Home > About Us > Internet/Computer Use and Safety Policy

To fulfill its mission of providing information to the public in a wide range of formats, the Syosset Public Library offers access to Internet resources. The Internet is an ever-changing global network that provides many valuable local, national and international sources of information. However, some information found on the Internet may be inaccurate, incomplete, dated, or offensive to some individuals.

Choosing and Evaluating Sites
In choosing sources to link to from its website, the Syosset Library follows its materials selection guidelines. Beyond this, the Library is not responsible for the content of the Internet, changes in the content of the sources to which the library home pages link, or for the content of sources accessed through secondary links.

Access by Minors
The Syosset Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed on the Internet. It is the responsibility of parents or legal guardians to determine which sites are appropriate for their children.
Parents or guardians are urged to actively participate with their children when using the Internet, and to provide guidance for their usage.
Parents or guardians who do not wish their children to have access to the Internet on Library computers must submit their request in writing to the Library Director.

To address the issue of access by minors to inappropriate or harmful materials on the Internet, the Library:

• Maintains web pages for teens and children to help guide them to sources that are
  accurate, complete and current.
• Provides training for members of the public to assistant parents and/or guardians
  in how to guide their children to use the Internet in a safe, effective and efficient
  manner.

To address the issue of the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications, the Library posts the following safety guidelines:

• Never give out identifying information such as home address, school name or telephone number.
• Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone via the computer without parents’ or guardians’ approval.
• Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, threatening, or that make one uncomfortable in any way.

Rules Governing Computer Use

1. Computers shall not be used for any illegal activities.
2. Users are subject to all State and Federal laws and must comply with all U.S. Copyright regulations.
3. It is illegal in New York State to display pornographic images or obscene material in the Library, or to disseminate such materials to minors. The Penal Law of the State of New York makes it a crime to display offensive sexual material, pornography and obscene materials, or to disseminate such indecent materials to minors through computer communication systems.
4. Users must not damage computer equipment or software.
5. Installation, downloading or modification of software is prohibited.
6. Users shall not make any attempt to gain access to restricted computer files or networks or to damage or modify computer equipment or software.
7. Users are financially responsible for any charges that they may incur from their use of the Internet.
8. Minors should NEVER disclose any personal identification information over the Internet.

Wireless Users
Wireless users are accessing the Library’s network and therefore must comply with the Library’s Internet/Computer Use and Safety Policy.

Response to Violations
Failure to comply with Library rules and regulations governing computer Internet access may result in termination of Internet access privileges and/or suspension of library privileges. Unlawful activities will be dealt with appropriately through local law enforcement agencies.

December 28, 2006