BEDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY -- Internet Policy

BEDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

COMPUTER LAB

Computer workstations are designed for individual use. Workstation users are given one hour of time which may be extended to a maximum of two hours if no one is waiting. One use per day is permitted.

The Computer Lab may be used by any Bedford Public Library card holder, or visitor, who is 14 or older. Persons less than 14 must use computers on the Children’s and Young Adult Services floor.

UNACCEPTABLE USE:

Illegal use that violates state or federal law
Harassment or violation of the privacy of others
Violation of federal, state, or local obscenity laws, including the viewing or printing of sexually explicit materials in public areas
Attempts to abuse, modify, or harm computer equipment
Minors, less than 18, may not use Library computers for any type of interactive communication. (Chat, e-mail, web-based mail or bulletin boards, instant messaging etc.)

The Library reserves the right to suspend or revoke the use of Library computer systems at any time without prior notice. The Library reserves the right to inspect or observe the use made of its equipment and resources for the purposes of enforcement of these policies. The Library will be the sole arbitrator of what constitutes abusive conduct or violation of this Acceptable Use Policy.

Any user, who violates federal, state, or local laws, will be prosecuted. The Library will cooperate with the proper authorities in the investigation of illegal activities.

All Bedford Public Library computer systems are filtered to protect against access to obscenity, child pornography, and sexually explicit graphical materials as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act of 2001. Filtering software is not 100 percent effective; parents and individuals must assume responsibility for Internet use. The Library does not act “in loco parentis”; therefore a parent or a legal guardian is responsible for their child’s use of the Internet.

Approved by the Bedford Public Library Board December 17, 2003