A North of Boston Library Exchange Member
ACCEPTABLE USE OF
ONLINE RESOURCES at the WPL
Internet access is provided through membership in the North of Boston Library Exchange, Inc (NOBLE).
Library patrons use the Internet at their own risk and are responsible for all sites and sub-sites they reach.
Parents & Minors
Filters are currently being used on all Children's Department Internet computers. Patrons are cautioned that filters do not always work and often filter out information that can be useful.
Any parent wishing his or her child to have access to unfiltered Internet services may ask a Librarian in the Adult Department. Minors using unfiltered computers in the main library, however, shall not access obscene, pornographic or otherwise inappropriate materials for any reason, including educational use.
Persons under the age of 17 should exercise caution when using email, message boards or other forms of electronic communication as these may expose them to danger. For this reason, minors should not disclose any personal information about themselves such as where they live, their telephone number or the name of the school they attend.
PUBLIC COMPUTER POLICIES:
- YOU MUST HAVE a VALID LIBRARY CARD from a NOBLE LIBRARY ON YOUR PERSON TO USE A COMPUTER
Please do not ask a member of the staff to look up your library card number. - YOU MUST USE YOUR OWN CARD
Using someone else’s card jeopardizes future library privileges for both you and the cardholder. The person who owns the card must be the person who uses the computer. - ONE PERSON, ONE COMPUTER
Due to privacy and safety regulations, computer sessions may not be shared by multiple users. People not signed onto computers may not may sit or stand near those who are logged on. If anyone violates this restriction, library staff may terminate the session immediately.
- USERS MAY LOG ON ONCE A DAY and FOR A MAXIMUM OF SIXTY MINUTES
When a full 60 minutes is used, the session shuts itself off when time is up. Logging off a session will end that day’s access, even if time is still on the clock. When a session ends, the user's library card number is blocked by the system for the rest of that day or evening.
- THE COMPUTERS SHUT OFF AUTOMATICALLY FIFTEEN MINUTES BEFORE THE LIBRARY CLOSES
The computers will not allow you to log on within twenty minutes of the library’s closing time.
- ELEMENTARY and MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS MAY USE A COMPUTER IN THE CHILDREN’S ROOM
You must be of high school age or above to use a computer in the Adult Library. - USERS NEED TO HAVE BASIC COMPUTER COMPETENCE
Staff will be happy to answer your questions about our systems and setup, but do not have time to teach general use. - THE LIBRARY DOES NOT PROVIDE PAPER FOR PRINTING
You may bring your own paper or purchase paper from the front desk at ten cents per sheet. You may print a maximum of 25 sheets per day, regardless of whose paper you use. [Please see 'Public Printer Manners' below].
As a PUBLIC COMPUTER USER, YOU MAY NOT: - Download or install anything onto the harddrive without permission from staff.
- Gain unauthorized entry into any public or private websites or online accounts, Internet servers, services or networks. “Hacking/cracking,” passively or actively, is forbidden.
- Use, under any circumstances, the library or its grounds for wireless internet access involving any public and/or private IP addresses not controlled by the library.
- Distribute unsolicited advertising.
- Invade the privacy of others.
- Make any attempt to damage or alter library property.
- Engage in any activity that is harassing or defamatory.
- Use the Internet for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other rights of third parties, or in a manner that is inconsistent with the Library's tax-exempt status or its proper operation.
Public Printer Manners
The library is not responsible for paper that is wasted due to the user’s inattention to etiquette and posted procedures:
- The user should check for and clear all leftover print orders before starting to print. Read the instructions posted above the printer.
- When you are ready to print, let others at the table know. Do not leave your paper in the drawer if you are pausing between printings.
- If you select PRINT more than once, you need to either clear each of your extra orders or print them all.
Explicit websites
Although certain images may not meet Federal definitions of obscenity, passers-by might view them as unacceptable. This is particularly true if the direction of the screen allows clear/extended viewing by others. These conditions may fall under the current definitions of harassment, and civil action by and on behalf of the victims may be pursued.
Privacy
There is no reasonable expectation of privacy on a Public Computer.
These rules have been established by the Library’s Board of Trustees and are enforced by the Library Staff.Disregard for any rules or policies may result in the suspension of computer privileges. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in an appropriate manner. These rules may be modified periodically.