Wolfeboro Public Library

Policy and Guidlines for Public Computer Access

Introduction

In accordance with the mission of the Wolfeboro Public Library to provide materials, services, and programs to meet the personal, educational and informational needs of community members of all ages, computers will be available for the public to use to access the Internet as well as use a variety of other computer applications.

Materials and services in electronic formats will be selected for the library by the professional staff in accordance with the library’s material selection policy.

Rules for Usage

Anyone under 18 years of age must have a Parental/Guardian Internet Permission form on file before using a computer for Internet access.

• You will have 30 minutes to use this computer. A timer at the top of the page will tell you how much time you have left, and give warning to save any work before the end of the 30 minutes, as the computer will log off from any open programs. To use additional time, a new session of 30 minutes must be started. Users may use up to 90 minutes a day.
• The computer will log off 10 minutes before the closing of the library, regardless of the 30 minute time limit.
• The computer designated for quick email checks will allow usage for 10 minutes. Users may have additional 10 minute times, but no more than once an hour.
• Usage will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. No reservation will be taken, and specific computers may not be selected.

• Printing is available at the cost of $.15 for black and white copies and $.25 for color copies. Users are responsible for all copies printed. Staff is available to assist with printing.
• Downloading or using personal software is not allowed. Bookmarks may not be added.

Internet Disclaimer

The Wolfeboro Public Library has no control over the materials to be found on the Internet. The Library cannot censor your access to material nor protect you from information you find offensive, controversial or inappropriate. Due to the nature of the Internet, not all information you find will be accurate, complete or current. Use your discretion in using this global resource.

Ethical Use

All users of electronic information such as the Internet are expected to use these resources in a responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which they are provided. It is unacceptable to use the Library’s computer system and Internet resources for any of the following:

• For any purposes which violate applicable U. S. or state laws. Users must respect all copyright laws and licensing agreements pertaining to the software, files and other resources obtained via the Internet.
• Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library.
• Disruption or interference of network users or services. Such interference or disruption includes, but is not limited to: Distribution of unsolicited advertising; harassment, libeling, or slandering of others; propagation of computer worms or viruses.
• Sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene by community standards.

Violations of the guidelines

Users violating these guidelines will be restricted from using the Library’s computer services. Illegal acts may subject violators to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

Full Internet Access

• By clicking on “I Accept” at the bottom of this page users are agreeing that they understand and will abide by the policies stated here.
• The library does not offer electronic mail accounts.
• Any material ordered from a vendor on the Internet will be paid for by the patron through personal credit card. The library will not be responsible for such payments.
• Library staff will make every effort to train and instruct users on the products available.

Email Access Only

One library workstation is dedicated to email access. Each user may only use the computer for 10 minutes at a time to check their email. A user can check their email more than once per day, but not more than once in any given hour.

Wireless Internet Access

Free wireless Internet access at the Wolfeboro Public Library is funded in part by the Friends of The Wolfeboro Public Library. As a “Hot Spot,” patrons may connect to the Internet with a wireless laptop, PDA or other portable device from within the Library. The Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance and no guarantee can be made that you will be able to make a wireless connection. The Library is not responsible for hardware or software damage, or for loss or theft of unattended equipment. The wireless connection is not secure. Since radio signals can potentially be intercepted, activity requiring transmission of credit card numbers, passwords and other personal information should be avoided. The wireless network is open and simultaneously connected computers are visible to each other and therefore vulnerable to other user’s viruses, malware and hacks. Users are responsible for maintaining up-to-date antivirus software and firewalls. Patrons may only access web-based e-mail; and printing from the wireless network is not currently available. The wireless Internet access is unfiltered, but all Library policies concerning legal and acceptable use of computers and the Internet apply.

Question or disputes regarding these procedures will be resolved by library staff.

Adopted by the trustees of the Wolfeboro Public Library 8/20/96; Revised 3/24/97; Revised
6/17/02; Revised 6/2/03, Revised 5/1/06, Revised 5/7/2007.