Internet Access and Safety Policy

The Internet enables the Beaman Memorial Public Library to expand its reference and information services by providing access to unique resources worldwide. The library offers public access to the Internet through our on-line catalog and at other stations in the library building. Patrons are encouraged to make use of this free service.

The Library does not produce, monitor or control content on the Internet. Although traditional library materials in the collection are selected according to the library's Collection Development Policy, the vast amount of information found on the Internet cannot possibly go through the same selection process. Information on the Internet may be accurate and current, or false, out-of-date, or unavailable at times. Patrons should question the validity of the information they find and are the ultimate judge of its appropriateness and value, however the library maintains a list of staff recommended Web Sites.

Library Internet access is intended to connect users with information, and staff will assist users as much as possible. While independent use is encouraged, arrangements can be made for individual or group instruction.

Through the library website, staff provides links to recommended websites and access to authoritative information databases not generally available on the web. These resources can be accessed in the library, or wherever Internet access is available outside of the library, with a library card.

Some stations offer filtered access, which seeks to block or stop access to sites that might be considered objectionable. Other stations are unfiltered and allow full access to the Internet.

The Library expects parents to provide guidance to their own children on the appropriate use of the Internet. Therefore, children under 17 years must have a Youth Internet Access Permission Form signed on site by their parent or legal guardian, in order to access an unfiltered Internet station. These forms are also necessary for minors to access chat room, instant messaging, or email services at any terminal. Children who are 6 years or younger must be accompanied by an adult for access to any Internet terminal, and staff may suggest parental participation if older children need additional support.

There is one Internet station that can be booked by patrons for one-hour time slots, with a maximum of two (2) hours per week. Reservations will be accepted by phone and in-person. Reserve time will be held for fifteen minutes beyond the scheduled start time. This station offers unfiltered access, so is available only to adults or children with signed Youth Internet Access Permission Forms.

All other stations will be used on a first come first serve basis, but patrons are encouraged to be considerate of others. In the event that all stations are in use and a waiting line develops, staff members will give a ten-minute notice, after which time the user should finish up and make the station available to another patron.

File transfer and downloading are prohibited.

Scrap paper is provided for printing. The first 10 pages are free, but printing beyond ten pages is fee based. Regular users are encouraged to provide paper or make monetary donations to help support the costs of heavy use.

Word processing is not available on Internet stations, but separate word processing stations are available.

Adult patrons may check and make use of web-based personal email accounts, but no personal accounts will be hosted on the library server. Library staff cannot provide instruction in this use. Children under 17 years may not use library computers for email service or other electronic communications (unless a parent or guardian has signed a Youth Internet Access Permission Form).

Library Internet stations can never be considered completely secure and confidential. Although the library strives to secure the network and individual computers on the network, it cannot offer any guarantee of privacy or confidentiality.

All public access terminals will begin to be closed down 15 minutes before closing each day.

Misuse of the computer or Internet access will result in loss of Internet access privileges. Violations may also result in the loss of library privileges.

Unacceptable Uses of the Internet

1. To access, transmit, or receive threatening, obscene or harassing materials. Patrons may not access child pornography (as described in 18 U.S.C '2256'.)
2. To access chat rooms for other than informational or educational purposes.
3. To alter or damage computer settings, programs, options, equipment, software or data.
4. To disrupt or monitor electronic communications through the library network.
5. To duplicate copyright protected material.
6. To violate computer security systems, filtering systems, or in any way secure unauthorized access or perform unlawful activities.
7. To make unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes or network identification code/numbers assigned to others.
8. To make unauthorized use, disclosure, or dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.
9. To impede the computing activity of others.
10. To violate another's privacy.
11. In violation of software license agreements.