Computer Use at the DFPL

Computer and Internet Use Policy

Introduction

In accordance with our mission: “to provide to the community increased access to the world of social and cultural ideas,” the Desmond-Fish Library strives to provide an environment conducive to learning and public access to information in a wide range of formats, including computer applications, electronic databases, and the internet.

Modifying, tampering with, or disabling the library’s computer hardware or software is strictly prohibited.

Free access to information is a fundamental right of citizenship in a democratic society and the internet access offered by the Library is unfiltered. Library patrons are expected to exercise their computer and internet use legally, responsibly, and in respect of the rights of others, including the Desmond-Fish Library. Users may not engage in activity that is harassing or defamatory including the display or transmission of sexually explicit material or text or graphics that may reasonably be construed by Library staff as offensive or disruptive to the public use of the library.

Public-use computers and auxiliary devices including the public-use copier/printer, fax machine, scanners, and all other technical equipment are to be used only in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, including US copyright law.

Privacy and Security

In the spirit of the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics, Article III to “protect each library’s user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources, consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted” and in keeping with New York State Civil Practice Law and Rules 4509, Chapter 112, Laws of 1988 governing the Confidentiality of Library Records, it is the Desmond-Fish Library’s practice to protect the privacy and confidentiality of patron use records, in all formats. The Desmond-Fish Library will not release information on users’ use of the internet except as required by the law.

Free wireless internet access is available at Desmond-Fish Library. No password is required. The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for of users’ mobile devices/laptop computers or any other wireless device configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the library’s internet.

Access by Minors

Parents are responsible for monitoring their children’s use of computers and other library equipment and deciding which internet resources are appropriate for their own children.

Disclaimer

The Desmond-Fish Library has no control over the information accessed through the internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. Not all sources on the internet provide information that is accurate, complete or current, and some information may be considered offensive or inappropriate for certain age groups. Patrons are expected to evaluate information found there with open, but questioning, eyes just as they would any other resource.

Patrons seeking assistance with their computers, internet accounts, or personal devices, do so with the knowledge that library staff will make a good faith effort to help, but that data loss, altered settings, or damage can, in rare cases, result. In making use of computer help at the library, patrons absolve the library or library staff from responsibility for the above.

Violations will result in penalties ranging from termination of the computer session to revocation of computer and/or internet use privileges, at the discretion of the Library Director.

Guidelines

In using the public-use computers and internet at the Desmond-Fish Library, patrons agree to the guidelines below:

Library patrons are expected to exercise their computer and internet use legally, responsibly, and in respect of the rights of others, including the Desmond-Fish Library.

Patrons may not install software on, remove or copy software from, or change settings to the library’s computers without the express permission of the library staff.

Users may not engage in activity that is harassing or defamatory including the display or transmission of sexually explicit material or text or graphics that may reasonably be construed by Library staff as offensive or disruptive to the public use of the library.

Computer users should not attempt to view or access material in use by another patron, and are asked to refrain from displaying material to passerby unless specifically asked.

Parents are responsible for monitoring their children’s use of computers and other library equipment and deciding which internet resources are appropriate for their own children.

Printing and copies are available at a pre-paid charge of $0.10 for Black and White and $0.15 for Color pages. Patrons may send faxes from the library at a pre-paid charge of $1.00 for the first page and $0.25 for subsequent pages. Scans are available at no charge.

Patrons are responsible for damage to or loss of library equipment. Damage or loss will be noted on a patron’s record and billed accordingly.

Users should be aware that the internet is not a secure medium. The Library cannot guarantee computer viewing privacy or the privacy of information sent or received over the internet. Third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities.

Any files or applications stored on public-use computers by patrons will be automatically erased upon restarting the computers. Patrons are encouraged to backup their files to a USB drive or the cloud.

The Desmond-Fish Library has no control over the information accessed through the internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. Not all sources on the internet provide information that is accurate, complete or current, and some information may be considered offensive or inappropriate for certain age groups.

Violations will result in penalties ranging from termination of the computer session to revocation of computer and/or internet use privileges, at the discretion of the Library Director.