33 Summer Street, Bath, Maine 04530 (207) 443-5141

Serving the City of Bath and the communities of Arrowsic, Georgetown, Phippsburg, West Bath, and Woolwich for over 150 years

PATTEN FREE LIBRARY INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

Internet access at the Patten Free Library is an extension of the Library's commitment to meeting the community's information needs.

PURPOSE

Throughout its history the Patten Free Library has made information available in a variety of formats, from print to audiovisual materials. The Library's computer system provides the opportunity to integrate electronic resources from information networks around the world with the Library's other resources.

CONTENT

The Internet, as an information resource, enables Patten Free to provide information beyond the confines of its own collection. However, the Internet is a diverse and unregulated publishing network. You may find many new, useful and enriching materials. You may also find resources that are inaccurate, outdated or offensive. The Library does not monitor and has no control over the information found on the Internet. The Patten Free Library endorses the Library Bill of Rights (including the new interpretation on electronic access) as adopted by the American Library Association, and supports the democratic principle of every citizen's right to free access to information.

USE BY CHILDREN AND TEENS

The Library cannot individually supervise minors using the Internet. As with all library resources, the Patten Free Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents/guardians, not Library staff, to determine and monitor their minor children’s use of the Internet and computer software. (Minors are defined in this policy as children and young people under the age of 18 years.) Parents/guardians, not the Library, are responsible for their minor children’s use of the Library’s resources and facilities which includes the information selected or accessed on the Internet. The Library encourages parents/guardians, children, and teens to read the brochure Child Safety on the Information Highway, jointly produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Interactive Services Association, and Teen Safety on the Internet. These publications are available in the library and online at www.safekids.com and www.safeteens.com  We welcome questions from parents about sites that may benefit their children's education and outside interests.

GUIDELINES FOR USE OF THE INTERNET

• Workstations are available on a first-come basis.
• Computer use is limited to 30 minutes at a time. Extension of the time limit may be granted at the librarian's discretion and only if the computer does not need to be accessed by other patrons or staff.
• If all computers are busy, sign in at the workstation next to the Information desk and you will be notified when a computer is free for your use.
• You may print information you find. There is a $0.15 per page charge.
• Customers may download information to their own diskettes, personal portable USB storage devices, or their own e-mail accounts. Discs may also be purchased. Users may ask for assistance but should not expect library staff to do this for them.
• When you have finished your session, please logoff completely by closing all sites you have visited.
• Customers should notify library staff immediately if they experience any problems with the library’s equipment or software.

RESPONSIBILITES OF USERS

• Internet access stations will be located where they can be monitored by staff for assistance and security.
• The Library cannot guarantee the absolute confidentiality of what is being viewed. The confidentiality of files and printouts also cannot be assured.
• Care should always be taken to protect personal information such as names, telephone numbers, and credit card information.

Unacceptable uses of computers include, but are not limited to:

• Reconfiguration or disruption of computer systems here or elsewhere.
• Violation of computer security.
• Damage to equipment or furniture.
• Engaging in illegal activity.
• Invading the privacy of, harassing, libeling or slandering others.
• Intentional exposure to other individuals (especially children) of text or graphics which they may find offensive.
• Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected materials.
• Unauthorized monitoring or disruption of electronic communications.

SANCTIONS

Violations of the guidelines described above will result in suspension of Internet (and possibly library) privileges. The Reference librarian on duty will assess determination of suspension and the time limits involved. Illegal acts involving library computers may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

STAFF ASSISTANCE

Library staff is available to assist you in your use of electronic resources but may not be familiar with every application you might wish to use. We may not be thoroughly familiar with the search engines or sites you visit and how to use them. Reference staff's first priority is answering reference and information questions. Assistance with other computer related situations or problems will be handled as time allows.

DISCLAIMER

The Patten Free Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of its computers or Internet services. It is the responsibility of the library user to check all computer files and software retrieved from the Internet for viruses before loading them onto a personal computer.

Revised 3/11/07