INTERNET and INTERNET SAFETY POLICY
The Plainedge Public Library offers access to electronic resources, including the Internet, as part of its mission to provide services and materials in a variety of formats to meet the informational and educational needs of the community. The Internet is a vast global electronic network which enables the Library to provide access to a rich array of information and resources. However, the materials and resources accessed through the Internet may be reliable and current or may be inaccurate, out of date and unavailable at times. The Plainedge Library has no control over these resources nor does the Library have complete knowledge of the vast information, materials and resources that are available on the Internet. Therefore, the Library assumes no responsibility for the quality, accuracy, and currency of any information accessed through the Internet.
Since the Internet is an unregulated medium, the content of some materials may also be offensive or of a controversial nature. The Library will identify on its web site specific Internet sites that have potential interest for Library users. However, the Library cannot control a user’s access to other Internet resources. Therefore, Library users access the Internet at their own discretion. Parents and caregivers of children are encouraged to actively participate with their children when using the Internet and other electronic resources and to provide guidance in proper usage.
I. Guidelines for Internet Usage:
* Users must be courteous and respectful when using computers and conform to the rules of "The Internet and Internet Safety Policy."
* Plainedge school district residents will be given preference in use of the Internet workstations.
* Internet users must leave a valid identification at the Reference desk and sign the log-in book.
* Library staff availability to help users with detailed individual instruction with Internet access is limited. Staff will assist with start-up procedures and basic instruction in Internet use.
* Access to an Internet workstation is limited to one hour per day. Workstation time will be extended if the Internet computers are not in demand.
* Downloading programs from the Internet and saving them onthe hard drive is prohibited. Users may save files or attachment on a disk.
* Library staff will not monitor a users Internet use, except for length of use in order to ensure equal opportunity of access for everyone. The user, or the parent of a minor, is responsible for his/her Internet session at all times
* Use of the Internet workstations is for lawful purposes only. Internet users may not use the Library’s computers to display materials which are either obscene or pornographic as determined by State and Federal Law. Other illegal activities which are also prohibited include but are not limited to:
- software piracy
- degrading or disrupting equipment or system performance
- deliberately propagating computer worms or viruses
- invade the privacy of others by misrepresenting one-
self as another user or attempting to modify or gain
access to files, passwords or data belonging to others
- gaining unauthorized access to resources, entities or
any other organization’s networks or computer systems
- engaging in any activity that is deliberately offensive or
creating an intimidating or hostile environment
- violation of copyright or licensing agreements.
* At the end of each session, users must close all applications.
* The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet
session that disrupts Library services or involves user
behavior that violates Library policy.
* Failure to use the Internet computers in a safe and
responsible manner and comply with the Internet Policy of
the Plainedge Library may result in the forfeiture of the user’s
right to use Library computers.
II. Internet Safety
The public library, unlike schools, does not serve ‘loco parentis’
(in place of a parent). A Librarian cannot act in place of parents
in providing constant care and supervision of children as they
explore the Internet. The responsibility rests with parents or
guardians.
The following are recommended guidelines for parents and
guardians to ensure that children have positive online exper-
iences, whether at home or in the Library.
- Use the Internet as a family. Join your children in Inter-
net exploration.
- Explore the wide range of available information and tell
your children about sites you consider inappropriate.
- Encourage children to use sites recommended on the
Library’s homepage and counsel them to avoid sites
you consider unsuitable.
- Provide guidelines for your children on the amount of
time they spend online, just as for television viewing.
- Instruct children NEVER to give out personal informa-
tion (name, address, password, telephone number,
credit card number) online.
- Always keep in mind that online communication is
faceless and people may not actually be who they say
they are.
- Never respond to any message that in any way makes
you feel uncomfortable. Always practice ‘netiquette’ by
showing respect for others and the online environment.
- Teach children to be good online consumers. As with
print information, consider the source, date, and
accuracy of online information.
- Whether using Library Internet workstation or personal
computer at home, remember to act as if you were in a
public place.
- In addition to computers with Internet Access, the
Library also has computers with educational software.
- As it does with other Library resources, the Library will
provide basic training on electronic resources. It will
also make information available to help parents and
guardians in their efforts to exercise their rights and
responsibilities regarding their own children’s use of
electronic resources.
Members of the Library staff are always available to assist parents with advice about children’s use of the Internet and to answer questions or concerns. Our brochure -Read-Learn-Connect @ the Plainedge Library is available in the Children’s Room and contains information and tips on Internet Safety.