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.

Computer Use Policy

The Internet

·        The Internet consists of information on a wide range of topics provided by millions of individuals and organizations around the world.

Introduction

·        To fulfill its mission of providing free and equal access to information, knowledge, independent learning and the joy of reading to our diverse community, the Holyoke Public Library provides access to the Internet.

·        All Holyoke Public Library cardholders in good standing  are entitled to Internet access.

·        The Holyoke Public Library is committed to make access available on an equitable basis.

·        The Holyoke Public Library reserves the right to remove the privilege of anyone who tampers with or damages the equipment or programs involved with Internet access.

Disclaimer

·        Links to Internet sites can be found on the home web pages designed by the staff of the Holyoke Public Library. The Library follows its materials selection guidelines in linking other web sites to its home pages. Beyond this, the Library has not participated in the development of these other sites and does not exert any editorial or other control over these sites. Any link from the Library’s web site to another web site is not an endorsement from the Library. The Library does not warrant that its web site, the server that makes it available, or any links from its site to other web sites are free of viruses or other harmful components.

·        The Holyoke Public Library cannot be held responsible for the content, quality, currency or accuracy of data gathered from Internet sites accessed through the Library. Internet Web site creators are not regulated and thus are free to publish whatever material they choose, with the exception of copyrighted materials. As in the use of print media, users must obey United States Copyright and other applicable laws.

·        The Holyoke Public Library also cannot be held responsible for the Web site choice made by children. Parents, legal guardians or care givers are responsible for supervising their child's Internet use. Librarians are available to help children, if needed, but not to monitor what resources are utilized.

·        Any damage caused to patron computers from downloaded computer viruses is not the responsibility of the Holyoke Public Library. Users should install virus checking software onto their home computers in order to prevent computer damage from information downloaded off of the Internet.

·        Finally, the Holyoke Public Library cannot be held responsible for any loss of privacy, fees incurred, and/or personal harm caused to patrons due to disclosing of personal information over the Internet. Users are warned not to give their names, telephone numbers, addresses, credit card numbers, or any other personal information out over the Internet, since it is not known who is receiving it and for what purpose it is being used. Patrons should exercise extreme caution before arranging meetings with strangers they contact over the Internet. 

User Responsibility

·        The Library does not monitor or control the content of the material accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its contents. Not all information found on the Internet is accurate, complete, up-to-date, legal or philosophically acceptable to all individuals. The Library assumes no responsibility and shall have no liability for any direct, indirect or consequential damages arising from the use of information found on the Internet, or any communications sent through the Library’s Internet terminals. The Library does not monitor an individual’s use of the Internet; nor does the Library employ filtering software.

Access and Usage

·        The Library does not provide e-mail accounts to users; however, users with existing e-mail accounts may access their accounts through the Library’s Internet terminals. The Library assumes no responsibility and shall have no liability for any claims or damages which result from the provision of such access to users.

·        As with other library materials, restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.

·        Use of the Library’s terminals for the transmission, dissemination, and/or duplication of information is regulated under various state and federal laws. The Library expects all users to comply with such laws.

·        The Library has developed "Guidelines for Use of Computer Terminals." In addition, the Library Commission has adopted "Guidelines for Library Use" for the Library (Policy # __). Any users of the Library’s Internet terminals must follow the Library Guidelines and Rules of Conduct.

Approved 5/2003

Computer Use Policy and Guidelines

Purpose

                    1. To provide all interested Library users with access to the Library catalog, various databases and Internet connections.

                    2. To discourage a few individuals from monopolizing computer workstations thereby hindering the ability of others to make use of these resources.

                    3. To provide staff with a method to modify consistently and equitably individuals’ inappropriate behavior.

Application

                    1. Individuals may use a public workstation for a period of time (for example, sixty minutes) specified by the Library Staff.

                    2. Library Staff may make exceptions to time limits when demand is light or heavy. Terminals, which access only the Library catalog, may be exempted from any time limit.

                    3. Library workstations are connected to one printer. A Library Staff may limit use of such stations to patrons who are ready to print. There is a charge for printing—25 cents for personal prints, 10 cents for school related work.

                    4. Access to the Internet or to particular kinds of activity (for example, e-mail, chat rooms, game playing) may be limited or prohibited at the discretion of a Library Staff to allow for easier access to the Library’s catalog and other databases.

                    5. Only one individual may use the workstation, if a child is accompany by a caregiver they may use the same workstation as so long as this does not disrupt others in the library.

                    6. After an individual has occupied a workstation for the time limit, s/he must relinquish the workstation.

                    7. Users of computer workstations are expected to be alert to others who may wish to use the equipment. Individuals will lose their Library privileges if they intimidate or otherwise discourage others from exercising their right to use the computer.

                    8. Downloading is not permitted at any stations. Files downloaded from the Internet may contain a virus; neither the Holyoke Public Library nor any of its vendors shall be held responsible for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from an individual’s use of a Library computer.

Procedures

                    1. Any limit or sign-up requirement shall be clearly posted.

                    2. Any individual who violates these guidelines (for example, using a false name or signature or otherwise trying to circumvent limits) may lose his/her Library privileges.

                 Adopted 5/2003

Patron Conduct

In order to provide an environment in which all patrons may safely and freely use and enjoy the library, some expectations regarding patron conduct must be enforced. All patrons observing proper conduct in the library are allowed to freely make use of the library. Those whose conduct is disruptive to library operations and other patrons' use of the library may have the privilege of using the library abridged or denied to the extent necessary to deal with the problem.

No list can be exhaustive, and any conduct which disrupts the library is prohibited. However, conduct, which may lead to denial of library privileges includes, but is not limited to, the following.

Patrons indulging in improper conduct may be asked to cease that conduct, to move to another location or activity, or to leave the library; severe or recurring problems may be dealt with by barring use of the library to the individual involved, or by making library use conditional. In general, the least restrictive means which effectively deals with the conduct should be employed. Minor problems should be dealt with by the staff member observing it; more serious or recurring problems should be handled by the senior staff member on duty. Only the Director or library board may bar an individual indefinitely from use of the library. Police should be called when conduct is illegal, when it poses a threat to the library or an individual, or when an individual refuses to leave the library when asked to do so.

When any serious incident or one in which an individual is asked to leave the library occurs, the senior staff member on duty will prepare a written account for the Director by the end of the next working day.

Adopted 5/2003

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Unattended Children

1. The library does not provide care or supervision of children, except to the extent needed to uphold library rules of conduct and use, and does not accept responsibility for such care. Parents or other caregivers are responsible for their children's behavior.

2. Children under the age of seven may not be left unattended in the library, except during scheduled library-sponsored programs.

3. Children age seven and older may be left unattended providing they are mature enough to stay alone and observe proper conduct. Such children are subject to the same rules of conduct as other patrons and the same consequences, including being asked to leave the library. This possibility should be taken into account when deciding whether to leave a child unattended in the library. Children must know how to reach an adult in case of an emergency. Both child and adult should be aware of library hours.

4. If children are left unattended at closing time and parents cannot be contacted, the police department or other authorities will be notified.

5. Children of any age with mental, physical, or emotional problems which render supervision necessary shall be accompanied by a parent or other caregiver at all times.

6. Children left unattended in the library in violation of this policy may be considered a child in need of care and the matter referred to the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services or other authorities.

Adopted 5/2003

Circulation Services Policy
 

Reference Services Policy