MISSION STATEMENT:

Libraries were established to provide information to all who inquire.  Librarians are dedicated to gathering, organizing and disseminating the world's knowledge.  No matter the format, be it print, media, microform or electronic, the North Bellmore Public Library guarantees freedom of access to the broadest spectrum of ideas.  Therefore, the North Bellmore Public Library's mission is to remain dedicated to the principles espoused in the American Library Association's "Library Bill of Rights" and the "Electronic Bill of Rights."

As part of its mission to serve as an educational resource for the community, the North Bellmore Public Library will provide users with access to the Internet and the World Wide Web.  The Library will not monitor or restrict the choice of sites visited by individual patrons or the content of those sites.  The Board of Trustees of the North Bellmore Public Library respects the responsibility of parents to monitor their children's reading and access to information.

RULES AND REGULATIONS:

1.  The North Bellmore Public Library provides access to the Internet and the World Wide Web to patrons having a valid North Bellmore Library card.

2. The North Bellmore Public Library cannot be held responsible for the Web site choices made by children.   Parents, legal guardians or caregivers are responsible for supervising their child's Internet use.  Librarians are available to help children, if needed, but not to monitor what resources are utilized.

3.  There will be separate workstations for adults and children available to the public for Internet access.  The workstation or workstations located in the Children's Wing are exclusively for the use of children in Grades 2 through 6.  Internet access workstations are to be used only for the purpose of accessing the Internet.

4.  Library computers shall not be used to display, print, transmit or distribute threatening material; expressions of bigotry, racism or hate; obscene or sexually explicit material; or material protected by trade secret.  Viewing of certain materials in the Library may be considered unlawful.  Without wishing to censor access, the Library reserves the right to prohibit material that is unlawful for viewing in public areas or in violation of library policy.

5.  Users are subject to all State and Federal laws and must comply with all U.S. Copyright regulations.  Any use of computers for unlawful purposes or transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulation is prohibited.

6.  Users are responsible for any charges incurred if they enter a fee-based service.

7.  Users are required to take proper care of the Library's equipment and property.  Alterations to the Library's computer equipment and printers or software is prohibited.  Problems with the Library's hardware or software should be reported to the Reference Desk immediately.

8.  Librarians will assist in the initial start-up of the system, but will not provide extended instruction.

9.  Users may print materials on the Library's printers at a cost of 5 cents a page.

10.  Users are prohibited from degrading, disrupting or destroying information or programming, and are further prohibited from downloading any material.

11.  The North Bellmore Public Library reserves the right to remove the computer privileges of anyone who tampers with or damages the equipment or programs involved with Internet access.

12.  The North Bellmore Public Library cannot be held responsible for the content, quality, currency or accuracy of data gathered from Internet sites accessed through the Library.

13.  Any damage caused to patron computers from downloaded computer viruses is not the responsibility of the North Bellmore Public Library.  Users should install virus-checking software into their home computers in order to prevent computer damage from information downloaded off of the Internet.

14.  The North Bellmore Public Library cannot be held responsible for any loss of privacy, fees incurred, and/or personal harm caused to patrons due to disclosing of personal information over the Internet.  Patrons should exercise extreme caution before giving their names, telephone numbers, addresses, credit card numbers, or any other personal information out over the Internet, since it is not known who is receiving it and for what purpose it is being used.

15.  Violations or failure to comply with this library policy may result in cancellation of an individual's library card and all related library privileges.  Appeals by library patrons relating to suspension of Internet privileges shall be made to the Board of Trustees in writing in accordance with the procedure set forth in the Library's Maintenance of Public Order policy.

16.  The Library reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.
 

Adopted:   December 17, 1997

Revised: May 21, 2003

Return to the North Bellmore Public Library's Wireless Policy