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The library has 5 computers with
fast Internet access for public use and 1 computer reserved for
the public to look up items in the library catalog.
Internet
Use and Safety Policy
The
Leverett Library's access to the Internet provides library users
with an opportunity to search for information on the Internet. The
Internet is a global collection of national, regional and local
computer networks capable of communicating with each other through
a telecommunications network. The Internet is one powerful tool
among many in the Library for finding information.
UNACCEPTABLE USE OF THE INTERNET
GUIDELINES
FOR LIBRARY INTERNET USE
Library Bill of Rights
UNACCEPTABLE USE OF THE INTERNET (applies
to laptop users and users of library computers)
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Access
to and use of the Internet in the Library is a privilege.
Unacceptable use of the Library’s electronic information
resources, including the Internet, is prohibited and will result
in loss of computer privileges. The following examples of
inappropriate or illegal activities
constitute unacceptable
use:
·
Using
the Internet for illegal purposes
·
Using
the Internet in violation of Massachusetts General Law 272,
Section 31, The Harmful to Minors Statute, which prohibits
dissemination of material which is harmful to minors or which is
obscene; or dissemination or possession of child pornography
·
Deliberately
displaying obscene images
·
Disclosing,
using or disseminating, personal identity information about minors
·
Compromising
the privacy of users
·
Transmitting
threatening, harassing or defamatory materials or messages
·
Engaging
in communications which are libelous or slanderous
·
Committing
fraud
·
Violating
copyright law or software licenses
·
Developing
computer programs which infiltrate a computer or computer system
and/or damage or alter the software components of a local or
remote computer or computer system
·
Transmitting
chain mail, broadcast letters, or junk mail of any type
·
Attempting
to gain unauthorized access to the resources of the Library
Internet computers
·
Disrupting
the intended use of the Library’s Internet computers
·
Destroying
the integrity of computer-based information in the Library's
Internet computers
EMAIL
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The
Leverett Library does not provide email accounts to users;
however, users with existing email accounts may access their
accounts through the Library’s Internet terminals. The Library
does not accept responsibility for the privacy of possible cached
(temporarily stored) messages left after such use.
FILTERING
OR BLOCKING SOFTWARE
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The
Leverett Library provides free, open, and unfiltered access to the
Internet. The Library adheres to the principles of intellectual
freedom as expressed in the Library Bill of Rights adopted by the
American Library Association and, further, finds that filters
often do not function as intended. The ALA Library Bill of Rights
is attached as page 4.
USE
OF THE INTERNET BY MINOR CHILDREN
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The
Leverett Library provides people of all ages with materials to
meet their informational, educational and recreational needs. The
Library affirms the right of parents to monitor their own minor
children’s use of the Library’s electronic resources,
including the Internet. Parents and guardians are responsible for
monitoring their own minor children’s use of the Internet and
for deciding whether matter accessed by their minor children is
appropriate or inappropriate. Parents and guardians are
responsible for ensuring their own minor children’s safety and
security when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms
of direct electronic communications.
PRIVACY
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In accordance with Massachusetts General Law, the Library
respects a user's right to both confidentiality and privacy.
Users are cautioned, however, that the Internet is not a secure
medium. All transactions, files, and communications,
including the transmission of personal financial information, may
be subject to access by third parties, whether legal or
illegal. The Library will not release information on the use
of it's electronic resources by the public except as required by
law. Unless there is a clear violation of this policy or the
law, each user is requested to respect the privacy of other
computer users.
MISUSE
PENALTIES
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Violators
of the Library’s policies, including the Internet Use and Safety
Policy and the Guidelines for Library Internet Use, may lose
library privileges. Anyone discovered attempting to damage the
Library’s equipment or software, attempting to change files or
reset configurations, or otherwise violating this Internet Use and
Safety Policy, will immediately lose the right to use those
resources. Violations of policies regarding acceptable use of
computing resources will be dealt with in a serious and
appropriate manner. Illegal acts involving the Library's computing
resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or
federal authorities. Users are responsible for any damage to
hardware, software or furniture.
OFFENSIVE
AND DISRUPTIVE MATERIALS
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The
Library strives to balance the rights of patrons to access all
types of information resources with the rights of patrons and
staff to work in a public setting free from disruptive sounds and
visual materials. The Library’s computers are located in public
areas, which are shared with library users and staff of all ages,
backgrounds and sensibilities. Users are expected to consider this
diversity and respect the sensibilities of others when accessing
potentially offensive information or images.
WAIVER
OF RESPONSIBILITY
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The
Library does not control or monitor material available on the
Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content, authority
reliability, validity, currency or use. The Library does not
accept responsibility for the retaining possibly cached
(temporarily stored) information about sites visited on the
Internet or World Wide Web. The Board of Trustees of the Leverett
Library, the Library staff, and the Town of Leverett are not
liable for any negative consequences that may occur as a result of
using the Library’s Internet connection. It is the
responsibility of each user to determine that information accessed
electronically is appropriate for that user.
GUIDELINES
FOR LIBRARY INTERNET USE
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ACCESS
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Identification:
Individuals wishing to use a computer must sign in at
the circulation desk. Patrons from Western Massachusetts must have
a C/W MARS library card in good standing. If a person does not
have a library card, the Leverett Library staff will help the
individual to obtain one. Persons from outside Western
Massachusetts must show a photo ID.
Debt: Users
with outstanding library debt may be denied Internet use at the
discretion of library staff.
CHAT ROOMS
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Entering
or using chat rooms is not allowed.
COSTS
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The
user is responsible for any costs connected
with Internet use.
POLICY
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Users
are responsible for understanding and adhering to the Internet Use
and Safety Policy.
PRINTING
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Printouts
are available from Internet access computers. The first ten pages
are free. Any pages or partial pages in excess of ten pages cost
$0.10 per page. This is a printing charge and not a paper charge;
this means that double-sided printing (using two sides of a single
sheet of paper) will be charged as two copies.
RESERVATIONS
FOR INTERNET COMPUTER USE
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Users
may reserve up to one half hour of computer time, either in person
or by phone. Users arriving more than five minutes late for their
reserved time may forfeit their reservation if another person
wishes to use the computer.
TIME
ALLOWED
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Internet
computers are available for thirty (30) minutes at a time with
longer use allowed if no one else is waiting to use them.
USER
LIMITS
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Users
may be accompanied by only one other person at the Internet
computer.
VIRUSES
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Users
must notify library staff when any virus alert occurs on a Library
Internet computer.
Accepted:
May 8, 2002
Amended: May 14, 2003; January 14, 2004; February 11, 2004;
December 14, 2005
Print
date: 12/19/05
Library Bill of Rights
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The American Library Association affirms
that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that
the following basic policies should guide their services.
I.
Books and other library resources should be provided for
the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the
community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded
because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing
to their creation.
II.
Libraries should provide materials and information
presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.
Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan
or doctrinal disapproval.
III.
Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of
their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
IV.
Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups
concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free
access to ideas.
V.
A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or
abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
VI.
Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms
available to the public they serve should make such facilities
available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or
affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
Adopted June 18, 1948. Amended February 2,
1961, and January 23, 1980, inclusion of “age” reaffirmed
January 23, 1996, by the ALA Council.
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