Portsmouth Free Public Library

 

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Computer Access Policy

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Access by Minors
Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding which library resources are appropriate for their own children. Parents or legal guardians should guide their children in use of the Internet and inform them about materials they should not use. While the Library affirms and acknowledges the rights and responsibilities of parents and guardians to monitor and determine their children's access to Library materials and resources, including those available through the Internet, the Library has taken certain measures designed to assist in the safe and effective use of these resources by all minors.

  1. To address the issue of access by minors to inappropriate material on the Internet, including material that is harmful to minors, the Library:
    1. Develops and maintains special web sites for children and teens;
    2. Helps by training users on safe and effective Internet use;
    3. Encourages staff to guide minors away from materials that may be inappropriate if observed by a staff member. 
  2. To address the issue of the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms have been prohibited in the Library.  In addition, email is prohibited in the Children’s Room.  The unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors are also prohibited.  The following rules should be observed by all patrons:
    1. Never give out identifying information such as home address, school name, or telephone number.
    2. Let parents or guardians decide whether personal information such as age, marital status, or financial information should be revealed.
    3. Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone via the computer without parents' or guardians' approval.
    4. Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, threatening, or make one uncomfortable.
    5. Have parents or guardians report an incident to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 if one becomes aware of the transmission of child pornography.
    6. Remember that people online may not be who they say they are.
    7. Remember that everything one reads may not be true.
  1. To address the issue of unauthorized access, including so-called "hacking," and other unlawful activities by minors online, minors and all other Library users are hereby advised that use of the Library's computers for hacking or any other unlawful activity is strictly prohibited.

Rules Governing Use

Patrons cannot use the network to make unauthorized entry into other computational, informational or communication services or resources.   They may not:

bulletDistribute unsolicited advertising.
bulletInvade the privacy of others.
bulletMake any attempt to damage computer equipment or software.
bulletEngage in any activity that is harassing or defamatory.
bulletUse the Internet for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other rights of third parties, or in a manner inconsistent with the Library's tax-exempt status or its proper operation.

Violations may result in loss of access.  Unlawful activities will be dealt with in an appropriate manner.

Specific Regulations Regarding Patron Use of Computer Workstations:

  1. All Users must have a valid OSL card.
  2. Computers may be used by library patrons age 10 and over. Children younger than 10 must be supervised by an adult.
  3. A parent/guardian's signature is required for those under 18.
  4. All users must sign up at the reference desk prior to using one of the workstations.
  5. A maximum of 2 users per workstation is allowed.
  6. Users should report any problems with the hardware or software to a library staff member immediately.
  7. Users can sign up for 1 hour at a time.
  8. Users can sign up in advance to reserve a workstation for 1 hour at a time but may remain on the computer until another user signs up.
  9. Workstations may be used on a drop in basis unless they are previously reserved.
  10.   Reservations for Internet/computer use will be held for 15 minutes only.
  11.   Library staff will try to assist users if possible but their availability is limited.
  12.   Users are responsible for bringing in their own 3.5 diskettes for saving their files.
  13.   Printing costs are payable at the circulation desk.
  14.   Misuse or abuse of the computer workstation will result in suspension of the user’s computer access privileges. 

Public Users' Security
Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users' activities. However, the Portsmouth Free Public Library will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources by members of the public except as required by law or necessary for the proper operation of the Library.

Compliance
The Library reserves the right to take appropriate action to insure compliance with this policy.

Guidelines on Access to Information

The Portsmouth Free Public Library is guided by the following American Library Association statements on access to information:

bulletThe Library Bill of Rights
bulletFreedom to Read Statement
bulletInterpretation of the Library Bill of Rights: Free Access to Libraries for Minors and Access to Electronic Information Services and Resources

In general, the Library is guided by a commitment to access to information policies that provide appropriate protections to its patrons while being consistent with the Library's longstanding commitment to the principles of free expression as set forth in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

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