Policy and Guidelines for Responsible Computer and Internet Use

The Somerville Public library provides access to computer equipment,  programs, databases, and the Internet (collectively, the "computer resources") as a courtesy  for informational and educational purposes. All users of the library's computer resources, both staff members and patrons, are expected to use these  resources correctly and only for legal purposes. Computer resources may not be used for the following purposes:

• Violation of any applicable federal, state, or local laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations.
• Harassment of other persons or parties.
• Libel or slander of other persons or parties.
• Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or  data belonging to the library or other users.
• Gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access to any computing, information, or communications devices or resources.
• Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications.
• Unauthorized copying of copyright or other protected  material.
• Violation of computer system security.
• Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others.
• Use of computer communications facilities in ways that unnecessarily impede the computing activities of others (such as randomly initiating interactive electronic communications or email exchanges, overuse of interactive network utilities, etc.)
• Violation of software license agreements.
• Violation of network usage policies and regulations.
• Violation of another person's or party's privacy.

 Any and all other matters which the library, in its sole discretion, subject to constitutional limitations, and in consideration of the best interests of the public, determines to be an unacceptable purpose.

The Library is not responsible for any damage done to computer users' disks, data, hardware or software by any virus which may have been contracted on or through Library equipment. Although the Library has installed virus protection on its computers it is always possible for a new virus to appear and therefore protection can not be guaranteed. 

The Library is not responsible for any damage done to computer users' disks, data, hardware or software as a result of the malfunctioning of  Library hardware or software. In addition, the Library is not responsible for any lost data resulting from a staff member's assistance.

Time permitting, Library staff will try to help with basic computer  problems, but the Staff is not able to offer extended explanation or  provide in-depth training on demand.  Library staff do not perform word-processing, database, spreadsheet  or other software-related services.

Computer services are available to all users of the Somerville Public Library; this includes residents and non-residents and cardholders and non-cardholders, on selected computers in the Reference Area and Children’s Room. 

Libraries rely on the cooperation of their users in order to efficiently and effectively provide shared resources and ensure community access to a wide range of information. If individuals break these acceptable use rules in any way, their right to use networked resources may be suspended for a specified time, depending on the damage caused by their actions. They will be notified of the length of and reason for the suspension.  Individuals using Library computing resources for illegal purposes may also be subject to prosecution.

The Somerville Public Library reserves the right to end any computer session at any time. This will be done at the discretion of the Library Director or a Library staff member.  Misuse of Library computers may result in the suspension or loss of the privilege to use them.

Users may not alter or attempt to alter the set-up of the Library's computers.   If they do then their privilege of using library computers will be suspended or revoked.

Users may not copy computer programs that are protected by copyright laws.

Users are liable for damage to equipment caused by inappropriate or unauthorized use.  Misuse of Library computers will result in the loss of  the privilege of using the computers.

The Library is not liable for any credit card transactions or bank business conducted on its computer workstations.

Patrons wishing to use the Internet for e-mail must have an account through an e-mail site (e.g., Hotmail or Yahoo).  An instruction sheet on how to create a Hotmail Account or Yahoo E-mail Account is available at the Circulation Desk.

Because of browser constraints, Internet sites may not always be accessible.  The Library will try to keep the browser up-to-date but cannot guarantee that it will always be current.  In addition, you may not be able to access a particular site because there are too many Internet visitors,  the host computer has closed or has limited access; the resource is licensed to a particular institution, in which case you would need to be affiliated with that institution in order to get access;  the host computer has changed its address or has closed down; the library's Internet connection may be periodically and temporarily inoperable due to technical difficulties or other reasons.

For maintenance, educational, and technical purposes, some or all of the computers may not always be available.

For those computers that have sound capabilities, the Library may request the user to utilize headphones in order not to disturb other patrons in the library.  The headphones, at no charge, are provided by the Library and are available at the Reference Desk or at the Children’s Circulation Desk.

Library staff, to the best of their knowledge, will try to help patrons in using the Library’s computers, but the Library cannot guarantee that staff will be able to answer all questions on using them or accessing Internet sites.

Users are asked to respect the privacy of others.  This includes not representing oneself as another user, trying to gain access to someone else's data or search history, or "hovering" over another user while waiting to use a computer.

Library computers are set up for the use of one individual at a time.  However, two students working together on a assignment, or a parent, guardian, or tutor may work quietly with another person at the discretion of the Library staff.

Computers will be turned off 15 minutes before the Library closes.  Printing jobs must be completed before the computers are turned off.

