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it also contains information that may be inaccurate, outdated, or personally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 with access to the Internet. The Library's Internet service
is provided through its membership in the Cooperating Libraries Automated Network
(CLAN). Since CLAN receives federal funding to defray the cost of providing Internet
services to the membership, all CLAN 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, 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
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
Library 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.
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