The West Winfield Library provides public access to the Internet in keeping with its role as a source of information, intellectual development, and enrichment for the community. All users of library electronic resources are to act in a responsible and ethical manner, consistent with the policies of the library.
The library will treat information displayed on its computers as confidential. Requests for disclosure of information will be honored only when required by local, state, or federal law.
There are both financial and space limitations affecting the use of electronic resources at the library. Currently the library cannot provide terminals that offer total privacy for the user. Due to our limited resources, this Internet access is primarily for reference, research, and informational sources. Access is not provided for chat rooms, bulletin boards, or game playing. The library staff reserves the right to prohibit material that in their judgment is inappropriate for viewing in this public area. Library staff will establish time limits and may use sign-up sheets to reserve workstation time for patrons. Printing of information from the screen is available (see library staff for charges), if it can be completed within the patron's allotted time.
The West Winfield Library and its staff cannot control the accuracy or validity of the information found on the Internet. While we wish to provide an access service we do not endorse or assume responsibility for the availability of links, or appropriateness of content. Library staff is available to help users of the Internet. However, staff members do not and can not have complete knowledge of Internet content and may not be familiar with sites users access or wish to access. If any patron believes that information obtained via library terminals is inaccurate or offensive, the patron should contact the original producer or distributor of the information.
This library does not use any Internet filtering software. It is the policy of the West Winfield Library that parents of minor children have the right and responsibility to monitor their child's access to the Internet the same as with any other library resource. It should be understood that the library cannot act as a censor nor as a substitute parent. Parents may be asked to sign a Permission of Internet Use Policy for their children who are 17 years of age and under.
Library users are prohibited from using the Internet for any illegal activities or for commercial purposes. Violation of the Library's Internet policies or failure to respond to staff requests may result in suspension or loss of privileges. Any illegal activity involving the library's Internet resources may also be subject to criminal prosecution. Users will be financially responsible for any physical damage they may do to the library's computer or printer.
This policy may be revised from time to time by resolution of the Board of Trustees.
12/07/00