User Responsibilities

All users of the Library computers are expected to use this library resource in a responsible and courteous manner, consistent with the purposes for which it is provided, and to follow all computer-related rules, regulations and procedures established for its use including, but not limited to, those of the Library.

Responsible, courteous use of the computers includes:

Recognizing that the computers, like all of the Library's information sources, must be shared and used in a manner which respects the rights of others and refrains from activity that prevents others from using it.

Using the Library's computer and Internet resources for educational, informational and recreational purposes only.

Refraining from using the Library's computer and Internet resources to conduct a business or commercial enterprise, or engage in commercial activity such as the distribution of advertising.

Refraining from illegal or unethical use of the computer and Internet.

Compliance with Library Policy and Guidelines

Internet Policy   

The Somerville Public Library subscribes to and affirms the principles and user rights delineated in the American Library Association’s document, “Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights” (ALA Office for Information Technology Policy.) See that document here.

The Somerville Public Library’s primary mission is to provide the community with access to information regardless of format or technology.  The Library strives to develop collections, resources, and information services that meet the educational, recreational, and cultural needs of its patrons.  The Library is pleased to offer its patrons access to the wealth of information on the Internet.

The computer services are available to all users of the Somerville Public Library; this includes residents and non-residents and cardholders and non-cardholders, on selected computers in the Reference Area and Children’s Room.

The Internet is an unregulated worldwide information network that accesses data that may contain inaccuracies or misinformation.  In addition, some of the information available on the Internet may be offensive or disturbing to some individuals.  The Somerville Public Library does not currently censor, control, or restrict information or other material accessed through the Internet and cannot, therefore, be held responsible for any of its content.

Child Safety on the Internet

The Library does, however, respect the rights of other patrons (particularly children) to be unwillingly exposed to material or images they (or their parents or legal guardians) may find personally unsuitable or offensive.  As with all Library materials, parents and legal guardians are responsible for their minor children’s use of the Internet and for their children’s use of and exposure to any information accessed through the Internet.  The Somerville Public Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by minors.  To assist parents and guardians, the Library has in print format the pamphlet, “Child Safety on the Information Highway ,” published by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. See http://www.safekids.com/child_safety.htm.  We encourage parents to review this information with their children.  The pamphlet includes Guidelines for Parents and My Rules for Online Safety. Parents are encouraged to review this information with their children.

In addition, the Library reserves the right to evaluate and revise their Internet policy from time to time.

COMPUTER USE RULES

1.       A patron must sign up for a computer at the Main Circulation or Children's Desk before using the Library computers.  Sign up using a first name only.  Sign up using a first name only.

2.       Patrons may sign up for computers for one 1 hour per day in one-half (½ ) hour increments.  All printing must be completed during this time. These time limits may be extended at the discretion of the Library staff.  When a session has ended and a Library staff member asks for the patron to leave the computer, the patron will do so in a prompt and courteous manner.  At the end of each session, patrons will close all applications.

3.       Reservations for a computer can be made in person or on the telephone up to seven (7) days in advance.  Latecomers will forfeit the unused portion of their reserved time.  A patron arriving more than fifteen minutes late may lose his or her entire reserved time.

4.       No downloading or file transfer of data onto the computer’s hard drive or the Library’s server is permitted  and is prohibited and blocked by security systems.  Downloading is permitted onto a disk or CD. Disks must be run through a virus scan check before they are used.  Ask a staff member for assistance.

5.       Computers and printers must be used as provided. Users are not permitted to add, delete, or modify the installed hardware or software.

6.       Printing can be done at the cost of 15 cents  per black and white page and 25 cents for color copies.  Copies must be paid for at the Circulation Desk after the printing job is finished. All printing jobs must be completed during the time allotted for computer use. The Library asks that printing be minimized to help conserve paper and control costs. Users may use their own paper, but must still pay the 15 or 25 cents per printed page.

7.       Only one user will be allowed at any time for each computer. At the discretion of Library Staff, two people may work together under the following circumstances: a parent or guardian with a child; a tutor working with a student; or two students working Quietly together on a school assignment.

8.     Any patron that does not abide by the Policy and Guidelines for Responsible Computer and Internet Use Policy may be prohibited, temporarily or permanently, from using the Internet in the future.  This will be done at the sole discretion of the Director.

9.     The Library computer resources cannot be used in violation of any existing Federal, State, or Local laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations.

Revised and approved by the
Board of Trustees
Somerville Public Library

June 11, 2003

Serving  Somerville, New Jersey  for more than  125 years!

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Updated Thursday, May 08, 2008 by Ann-Marie Aymer