INTERNET USAGE & SAFETY POLICY
Eastham Public Library
In response to advances in technology and changing needs of the community, the Eastham Public Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services that meet the informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of its patrons.
The Internet is a global electronic network that enables the library to provide information to patrons beyond the library’s collection and walls. As such, the Internet can be a continuous learning experience. The paths to information are numerous and ever changing, as new sites are added daily, and others disappear and/or are moved.
In fulfilling its mission to provide up-to-date and accurate information, the Eastham Public Library seeks to provide equal access to information for persons of all ages. With regard to the Internet, the library does not selectively choose which electronic resources to make available. The Eastham Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content.
Use of the library’s computers in ways that violate local, state, or federal law or activities that interfere with or disrupt the network, users, services or equipment are prohibited. Use of the Internet in violation of Massachusetts General Law 272, Section 28 (the Harmful to Minors Statute) is prohibited. Disclosing, using or disseminating personal identity information about minors is prohibited. The Library reserves the right to require users to refrain from displaying computer images which are inappropriate for public viewing. The library reserves the right to monitor computers when a violation of this policy or illegal activity is suspected. Staff is authorized to take immediate action to protect the security of computers and the network. Library staff reserve the right to revoke library use privileges for patrons in violation of this policy.
Library patrons are responsible for complying with copyright law, licensing agreements and the policies of individual websites.
The library cannot guarantee that the library’s WiFi and computer connections are secure. Entering personal information such as social security and credit card data, should be done with caution.
Programs downloaded and files saved are automatically deleted upon rebooting. Patrons are encouraged to save their work on a thumb drive in the event of a power failure and to reboot a computer when finished to wipe the hard drive of browsing history and saved or downloaded files.
The library’s public computers are available for 60 minute time slots when others are waiting. Session times may be extended if no one is waiting. WiFi access is available continually throughout the library and outside the building on library property.
Approved by Library Board of Trustees 2/14/2023 3-0
YOUTH SERVICES INTERNET USAGE & SAFETY POLICY
The Youth Services Department serves youth through age 17. Internet capable devices are available to youth upon request in the Youth Services area, and there are desktop computers available for public use on the main floor of the library. Programs downloaded and files saved to the library desktops are automatically deleted upon rebooting. Patrons are encouraged to save their work on a thumb drive in the event of a power failure.
The Internet is an ever-changing source of information and not all sites are accurate or current. Many sites are inappropriate for children and therefore parents and caregivers are encouraged to come to the library and use the Internet with their children. As with other library materials, restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. Ultimate responsibility for how children use the Internet is a matter for parents and their children to decide. Just as parents are encouraged to discuss appropriate use of other library materials, the library encourages parents to discuss with their children the appropriate use of electronic resources available through the Internet, including the use of social media and other forms of direct electronic communications.
In fulfilling its mission to provide up-to-date and accurate information, the Eastham Public Library seeks to provide equal access to information for persons of all ages. While the library does provide a webpage with age-appropriate digital resources for youth, the library does not monitor or control information accessed through the internet and cannot be held responsible for its content.
Use of the library’s computers in ways that violate local, state or federal law or activities that interfere with or disrupt the network, users, services or equipment are prohibited. Use of the Internet in violation of Massachusetts General Law 272, Section 28 (the Harmful to Minors Statute) is prohibited. Disclosing, using or disseminating personal identity information about minors is prohibited. The Library reserves the right to require users to refrain from displaying computer images which are inappropriate for public viewing.
The library has policies in place to help children and parents use the library in a safe way. The library does not allow adults to use computers in the Youth Services area unless they are accompanied by a child under their care. The library requires that all children under the age of 10 be accompanied by an adult while in the library. In addition, library staff pay close attention to activity in the building, and intervene, when necessary, to maintain a safe environment.
The library does not routinely monitor public computers, but reserves the right to do so when a violation of this policy or illegal activity is suspected. Staff is authorized to take immediate action to protect the security of computers and the network.
Approved by Library Board of Trustees 02/14/2023 3-0