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The Internet and the Library's Mission
The Internet is a global electronic network which enables libraries to
provide access to a variety of electronic information resources. The New
Woodstock Free Library may provide this access as a supplement to other
electronic and non-electronic resources as part of its mission to provide
information resources to meet the needs of the community, dependent upon
available resources, expertise and ability to maintain such access. The
library's endorsement of the ALA
Library Bill of Rights , Freedom to Read, and Free Access to Libraries
for Minors applies to access and use of electronic information. All
established library policy applies to electronic information as well as
non-electronic format information.
Statement of Parent/Guardian Responsibility
Parents or legal guardians are responsible for deciding what library
materials and resources are appropriate for their minor children. Supervision
or restriction of a child's access to the Internet, as well as other library
resources, remains the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. The library
does not, and cannot, act in loco parentis. The library will not assume
responsibility for monitoring or supervising a child's use of electronic
information resources.
Appropriate Use and Disclaimer
All users of electronic resources are expected to use those resources in a
responsible and ethical manner, consistent with the rules and policies of the
library, and for minors, consistent with parent or legal guardian guidance
and oversight.
The availability of networked information via library terminals does not
constitute the library's or Mid-York's endorsement of the content of that
information. The library cannot control the accuracy, truthfulness,
reliability, validity, or usefulness of information found on the Internet,
nor the accuracy of links or availability of sites; nor can the library
control content on the Internet which some may find offensive. The library
and Mid-York Library System do not warrant information found on the Internet
to be accurate, authoritative, factual, timely, or useful for patrons'
purposes. As with other information sources, patrons themselves must evaluate
the validity and quality of information found at the library and elsewhere.
If any patron believes information obtained via library terminals is
inaccurate or offensive, the patron should contact the original producer or
distributor of the information, not the library staff.
Patrons are not permitted to use terminals for any illegal or criminal
purpose, including, but not limited to, accessing legally obscene materials,
sexual harassment or stalking, violation of computer system security,
unauthorized use of computer accounts or access codes, obstruction or
disruption of other people's work, violation of copyright or software
licensing restrictions; users may not install or download software, violate
another user's privacy, or in any manner misuse the system in violation of
other applicable library policy.
The library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from
the access to or use of information or other content obtained through
electronic information systems, including the Internet, and encompassing any
activities by a user found to be illegal, or any consequences thereof.
Patrons violating this policy shall lose their privilege to access
electronic resources, be responsible for all costs arising from damage to
equipment, software or information resources, and may be subject to civil
and/or criminal prosecution.
Privacy Limitations
Due to the public location of the terminals, and given the nature of the
software in use, patrons' privacy when using electronic information resources
is not assured. Patrons are advised to presume that the use of electronic
resources in a public place will not be private or protected from monitoring,
misuse, or review. Patrons are advised to avoid giving out personally
identifying information.
Restrictions and Limits
Whenever other patrons are waiting to use electronic resources, patrons will
limit their use to thirty minutes per session, and one session until all individuals
waiting have been served. The library will establishe reasonable use
procedures from time to time, as demand and available resources require for
equitable and orderly use. Printouts will be charged at the same rate as
photocopies.
It is the responsibility of the patrons to familiarize themselves with all
rules and procedures for use of electronic resources, hardware and software,
before accessing the systems. Patrons must heed all posted instructions,
warnings, and procedures.
Wireless
Due to the variety of computer systems and
equipment, library staff cannot help visitors configure their own equipment.
Please consult the user guide for your laptop or wireless card for
hardware/software setup.
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