WEST SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
COMPUTER USE AND INTERNET POLICY
The West Springfield Public Library (WSPL)
is committed to free and open access to information.
Materials are provided in a variety of formats and
services to help people obtain information that meets
their personal, education, cultural, and professional
needs. The WSPL computer system provides an opportunity
to integrate electronic sources with other information
networks that are local, national, and international in
scope.
Internet
Usage
The Internet is an unequaled
information seeking resource that allows WSPL to provide
information beyond the library’s own collection. The
Internet is an unregulated medium, hence, WSPL cannot
verify accuracy, timeliness, usefulness, validity of
information, availability of sites, or content of
information found on the Internet. Users are urged to
carefully evaluate information gathered from the Internet.
The WSPL is not responsible for damage
or any liability arising from access to or use of
information obtained through our Internet computers. The
WSPL neither censors access to materials nor protects
users from information they may find offensive. There are
no filters on any equipment connected to the Internet at
this time. Internet computers can only be used for legal,
ethical purposes. The library reserves the right to
terminate an Internet session at any time.
Statement of
Parental/Guardian Responsibility
Parents or legal guardians are
responsible for deciding what library resources are
appropriate for their minor children. As with other
library resources, supervision or restriction of a child’s
access to the Internet remains the responsibility of a
parent or guardian. The pamphlet Child Safety on the
Information Highway, produced by the National Center
for Missing and Exploited Children, provides more
information on children and the Internet. Copies are
available in our Youth Room.
Staff
Assistance
Computer and Internet access at WSPL
is intended for independent use. Librarians will show
patrons how to access the Internet and explain basic
navigational commands. Lengthy one-on-one tutorials are
not possible due to staffing constraints.
Unacceptable
Uses of the WSPL Computers
The following are not allowed:
-
Viewing legally obscene materials.
-
Violating state or federal laws
regarding unauthorized use of computing resources or
networks.
-
Interfering with the intended use of
the information resources.
-
Attempting to alter, reconfigure, or
damage computer software soft hardware, including
installing personal software on a library computer.
Approved by the Board of Trustees
11/24/98
Amended 5/25/99; 12/17/02 |
