comply with the terms of this agreement.

I understand that I am responsible for determining the suitability of content for my purposes and that the Library does not control or monitor information that may be accessible from Internet sources.
I understand that computer screen displays may be visible to people of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities, and I will exercise appropriate discretion in viewing materials.
I understand that I am to honor Library Internet policies, procedures, and security measures, and to follow federal and state laws applying to use of the Internet.
I understand that violation of this agreement may be cause for a temporary or permanent prohibition from future use of library equipment or facilities, consistent with the Library User Conduct Policy.

For more complete information on this agreement and related Library Policies, please ask at the information desk, or refer to the Library's Customer Use of Internet Resources Policy and Library User Conduct Policy.

Customer Use of Internet Resources Policy

It is the policy of Holyoke Public Library to make Internet resources available to its library users as a means, together with its collection of library materials and access to electronic databases, of providing information in support of its mission.

The Library offers materials and information in a variety of formats and media, with selection guided by its Collection Development Policy. Its goal in providing Internet resources is to enhance its collection in size and depth with information that may not be otherwise available or as up-to-date. In addition, it extends access to this information resource to all citizens.

It is also the Library’s policy to provide technology that allows its customers the choice of blocking their access and that of their minor children to adult-oriented, sexually explicit Web sites, with the understanding that such technology may not be fully effective in blocking intended sites and may inadvertently block unintended sites.

It is a further Library policy to block all access to sites that provide computer hacking instructions and information on bypassing proxy servers, thus compromising the District's general computer network security optional site blocking capabilities.

As the Library limits its selection of materials based on Collection Development Policy criteria and fiscal constraints, the Library may limit customer access to Internet functions which it determines to be inconsistent with its mission and goals or to consume more resources than the benefit derived in support of the mission and goals.

LIBRARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To assist customers in finding useful information, the Library will provide on its Web site links to suggested resources that are consistent with its mission and goals, including youth-oriented resources with age-appropriate reading levels.

2. Library staff will be available to provide patron assistance.

3. As with other library materials, services and programs, the Library does not unilaterally and without recourse limit minors' access to the Internet and affirms the right and responsibility of parents and guardians to determine and monitor their children's use of Internet resources.

4. The Library will assist parents and guardians in their exercise of these rights and responsibilities to limit their children's access to inappropriate matter on the Internet and the Web and restrict their children's access to materials harmful to minors by:
a. Providing at least one computer workstation, located in or near the children's area in each branch, with Internet access using commercial software that blocks, to the extent technically possible, adult-oriented, sexually explicit Web sites and chat.
b. For all other Internet workstations, providing technology that allows customers the option of specifying their access type as "filtered" (blocking, to the extent technically possible, adult-oriented, sexually explicit Web sites) or "unfiltered" (blocking access only to computer hacking and proxy avoidance sites).
c. Providing technology that allows the option of specifying the Internet access type for their minor children as "none," "filtered," or "unfiltered." The default access for adults is "unfiltered," the default access for minors (age 17 and younger) is "filtered.

5. The Library will make parents and guardians aware that it cannot assure their children's safety and security when they use electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communication; cannot protect against their children's unauthorized access, including "hacking," and other unlawful online activities; and cannot protect against unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding their children if their children provide it while using the Internet.

6. Information regarding options for Internet access types will be provided to all library users at the time of library card registration and will be available in print and on the Library’s Web site. Information on Internet youth safety will also be provided for minors.

7. Internet use will be managed in a manner consistent with the Library User’s Conduct Policy.

PATRON RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Individual library users are responsible for determining the suitability of content for their purposes. The Library does not control or monitor information that may be accessible from Internet sources. Information may be reliable and current, or it may be inaccurate, offensive, or illegal.

2. Adult library users are responsible for determining whether their access is "filtered" or "unfiltered"; parents are responsible for determining their children’s access types.

