Computer and Internet Use Policy
Table of Contents
Rules for Use of the Computers
Introduction
The Agawam Public Library provides access to the Internet and public computers to further our mission of providing materials and services to help residents of all ages and abilities meet their personal, educational, recreational and professional needs.
Internet
The Internet is a rich information source, and offers a variety of material that enables the Agawam Public Library to enhance and supplement its existing collection. It is used to communicate internationally and to provide access to ideas, information, and commentary from around the globe .
Software
The library provides access to various software programs including but not limited to: Microsoft Word, Excel, Paint, Photo Editor, PowerPoint, Publisher, Microsoft Office Picture Maker, Corel WordPerfect, Quattro Pro, Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo IX, Adobe Acrobat Reader, ITunes, QuickTime Player, Microsoft Windows Media Player, RealPlayer, and CD burning software.
Waiver of Responsibility and Liability
The library does not assume responsibility for the accuracy, quality, or timeliness of information, nor the unauthorized access of financial or personal information entered on public access computers either by other users or third parties. The Agawam Public Library shall not be liable for the actions of anyone using it public computers, including accessing the Internet. The library shall not be liable for the transmission of computer viruses from using the library's computers.
Some material on the Internet may be offensive or disturbing to some individuals, or may be illegal. The Agawam Public Library does not monitor or control access to material that may be accessible from the Internet. Unfiltered Internet access is available on all computers on the lower level. All computer stations in the children's room will have filtering software that block sites that contain or make reference to pornographic, explicitly sexual material. However, filtering software cannot guarantee protection from these types of sites, and therefore the Agawam Public Library cannot guarantee protection from these types of sites.
Your Child and the Internet
Youth Services Mission
The mission of Youth Services at the Agawam Public Library is to support the educational and recreational needs of the children of Agawam and Feeding Hills from birth through grade 12 by providing quality library service. Particular emphasis is placed on supporting students in local elementary and secondary schools and offering informational and recreational materials to stimulate children's interests and appreciation for reading and learning. We aim to provide information and services to satisfy the needs of our young patrons through a variety of formats, including digital resources.
Child Internet Safety Policy
We welcome your children into our library and are concerned for their safety and well being. The library strives to create a safe environment, but it is the responsibility of parents and caregivers to supervise their children.
The Internet can be informational and fun, but it may also contain information that is not true or may make parents and children uncomfortable. It is sometimes possible for other people to get information about you or your children.
The Agawam Public Library does not monitor or control access to material that may be accessible from other Internet sites. All computer stations in the children's room have filtering software that block sites that contain or make reference to pornographic, explicitly sexual material. However, filtering software cannot guarantee protection from these types of sites, and therefore the Agawam Public Library cannot guarantee protection from these types of sites.
Parents are strongly encouraged to work with their children to develop rules for the use of the library and the Internet. Please see Youth Safety Online further in this policy, and posted in all computer areas.
Suggested Links to Safety Internet Sites
Parents are strongly urged to access these links on Internet safety.
Child Safety on the Information Highway
http://www.safekids.com/child_safety.htm
A guide to Internet safety for young people, originally form the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Interactive Services Association.
NetSmartz
Games, activities, and information to help kids, teens, and parents stay safe on the Internet.
Online Safety Guide
Discusses risks for children online at different age levels, including teens, and from different types of online activity.
FEMA FOR KIDS: ONLINE SAFETY RULES FOR KIDS
www.fema.gov/kids/on_safety.htm
Online safety rules for kids. I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, parent's work address...
Youth Safety Online
- Ask the librarian for assistance if you need help handling any situation online.
- Never give out personal information such as your address, phone number, parents' work address/phone number, or the name and location of your school without your parents' permission.
- Never agree to get together with someone you "meet" online without first checking with your parents. If your parents agree to the meeting, be sure that it is in a public place and bring a parent along.
- Never send a person your picture or anything else without first checking with your parents.
- Do not respond to messages that are mean or in any way make you feel uncomfortable. It is not your fault if you get a message like that.
