Section III
H. Internet Access and Use (Adopted 9-11-06)
Policies
1. All patrons of the Cook Memorial Library may access the Internet free of charge, subject to the policies and procedures adopted by the library trustees. Upon initial use, registered patrons will be required to check in at the circulation desk, read the Internet Access and Use Policy, fill out an Internet User Registration Form, and sign in (initials, date and time) before using library computers. Upon initial use, non-registered patrons will be required to check in at the circulation desk, read the Internet Access and Use Policy, and sign in (initials, date and time) before using library computers. Registered and non-registered patrons under 18 must have written permission from a parent or guardian to use library computers.
2. It will be the policy of Cook Memorial Library to uphold and affirm the right of individuals to have access to constitutionally protected materials, including information provided through the Internet.
3. Access to the Internet will not be restricted because of a patron’s race, religion, gender, or socio-economic status. The library assumes no responsibility for information available through electronic access, which patrons may find to be inaccurate, offensive, or illegal. Cook Memorial Library does not use filtering software on its public access Internet computers.
4. The library acknowledges the exclusive responsibility of parents and guardians to guide their children’s Internet use, and encourages parents to accompany their children to the library in order to supervise their Internet sessions. Children under age eight (borrowing privileges begin at age seven) must be supervised by a parent or legal guardian in their use of Internet computers.
5. The library does not provide electronic mail services (e-mail) to patrons. Patrons are welcome to access free Web-based mail services (hotmail.com, yahoo.com etc).
6. It will be the responsibility of the library director and staff of Cook Memorial Library to recommend changes to the policies and procedures governing use of the Internet on a regular basis. Internet policy will be reviewed annually by the library director and library trustees, and sooner should the need arise. The current Internet policy will be made available to patrons, and will be posted on the library website.
Procedures
1. Patrons will read the Internet Policy and Procedures before signing the Internet Users Registration Form available at the Circulation Desk. A parent or guardian will also sign for each child under 18 completing the form.
2. Patrons, and parents or guardians of minors will agree, by initially signing the Internet Users Registration Form, to obey all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing copyrights, licensing, and content regulations.
3. Patrons may reserve time on a library computer at the Circulation Desk in person or by telephone, up to one week in advance of the time requested. Reservations are limited to one hour per day per person. Patrons who are 15 minutes late for their scheduled times will forfeit their appointments if someone else is waiting. Unreserved time may be used on a walk-in basis. Access will be provided during regular library hours, up to 15 minutes prior to closing.
4. At the time of use, patrons will sign in at the Circulation Desk, providing their name or initials and the date and time of log-in.
5. Training and assistance with Internet use will be available as staff time and experience permit.
6. The library is not responsible for access problems at any time, or for any reason. The library is not responsible for the loss of personal data or damage to personal property resulting from use of the library’s connection to the Internet.
7. Patrons may print pages to the printer at 15 cents a page. Payment may be made at the Circulation Desk.
8. Patrons may not store their data on any library computer. Data is cleared from each library computer when the library closes for the day. Patrons may purchase blank diskettes and CDs at the library for a nominal fee.
