Electronic Resources & Public Internet Access Policy

In accord with our Mission Statement, the South Kingstown Public Library (SKPL) endeavors to develop resources and services to meet the informational needs of our community. As such, SKPL offers Internet connectivity via library computers and wireless access to users of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities. All Internet access users are expected to use this library resource in a responsible and courteous way, consistent with the purposes for which it is provided, and to follow all SKPL Internet-related rules, regulations and procedures established for its use.

Responsible, courteous use of the Internet includes

• Recognizing that the Internet, like all of the Library's information sources, must be shared and used in a manner which respects the rights of others and refrains from activities that prevent others from using it.
• Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; and by not seeking disallowed access to any computer system via the Internet.
• Respecting intellectual property rights by making only authorized copies of copyrighted, licensed or otherwise-controlled software or data residing on the Internet.
• Being courteous to other library users by speaking quietly and by using headphones when listening to audio content and keeping volume low so as not to disturb others. Users may bring their own headphones or purchase them at the Circulation Desk.
• Not using the SKPL's Internet resources in an illegal manner, including using such resources to engage in harassment or defamation.
• Not damaging equipment or altering the setup of computers used to access the Internet at the Library.
• Not installing or running personal software on SKPL computers.
• Not altering or damaging software or data stored on SKPL computers.
• No deliberate propagation of computer worms and/or viruses.
• Respecting posted time limits.
• Abiding by the decision of Library staff regarding use of all equipment.

Integrity of Information

The Internet is a global electronic network visited by a diverse user population. Though the Internet provides users with a great deal of excellent information, it also contains information that may be inaccurate, outdated, or personally offensive. Just as the Library does not endorse the viewpoints of written materials, it does not do so for electronic resources.

In addition, the Library does not select the materials on the Internet nor can it control the content of resources available on the internet. The library also has no means or statutory authority to assure that only constitutionally protected material is available on the Internet. The authority to determine what is illegal or obscene content resides with the courts.

Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

CIPA requires that libraries receiving federal funds for Internet services install filters on all computers with access to the Internet. The Library's Internet service is provided through its membership in the Ocean State Libraries (OSL) network. Since OSL receives federal funding to defray the cost of providing Internet services to the membership, all OLS member libraries were required to have filters installed by July 1, 2004. Therefore, all the Library's computers are now filtered. Please note that if you are over 17 years old, and a site you are trying to visit is blocked, you can ask the reference librarian for assistance to unblock the site.

Internet Use by Minors

As with all other Library material, Internet use by a minor is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. Parents should inform their children of materials they do not want them to use, and may wish to supervise their children's Internet sessions. To help protect their children's safety, SKPL encourages parents and children to discuss the child's use of email, online chat, and disclosure of personal information over the Internet. For more information on online safety, please visit the Safe Kids website or Net Smartz website.

Computer Viruses

Computer viruses are a real threat to any computer with public access. Although the Library does have anti-virus protection software enabled, should a virus be transferred to any user's electronic mail (email) or personal equipment, the Library will not be liable for any damages incurred.

Limitations & Disclaimers Regarding Wireless Access

• The Library's wireless network is not necessarily secure. Information sent from or to your laptop can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software, within three hundred feet.
• The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library's network.
• Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance and no guarantee can be provided that you will be able to make a wireless connection.

Approval

The Internet Access Policy was approved by the SKPL Board of Trustees in April of 1997. It was amended or revised on the following dates:

• Amended July 2001
• Revised September 2002
• Revised July 2004
• Revised January 2005
• Revised November 2013
  

This policy is posted on the Web for your information. In case of discrepancy, the official policy resides in the administrative office at the central library. A complete list of policies is also available from the administrative office.