Internet Access Policy & Guidelines
Introduction
Consistent with its mission to educate, inform and meet the recreational needs of the community through a wide array of resources, The Richard Salter Storrs Library offers access to the Internet.
The library’s goal in providing Internet access is to enhance its existing collection in size and depth and, as a public access agency, to give anyone who wishes to use the Internet the chance to do so.
The Richard Salter Storrs Library makes access to the Internet available to its patrons but cannot control, verify, or otherwise validate the information located by users. Patrons are encouraged to exercise caution in the use of that information and to confirm its accuracy with other sources.
Staff Assistance
Library staff cannot assist patrons with extensive research or provide detailed personal instruction. Library staff will help users to:
- find reliable information sites.
- use electronic resources.
- locate additional training materials in the library’s collection.
- identify training sessions.
Access
Anyone is eligible to use the library’s equipment to access the Internet. Library equipment used to access electronic resources and/or networks may only be used for lawful purposes. By using library equipment and electronic infrastructure, library patrons imply their agreement to abide by the library’s Internet Access Policy and Guidelines. It is the patron’s responsibility to read this policy before accessing the network.
Using a shared computer is riskier than using a computer to which access is limited. The library assumes no liability for loss or damage to the patron’s data or for any damage or injury arising from invasion of the patron’s privacy.
As the library’s computers are in a public area, patrons must remain sensitive to the fact that they are working in a public environment shared by people of all ages. The library strives to balance the rights of patrons to access information resources with the rights of patrons to work in a public environment free from sounds and images intended to harass other library patrons or library staff. The library does not routinely monitor public computers but reserves the right to do so when a violation of this policy or illegal activity is suspected.
Some Internet services may not be provided through the library’s connections for financial, technological or security reasons.
Time and other limits
Internet access is provided on weekdays for one hour sessions from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. and for thirty-minute sessions from 3:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. On Saturdays, the Internet will be available for thirty-minute sessions from 10:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. This includes time for downloading or printing information. Time may also be available on a walk-in basis. Should the workstation not be in use, sessions may be extended. A maximum of two people may use the workstation at one time.
The Internet workstation is for Internet Access only, and users may not use their own software programs on this workstation. Those wishing to download information may provide their own flash drive. Users should recognize that software downloaded from the Internet may contain a virus. Users should have virus checking software on their home computers. The Richard Salter Storrs Library is not responsible for damage to a flash drive, or computer nor is the library liable for any damage of any kind resulting from such usage.
There is a charge for printing from public computers, except when printing your patron record.
Responsibilities of Users
Access to the Internet is a privilege, not a right, which may be revoked at any time for inappropriate conduct. Staff is authorized to take immediate action to protect the security of computers and the network and to enforce the policy and procedures for computer use.
Approved by the Board of Directors of the Richard Salter Storrs Library February 8, 2012