Public Computer and Internet Use

Center Moriches Free Public Library provides Internet access for educational, informational, and recreational use. Access is provided on all public computers and through the Library’s wireless network. The Library is guided by the following American Library Association statements on access to information: The Library Bill of Rights. The Freedom to Read, and Access to Electronic Information, Services and Networks: an interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights.

While the Internet is a global electronic network that enhances the materials available at the Library, users should be aware that the Internet is an unregulated source that contains materials which may be inaccurate, dated, incomplete, biased, inappropriate, or offensive. Users should carefully judge the authority and accuracy of these sources of information as they would any other resource.

In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the Library utilizes filtering software to block access to some Internet sites on Library’s public computers and through the Library’s wireless network. Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding which library resources are appropriate for their own children. It is not possible for staff to control specific information children may locate on the Internet. Monitoring or restriction of a child’s access to the wireless connection is the sole responsibility of the parent/guardian.

While the Library provides wireless connectivity to the Internet, the Library does not guarantee that the use of the wireless connection is in any way secure or private. Library computer users should not have an expectation of privacy, particularly when the computer screen and/or printout can be viewed by others. The Internet is not a secure medium, and users should be aware that third parties might be able to obtain information regarding users activities. However, the Library will not release information on the user of specific Internet resources by members of the public except as required by law or necessary for the proper operation of the Library.

Library computer users are responsible for using the Internet appropriately. Usage of the Internet in the Library that is inappropriate or inconsistent with this policy may result in termination of the computer session, restriction of access to Library computers, and/or suspension of Library privileges. A patron who wishes to appeal his/her termination of the right to use Library computers shall file a written request to appeal with the Board of Trustees within 30 days of any action taken. The request shall be reviewed by the Board of Trustees at their next regularly scheduled meeting. The appealing party shall have the right to appear at such meeting.

The Library uses reservation software to schedule computer appointments, and may restrict both the number and the length of such appointments during times of high usage, limited building hours, or any other reason deemed warranted by the Library Administration.

Patrons May Not:

• Use the internet inappropriately or for an unlawful purpose including, but not limited to displaying, printing, transmitting or distributing threatening material, expressions of bigotry, racism, hate and cyber-bullying; obscene or sexually explicit material; material protected by trade secrets.
• Misrepresent themselves as another user.
• Attempt to modify or gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to others.
• Seek unauthorized access to any computer system.
• Damage or alter public computer software and/or hardware components, including changing settings of Library computers.
• Interfere with the use of the Library’s Internet access by others.
• Operate a server of any kind for the purpose of uploading data to the Internet or other Internet users’ computers.
• Use the Library’s public Internet access to conduct any business commercial activity for financial gain.

 

In no event will the Center Moriches Free Public Library have any liability for lost profits; for any direct or indirect special, punitive, or consequential damages; or any liability to a third party. Users assume all associated risk and agree to hold harmless the Library for any personal information that is compromised, or any damage caused to users’ hardware or software due to electric surges, security issues, viruses, or hacking. Users assume all associated risks and agree to hold harmless the Library for any health associated with using publicly shared equipment such as keyboards, mouses, and other related consequences.

 

Adopted:

Revised: May 26, 2020