Internet Policy
Policy for the Public Use of the Internet
In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the North Smithfield Public Library develops collections, resources and services to meet the educational and informational needs of the community. It is within this context that the North Smithfield Public library offers access to the Internet.
The library does not monitor and has no control over information accessed through the Internet and can’t be held responsible for its content. Information on the Internet is created and amended by governmental agencies, businesses and corporations , universities, organizations and individuals. The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population and library patrons use it at their own discretion. They should be aware that not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information.
Internet resources accessible through the library are provided equally to all library users. As with other library materials, restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the child’s – and only that child’s- parent or guardian. Parents and guardians are encouraged to share with their children the exploration of the resources available through the Internet. Parents should caution their children not to reveal personal information on-line that might place the youngsters in harm’s way.
The North Smithfield Public Library reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.
Approved May 22, 1997
Revised September 28, 1999
Revised October 30, 2001
Revised June 25, 2002
Internet Procedures and Guidelines
The North Smithfield Public Library offers free access to the Internet as another way to find information.
1. Internet service is intended for independent use. Library’s staff availability to help users with basic computer use or with Internet access is limited. Users must have basic computer skills, including the use of a mouse.
2. Patrons may reserve an Internet station in person or by telephone. First-time users will be asked to read:
North Smithfield Public Library Policy for Use of the Internet
North Smithfield Public Library Procedures for Using the Internet
North Smithfield Public Library Legal and Ethical Use of the Internet
3. The Internet workstation may be reserved for one hour, including print time. In the event that no one has reserved the time slot directly after the current user, that person may stay an additional 30 minutes. Maximum of two people at a workstation at a time.
4. Information can be read on-line or printed from the terminal. Black and white copies are 20 cents per page and color copies $.25 cents per page.
5. Misuse or abuse of the computer or Internet access will result in suspension of access privileges.
Legal and Ethical Use of Electronic Resources
Our electronic resources may only be used for legal purposes by the public and staff of the North Smithfield Public Library. Examples of illegal use include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Harassment of other users.
2. Destruction of or damage to equipment, software or data.
3. Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications.
4. Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material.
5. Violation of computer system security.
6. Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes or network identification code/numbers assigned to others.
7. Use of computer communications facilities in ways that unnecessarily impede the computing activities of others.
8. Violation of software license agreements.
9. Violation of network usage policies.
10. Violation of another’s privacy.
May 22, 1997
Some Internet resources are inappropriate to a library setting. Because the library is a public place, the staff has the authority to end an online session when inappropriate material is displayed on the screen. This may include material that you do not find personally offensive.
In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the North Smithfield Public Library develops collections, resources and services to meet the educational and informational needs of the community. It is within this context that the North Smithfield Public library offers access to the Internet.
The library does not monitor and has no control over information accessed through the Internet and can’t be held responsible for its content. Information on the Internet is created and amended by governmental agencies, businesses and corporations , universities, organizations and individuals. The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population and library patrons use it at their own discretion. They should be aware that not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information.
Internet resources accessible through the library are provided equally to all library users. As with other library materials, restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the child’s – and only that child’s- parent or guardian. Parents and guardians are encouraged to share with their children the exploration of the resources available through the Internet. Parents should caution their children not to reveal personal information on-line that might place the youngsters in harm’s way.
The North Smithfield Public Library reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.
Approved May 22, 1997
Revised September 28, 1999
Revised October 30, 2001
Revised June 25, 2002
Internet Procedures and Guidelines
The North Smithfield Public Library offers free access to the Internet as another way to find information.
1. Internet service is intended for independent use. Library’s staff availability to help users with basic computer use or with Internet access is limited. Users must have basic computer skills, including the use of a mouse.
2. Patrons may reserve an Internet station in person or by telephone. First-time users will be asked to read:
North Smithfield Public Library Policy for Use of the Internet
North Smithfield Public Library Procedures for Using the Internet
North Smithfield Public Library Legal and Ethical Use of the Internet
3. The Internet workstation may be reserved for one hour, including print time. In the event that no one has reserved the time slot directly after the current user, that person may stay an additional 30 minutes. Maximum of two people at a workstation at a time.
4. Information can be read on-line or printed from the terminal. Black and white copies are 20 cents per page and color copies $.25 cents per page.
5. Misuse or abuse of the computer or Internet access will result in suspension of access privileges.
Legal and Ethical Use of Electronic Resources
Our electronic resources may only be used for legal purposes by the public and staff of the North Smithfield Public Library. Examples of illegal use include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Harassment of other users.
2. Destruction of or damage to equipment, software or data.
3. Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications.
4. Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material.
5. Violation of computer system security.
6. Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes or network identification code/numbers assigned to others.
7. Use of computer communications facilities in ways that unnecessarily impede the computing activities of others.
8. Violation of software license agreements.
9. Violation of network usage policies.
10. Violation of another’s privacy.
May 22, 1997
Some Internet resources are inappropriate to a library setting. Because the library is a public place, the staff has the authority to end an online session when inappropriate material is displayed on the screen. This may include material that you do not find personally offensive.