Electronic Resources and Public Internet Access Policy

 

In accord with our Mission Statement, the South Kingstown Public Library endeavors to develop resources and services to meet the informational needs of our community. Advances in technology have made many new library resources possible, some of which are used and accessed in ways different from print media.

 

At present, many electronic information resources are accessed through computer workstations at the library. Use of a computer workstation shall constitute agreement by the user to:

 

Respect the sensibilities of others when accessing information that may be offensive to someone else.

 

Abide by the decision of Library staff regarding use of all equipment.

 

In addition, users will not:

 

*Use the Internet to conduct commercial ventures for profit.

 

*Make any attempt to modify the setup or configuration of software or hardware.

 

*Make any attempt to modify or gain access to system files, passwords, or data.

 

*Seek unauthorized access to any computer system or network.

 

*Make any illegal copies of software.

 

*Generate correspondence/materials that would be construed as illegal.

 

Internet Access

 

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provides users with a great deal of excellent information, it also contains information that may be inaccurate, outdated, or personally offensive.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 wiht access to the Internet. The Lilbrary'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 truing to visit is blocked, ask the reference librarian for assistance to unblock the site.

 

Supervising a Minor's use of the internet

 

The public library does not serve in loco parentis (in place of a parent). Librarians and library staff cannot act in place of parents in providing constant care and supervision of minors (those individuals who have not attained the age of 13) as they explore the Internet. The responsibility for what minors read or view on the Internet rests with the parent or legal guardian. Therefore, permission slips signed by the parent or legal guardian will be required for minors who wish to access the Internet.

 

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 (E-mail) or personal equipment, the Lilbrary will not be liable for any damages incurred.

 

The South Kingstown Public Library reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.

 

Approved by SKPL Board of Trustees 4/97

Amended 7/01

Revised 9/02

Revised 7/04

Revised 1/05

 

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.