- Talk with parents about exploring online; show them your favorite sites. Let them know if you come across anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Rules for Use of the Computers
Sign-ups and Reservations
- Users from Western and Central Massachusetts must sign in at a computer, or make a reservation, with a CW/MARS Library Card in good standing. Users who have billed items or outstanding fines of $5.00 or more may be denied use of the computers.
- Users from outside Western and Central Massachusetts must provide picture identification for each session. Staff will sign them on to the computers.
- Sign-ups may be made in person or by phone up to twenty-four hours in advance.
- Children 12 and under may only use the computers in the Children's Lab. Patrons aged 13 through 17 may only use computers in the Young Adult Lab. Patrons 18 and over may only use computers in the Adult Lab. Exceptions: An adult may use the computers in the Children's Room if his/her child is using a computer or the adult and child are using a computer together. A patron under 18 may use a computer with his/her parent in the Adult Lab.
- Users in the Adult Lab will be limited to a single one hour session per day. If no one is waiting, the user's time will be extended in 15 minute increments to a maximum of an additional hour per day. Users whose time has expired are expected to yield immediately to new users. Users arriving more than ten minutes late for their reserved time may forfeit their reservation if another person wishes to use the computer. Time missed due to lateness or absence counts against users' scheduled time.
- Users in the Children's Lab and Young Adult Lab are limited to one reservation a day, and to one hour a day. Time may only be extended for schoolwork. In the summer, users in the Children's Lab are limited to two reservations a day and to two hours a day.
- Only two people may sit at one terminal.
Printing
- Each computer is networked to both the color and black and white laser jet printers. The library gives each patron $1.00 worth of printing free a day. The fee for each black and white page is 10 cents a page, and each color page is 25 cents a page.
- The network printers are operated by a computer release station at coin op machine. Please retrieve printouts and pay for copies at these locations .
Shut-Down
Computers automatically shut down 15 minutes before closing. New sessions may not be started 10 minutes before closing time.
Staff Assistance
- Staff will be glad to assist users as time and knowledge permit. However, staff is not available for extensive instruction.
- Staff cannot guarantee expertise in every site, program, or problem encountered online.
- Because of the many applications available, staff may not always be familiar with specific programs users wish to use. In these cases, the users are responsible for learning the program. Classes on using the Internet will be scheduled periodically.
- Circulating and reference books and manuals for self-instruction are available. Please ask a librarian.
Computer/Printer Problems
If users experience any problems using the computer and/or the printer, please report the problem at the reference desk or the children's desk. Please do not attempt to fix problems, turn off the computer/printer, reboot the system or do routine tasks such as filling paper. The staff will assist users.
Downloading, Saving, and Installing Software
- Downloading and saving to disks is permitted. The library sells formatted floppy disks and CDs for $1.00.
- No files are to be saved to hard drive or desktop, the desktop may not be altered in any way, and websites may not be saved to Internet Explorer's favorites. Periodically staff will delete all files, shortcuts, and favorites not created by Agawam Library staff.
- Users are not permitted to install any software or run any programs on Agawam Public Library computers that have not been installed by Agawam Library staff.
Unacceptable Use
Deliberate misuse of the computers or its components will result in the loss of computer privileges. It is not acceptable to use the Agawam Public Library's computers for illegal or abusive purposes, or to destroy or damage computer equipment including but not limited to:
- unauthorized copying of copyright-protected materials
- transmission of threatening, obscene, or harassing materials
- transmission of computer viruses
- unauthorized access to local and remote computer systems and personal accounts
- engaging in communications which are libelous or slanderous
- committing fraud
- violating any local, state, or federal statute
- destroying or damaging equipment, software or data belonging to the Agawam Public Library including the modifying, altering, or deletion of system program files
- violating computer system security
- violating another user's privacy
Agreement
By signing on to use any of the Agawam Public Library's computers, users agree to abide by the library's computer use policies and procedures. The policy will be displayed each time a user signs on a computer, and this policy will be posted in all computer areas. Violators of the Agawam Public Library's Computer and Internet Policy may lose computer privileges. Illegal acts involving library computing resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.
Last Updated 3/10
