It is the mission of the Emily Williston Memorial Library to “develop collections and services to help meet the informational, research, educational, and recreational needs of the City of Easthampton and surrounding communities”. It is within this context that the Emily Williston Memorial Library offers access to the Internet and other electronic resources.
Internet and Electronic Resources Access Policy and User Guidelines
The Internet is a vast global electronic network that provides diverse resources. The Library has a responsibility to provide material and information presenting all points of view and the Library supports access to all formats of material to meet the informational needs of the community.
By providing access to the Internet, information becomes available that may cover a broader area than that found in the Library’s collections. Some material accessed electronically may not meet the standards set in the Library’s Collection Development policy. The Internet should not be considered a substitute for other library resources. The most appropriate information may more easily be found in books, magazines, or research databases.
As with other library resources, parents or legal guardians are expected and encouraged to explore the Internet and other electronic resources with their children and to provide guidance in appropriate information selection and limitations on access for their children.
Library patrons must be aware that:
§ Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information
§ The Emily Williston Memorial Library does not control your access to materials or protect you from information you may personally find offensive or inappropriate
§ Patrons are advised that they have no expectation of privacy in Library computers, and that library personnel and other patrons may be able to access information or data stored on library computers.
Usage
The public and staff may only use the Internet and Electronic Resources for lawful purposes. The posting transmitting, accessing, or displaying of obscene material, as defined by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272, Section 31, is prohibited. Conduct which would violate any state or federal law is prohibited.
Internet access is a privilege that the library may provide to patrons, and comes with certain responsibilities. Unacceptable uses of these resources by anyone will result in the suspension of access privileges.
Children’s Use of the Internet
The Library is aware of parental and governmental concerns about child safety on the Internet. The Library also cares deeply about children and has put in place policies, procedures, and offers information for parents to ensure children have an enriching and safe online experience.
While instruction is provided and help offered, librarians cannot monitor individual use of the Internet. Access to the Internet carries with it the potential to deliberately or accidentally access inaccurate, inappropriate, or offensive material. Therefore, parents and guardians are encouraged to take an active role in their children’s use of the Internet and to talk about their personal values, expectations, and rules for safe behavior when using this resource.
All electronic resources available through the Library are provided equally to all library users. The Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents or legal guardians to guide their children’s use of all library resources, including the Internet. As is the case with all other library materials, any restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the child’s parent or legal guardian.
Internet and Electronic Resources Guidelines and Regulations
Computer users 14 and under must have their library card in order to use the Internet. NO EXCEPTIONS. Children 9 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Users may reserve a computer for 1 hour. The computers may be used for a maximum of 2 hours per day by any one user. If the computer is available, the time may be extended at the discretion of the staff person in charge.
The Internet and Electronic Resources are available during the Library’s public service hours. Workstations will be shut down 10 minutes before the library closes.
Users may reserve time in person or by phone up to 1 day in advance.
If a user has reserved time and does not appear within 10 minutes of such time or call to cancel the reservation, the library will cancel any other reservations made by the user.
There will be a charge of 10 cents per page for black and white printing, and 25 cents per page for color printing.
No more than one person in addition to the user may be present at any workstation. Small groups may use a computer with the permission of the staff person in charge.
Library Staff will assist users in familiarization of equipment as time permits. Users are expected to have a basic knowledge of computers. Staff is not available to set up or to instruct patrons on the use of email.
Failure to follow the Internet and Electronic Resources Policies, Guidelines, or Regulations, or actions contrary to Library Policy may result in revocation of use privileges for two months. A second infraction will result in a one year revocation of Internet and electronic resources use privilege. Any suspension or revocation of privileges may be reviewed upon written request to the Library Director.
Approved and adopted by the Executive Board on May 13, 2002