In accordance with its stated mission to "provide educational, recreational, and cultural information resources and services" to the community, the New York Mills Public Library is committed to supplementing its traditional print resources with access to electronic information sources such as the Internet. The Internet is a vast global electronic network, which allows the user to search local, national, and international sites for information, ideas or opinions on a nearly infinite variety of topics. Because the Internet is enormous in its scope, is continuously changing and is unmonitored by any single agency or authority, the library is unable to guarantee the accuracy, currency or completeness of the information accessed. In addition some sites may carry information that users may regard as inappropriate or controversial. The library is neither responsible nor liable for the content of Internet sites. Realizing that each person encountering new ideas brings to the encounter their own standards and perceptions, the library reminds Internet users that they access the network at their own discretion.

The New York Mills Public Library agrees with the view of the American Library Association as stated in the Library Bill of Rights, that "a person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background or views." Although the library recognizes that patrons may encounter sites on the Internet that they regard as objectionable, offensive or possessed of content they deem inappropriate for children, we must remind them that the staff cannot monitor these children as they explore the information resources, either print or electronic, available in the library. That type of supervision is the right and responsibility of the child's parent or legal guardian. We expect that parents or caretakers of children will guide them in their exploration of the Internet in he same way that they provide guidance in the child's choice of reading or listening materials.

Currently it is not technically possible to use filtering software on the Mid-York Library System computer system. Beyond that the filtering software options now available to libraries for use on the Internet are either unreliable in screening "offensive" materials or are too restrictive in regards to the information that is filtered.

Library patrons are expected to comply with all local state and federal laws while using the Internet. Library policies on the proper use of materials also apply to electronic resources.

Illegal or restricted activities include:

1. Access to "obscene material" as defined by state and federal statutes.
2. Damage of computer equipment or software; degradation of system performance.
3. "Hacking" or alteration or destruction of software configurations.
4. Violation of Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S. Code) or software licensing agreements.
5. Use of workstations or networks to circumvent or violate local, state, federal or international laws.
6. Engaging in any activity which is disruptive, libelous or slanderous to other persons.
7. Engaging in commercial activities involving on-line-financial transactions which may incur costs to the library.

Failure to adhere to these restrictions and prohibitions may result in the suspension of Internet and/or library use privileges and could also subject the user to prosecution under local, state, or federal law.

Because the library is able to offer only a limited number of link-ups to the Internet the library reserves the right to impose time limits on the patrons' use of the computers. Patrons may use the computers without time restrictions when the terminals are not in demand by other library users.

The library staff is able to assist patrons with basic log-on and maneuvering strategies within the Internet but cannot provide personal instruction or guarantee that a specific on-line site will be available to the user at the time he or she desires to access it. Approved by the New York Mills Public Library Board of Trustees 00/00/00.