3. Parents and guardians have a right and responsibility to use personal supervision and/or the technological means provided by the Library to:
a. Limit their children's access to inappropriate matter on the Internet and the Web;
b. Assure their children's safety and security when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communication;
c. Protect against unauthorized access, including "hacking," and other unlawful online activities by their children;
d. Protect against unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors; and
e. Restrict their children's access to materials harmful to minors.

4. Library users are requested to exercise appropriate discretion in viewing materials. The Library will not guarantee privacy for individuals using library public access computers to search the Internet and computer screens may be visible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities.

5. Patrons are to honor Library procedures and security measures, and to follow Federal and State laws applying to use of the Internet.

Violation of this policy may be cause for a temporary or permanent prohibition from future use of library equipment or facilities, consistent with the Library User Conduct Policy.

The Library’s director is responsible for establishing procedures to carry out this Policy.

Adopted by the Holyoke Public Library Board of Directors: May 2003.

For additional information on HPL in-library Internet services, please refer to our Internet Use Agreement and Youth Safety on the Web page.

Library User Conduct Policy

Each library user of Holyoke Public Library is entitled to fair, courteous, and equal treatment. Library users are requested to help assure the safe, proper, and pleasant use of the library by following these rules of conduct.

Please refrain from:

· Illegal activities within library facilities or on library grounds.

· Behavior that is disruptive or inflicts physical harm on others.

· Loud or abusive language, either with other customers or staff.

· Behavior or language that is offensive to others.

· Soliciting.

· Using computer equipment for purposes other than its intended use or performing any act that damages or disables computer equipment or software.

· Posting or distributing unauthorized materials.

· Bringing pets inside the building.

· Bringing bicycles or other equipment that could pose a safety hazard into the building.

· Using or storing skateboards, roller blades, or like equipment in an unsafe manner when in the building or on library property.

Cooperation of every patron is important. Violation of these rules may be cause for a temporary or permanent prohibition from future use of library facilities.

The Director is responsible for establishing administrative procedures necessary to carry out this Policy.

Adopted by the Holyoke Public Library Board of Directors: May 2003.

Electronic Resources Access Policy

Consistent with its mission to serve the community through the provision of information and a wide array of informational and recreational resources, the Library welcomes its users to the Massachusetts Library Information Network and the Internet, often referred to as the information superhighway. The Internet is actually a network of distinct national, regional and local computer networks each with its own governance and operational priorities. The individual systems allow access to their resources as a courtesy to users and to facilitate the free flow of information. Consequently the Library makes access to the Internet available to its users but cannot control, verify or otherwise validate the information located by users.

The Internet provides access to tremendous resources but users are encouraged to exercise caution in the use of that information and to confirm its accuracy with other sources. By its very nature the Internet is a complex resource to use. Within our limits, staff members will be happy to introduce users to our new electronic resources. Staff are unlikely to be able to assist users with extensive research or provide detailed personal instruction on the use of the network. Anyone is eligible to use our electronic resources. As with any other library resources, parents are encouraged to explore the Internet with their children. The Library makes information available; it does not limit that information to any user. Parents or a child's legal guardians are expected to discuss access to the Internet or any limitations on that access with their children.

Computing resources may only be used for legal and ethical purposes by the public and staff. Unacceptable uses of these resources by borrowers or staff will result in the suspension of access privileges. Examples of unacceptable uses of electronic resources include, but are not limited to, the following:

-Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library or other users;
-Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications;
-Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material;
-Violation of computer system security;
-Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others;
-Violation of library usage policies and regulations;
-Harassment of other users;
-Libeling or slandering other users;
-Violation of another user's privacy.

The Library encourages staff and users to become more familiar with the Massachusetts Library Information Network and the Internet through practice, training and independent learning. Within resource limitations, the library will encourage this continuing education by providing materials about the use of electronic resources and by sending staff to further training whenever possible. The Library endorses Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights.

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Copyright 1997-2005 Holyoke Public Library Corporation.
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no guarantee as to its accuracy, timeliness or applicability can be or is made.
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Last updated: 01/29/07.