• Users must present a C/WMARS library card in good standing each time they want to use the computers.
• Users must sign up at the Circulation desk and notify staff when they are done.
• Children ages 12 and younger may register to use the Children's Area computers. Computers are intended for children ages 5 and older.
• Users may sign up for one hour of time. There is a 2 hours per day limit on Internet use for each child. If a new user  arrives, they must yield the computer immediately.
• It is the responsibility of parents/caregivers to assure appropriate use of computers and the Internet.
• Only when needed for homework/research during the school year, will these two computers be connected to access the Internet.
• There is a limit of one person per computer unless a child is accompanied by a parent/caregiver.
• It is forbidden to use the computers for illegal purposes and unauthorized access, including hacking.
• Users may not install any software or programs on library computers or download from the Internet.
• Use of false identity or stolen library card numbers will lose library use privileges.
  Violators of these policies will lose computer privileges.
  Computers are shut down 15 minutes before closing time.
  Printing is $0.15 per page. 

Computer Use Policy

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.