Public access to the Internet is available to ADULT users of the Hamilton Township Public Library on selected computers in the Reference area.  The Library is making the Internet available as an information and educational resource in support of our role as this community’s information and lifelong learning center.  Access will be provided to minors with parental consent only.

Consistent with our mission and the professional principles of public librarianship, this Internet Use Policy affirms the safeguarding of First Amendment rights, intellectual freedom, equity of access, confidentiality of information about users and their use of all library resources including electronic, and individual responsibility.  The Library affirms the following principles and user rights  as delineated in the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights in Cyberspace.

Electronic information services, and networks provided by libraries should be readily, equally, and equitably accessible to all library users.

Libraries and librarians should not deny or limit access to information available via electronic resources because of its controversial content or because of personal beliefs or fear of confrontation.

Information retrieved or utilized electronically should be considered constitutionally protected unless determined otherwise by a court with appropriate jurisdiction.

Responsibility for, and any restriction of, a child’s use of the Internet rests solely with his or her parents or legal guardians.

The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to the Internet.  The Library makes no guarantee, either expressed or implied, with respect to the quality or content of the information available on the Internet.  Not all the information available via the Internet is accurate, current or complete.  Users are encouraged to be good information consumers by evaluating the validity of information accessed via the Internet.

Users are cautioned that ideas, points of view and images can be found on the Internet which are controversial, divergent and/or  inflammatory.  The provision of access does not mean or imply that the Library endorses or sanctions the content or point of view of any of the information or commentary which may be found on the Internet.

The Internet offers access to a wealth of information that can be personally, professionally and culturally enriching.  Library staff will attempt to identify on Favorites Menu specific starting points  for searches and links to sources on the Internet which are consistent with the Library’s mission and roles  But, because the Internet is a vast and unregulated information network, it also enables access to ideas, information, images and commentary beyond the confines of the Library’s collection, mission, selection criteria and collection development policies.  Because of this and the fact that access points on the Internet can and do change often, rapidly and unpredictably, the Library cannot protect individuals from information and images which they might find offensive or disturbing.

Since the Library computers on which the public can access the Internet are located in public areas which must be shared by library users of all  ages, background and sensibilities, individuals  are asked to consider this when accessing potentially controversial information and images.  Library staff cannot consistently and effectively monitor the public’s use of the Internet.  Yet the Library reserves the right to ask individuals to discontinue the display of information and images which cause a disruption.

Users are cautioned that, because security in an electronic environment such as the Internet cannot be  guaranteed, all transactions, files, and communication are vulnerable to unauthorized access and use, and therefore, should be considered public Child Safety on the Internet Parents or guardians are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children.   Children who use the Internet unsupervised may be exposed to inappropriate or disturbing information and images.  Parents are encouraged to discuss the use of the Internet in relation to family values and boundaries with their children and to monitor their children’s use of the Internet.

To assist parents, the Library has available pamphlet Child_Safety on the Information Highway published by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.  The pamphlet includes “Guidelines for Parents” and “My Rules for On-line Safety.”  Parents are encouraged to review this information with their children.

User Responsibilities

All users of the Internet are expected to use this library resource in a responsible and courteous manner, consistent with the purposes for which it is provided, and to follow all Internet-related rules, regulations and procedures  established for its use including, but not limited to, those of the Library.

Responsible, courteous use of the Internet includes:

Recognizing that the Internet, like all of the Library’s information sources, must be shared and used in a manner which respects the rights of others and refrains from activity that prevents others from using it.

Using the Library’s Internet resources for educational, informational, and recreational  purposes only.

Refraining from using the Library’s Internet resources to conduct  a business or commercial enterprise, or engage in commercial activity such as the distribution of advertising.

Refraining from illegal or unethical use of the Internet, and from             misrepresenting oneself, including misrepresenting the age of the user.

Respecting intellectual property rights by making only authorized copies of copyrighted, licensed or otherwise-controlled software or data residing on the Internet.

Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user, by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others, and by not seeking disallowed access to any computer system via the Internet.

Refraining from damaging or altering the setup of the equipment used to access the Internet at the Library.

Refraining  from altering or damaging software or data residing on the Internet.

Refraining from the deliberate propagation of computer worms and viruses Refraining from the transmission of threatening, harassing or abusive language and images. .

Compliance with Library Policy and Guidelines

In addition to this specific policy, general guidelines for the use of all  public-access computers  govern the use of the Internet in the Library.  Violation of the policies and regulations that govern the use of the Library’s Internet resources may result in suspension or loss of the privilege to use these resources.  Illegal activity involving the Library’s Internet resources will be subject to prosecution by the appropriate authorities.

Staff Assistance

Staff will assist library users in getting started on the Internet.  However, the Library cannot guarantee that  Internet-trained staff will be available to assist users at all times the Library is open.  Regrettably, staff is not able to offer extensive explanations about the Internet or personal computer use or provide in-depth training.  Time permitting, staff will try to answer specific questions about the Internet and offer suggestions for effective searching.  Staff can also provide information about Internet training opportunities and Internet books and manuals.

E-Mail

The Library is not able to offer e-mail accounts to library users at this time.  Some Internet sites offer free E-Mail services; the Library does not recommend or endorse any of these services, nor does the Library take responsibility for any charges or problems related to use of such services.