The
Brookfield Library
Policy 250: Use Of The Public-Access Internet Computer Workstations
Section 1: The Brookfield Library will make available for public use one
or more in-house computers linked directly to the Internet. Insofar as
budgetary and space constraints allow, each Internet computer will be
housed within its own workstation, containing a printer and other related
equipment. Use of the Internet computer workstations, subject to the guidelines
outlined below, will be made available free-of-charge to all Brookfield
residents, as well as to out-of-town residents who choose to use this
library.
Section 2: The Internet is an international collection of computer networks
that can communicate with each other without using a mainframe. While
it is a huge repository of information, it should be recognized as a collection
of independent computer networks. It is neither centrally organized nor
administered. The Internet has no all-inclusive table of contents or index
to help users find what they need.
Section 3: The Brookfield Library does not assume responsibility for the
accuracy, content, completeness, or type of information found on the Internet.
The Internet is a global and unregulated information network. As such,
it enables users to access information and images beyond the scope of
The Brookfield Library’s collection, selection criteria, and collection
development policies. It is the responsibility of the user to determine
what is appropriate. The Library cannot control the information accessible
through the Internet, and does not accept responsibility for its content.
All users who release personal information, including personal identifying
information, credit card, or bank account numbers, do so at their own
risk. Anything accessed or entered on the Library’s computers is
not secure and may be accessible to others.
Section 4: The staff of The Brookfield Library cannot monitor or control
the content of material available through this medium. The Library does
not monitor, control, or provide barriers to the Internet, and cannot
be held responsible for its content. Some Internet sites may contain inaccurate,
outdated, controversial, or offensive materials. The Brookfield Library
has adopted and supports the principles found in the Library Bill of Rights
and its interpretation, Access to Electronic Information, Services, and
Networks.
Users of the Internet must be aware and respectful of the rights of other
persons (particularly children) not to be exposed to materials or images
that they find unsuitable. Display of sexually explicit graphics is inappropriate
for a public and open environment.
Section 5: The Internet is a powerful tool for finding information, but
it is not always a substitute for other library resources. Patrons are
encouraged to consult with the Adult Services and Children’s Services
librarians to obtain assistance in finding the best resources for their
research.
Section 6: Staff-taught workshops will be scheduled periodically to introduce
users to the methods of utilizing the Internet and the library’s
Internet equipment. Patrons should ask at the adult and children’s
reference desks for more information.
Section 7: The following guidelines will govern the use of the library’s
public-access Internet computer workstations:
1. The library reserves the right to ask users to present a valid hometown
public library card before their first use of the computer workstations.
2. Persons under the age of 16 who wish to use the Internet must have
a parent or guardian complete the library’s permission form, copies
of which are available at the adult and children’s reference desks.
Parents or guardians of children under the age of 16 are responsible for
their children’s use of the Internet through the library’s
connection.
3. Users should have basic computer skills. Lacking these, they are strongly
encouraged to attend one of the library’s free Internet lessons.
The library staff’s availability to assist users on Internet operations
outside of these lessons is limited.
4. Whenever others are waiting, an individual’s time using an Internet
workstation will be limited to thirty (30) minutes per session.
5. Access to the library’s Internet computer workstation will be
on a “first come, first served” basis. The library does not
accept advance registrations.
6. A maximum of two (2) persons may use an Internet computer workstation
at a time.
7. Patrons using the Internet may choose to set up an e-mail account,
or to access a remote computer for e-mail purposes. To ensure privacy,
these functions will not be set up by library staff.
8. Computer users must not alter, remove, or damage configurations, software,
or hardware on library computers and equipment.
9. The Brookfield Library’s access to the Internet may not be used
for any unlawful or criminal activity, including, but not limited to:
• harassment
• libel
• copyright infringement
• discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, religion,
disability, or sexual preference
• sending, receiving, or displaying any material in violation of
federal or state regulation, or material which is threatening, or which
may reasonably be construed as obscene
• unauthorized access or invasion of privacy
• mis-use of intellectual property by downloading information or
computer files without proper permission
10. Downloading information to a floppy disk is permitted. However, in
order to protect the library’s system, users may be required to
purchase disks at the adult or children’s reference desks. (Disks
will be sold for $1.00 each.)
11. The cost for printouts is fifteen cents ($.15) per page.
Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees, October 24, 1996
Revised by the Library Board of Trustees, June 8, 1998; revised 9/27/03
PERMISSION FORM
FOR USE OF THE INTERNET
BY CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 16
The Brookfield Library is committed to providing the best possible information
resources to benefit its patrons. In the case of the Internet, this resource
offers unlimited global access to information, but the library staff is
unable to monitor or control the content, accuracy, completeness, or type
of information available through this medium. Parents or guardians of
children under the age of sixteen (16) are responsible for their children’s
use of the Internet.
Child’s Name (please print) _______________________________________________________
Child’s Library Card Number _______________________________________________________
I, the parent or guardian of the above-named child under the age of sixteen
(16), have read the above information and the library’s Policy 250,
Use of the Public-Access Internet Computer Workstations.
I hereby give permission for my child or ward to access the Internet at
The Brookfield Library.
Parent/Guardian’s Name (please print)
_______________________________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Signature _______________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Telephone Number _______________________________________________
Date _______________________________
_______________________________________________________________
FOR LIBRARY USE ONLY
Verification by Staff Member ___________________________________________________________
Date __________________________________________________________________________
|