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The Wilmington Memorial Library provides computer services, including free access to the Internet, in accordance with the library’s mission to provide access to informational resources. All users of the library’s computers, the Internet, and wireless network are expected to use these resources in a responsible manner, and to follow the rules and regulations set forth in this policy.

Rules Governing Use

Unacceptable use of the computers, Internet, and/or wireless network, including but not limited to the following activities, is prohibited:

  • Using the computers, Internet, and/or wireless network for any illegal purpose.
  • Using the computers, Internet, and/or wireless network in violation of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272, Section 29 which prohibits dissemination or possession of obscene matter.
  • Using the computers, Internet, and/or wireless network in violation of Massachusetts General Laws 272, Section 28, which prohibits dissemination of material harmful to minors, as defined in Section 31.
  • Unauthorized disclosing, using or disseminating, personal identity information about minors.
  • Compromising the privacy of other patrons.
  • Transmitting materials or messages that are threatening, harassing, defamatory, libelous, or slanderous.
  • Violating copyright or software licenses.
  • “Hacking” or attempting to modify or gain unauthorized access to files, passwords, or data belonging to the library or to other parties.
  • Damaging computer hardware or altering software on any computers.

The library reserves the right to take appropriate action to insure compliance with this policy.  Violators of this policy may lose computer privileges and in some cases, library privileges.  Illegal acts involving the use of the library’s computers may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

The library strives to balance the rights of patrons to access all types of information resources with the rights of patrons and staff to work in a public setting free from disruptive sounds and offensive visuals. Patrons are reminded that the library’s computers are located in public areas which are shared with library users and staff of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities. Individuals are expected to consider this diversity and respect the sensibilities of others when accessing potentially offensive information or images. The library reserves the right to ask users to refrain from displaying these kinds of computer images.

Disclaimer

The Wilmington Memorial Library offers unfiltered computer and Internet access.  The library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and is not responsible for its content.  Given that information on the Internet is characterized by constant change and also may be outdated or inaccurate, patrons are advised to exercise judgment when evaluating the usefulness and reliability of material found on the Internet. Neither the Board of Trustees of the Wilmington Memorial Library, the library staff, nor the Town of Wilmington is liable for any negative consequences that may occur as a result of using the library’s Internet connection.
The wireless Internet access offered is unfiltered via an open, unsecured wireless network. It is strongly recommended that the network not be used to transmit personal, financial or legal data. It is not possible for the library to protect against malicious theft or interception of such data transmitted over our network. The library will not be responsible for any information (i.e. credit card) that is compromised, or for any damage caused to hardware or software due to electrical surges, security issues or consequences caused by viruses or hacking. Use of the wireless network is entirely at the risk of the user. The library disclaims all liability for loss of confidential information or damages resulting from that loss.

Children’s Use of the Internet

In accordance with the American Library Association “Library Bill of Rights” and a supplemental document entitled “Access to Electronic Information Services and Networks”, the library does not set an age limit on access to electronic information. In the Children’s Room, the library staff will refer children to appropriate web resources. As with other library materials, parents and legal guardians, not the library staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents who are concerned about their children’s use of the Internet are expected to provide guidance to their own children.  The library strongly urges parents to instruct children never to give out personal information (name, address, telephone number, password, credit card number) online. Please be aware that the library’s “Policy for the Safety of Children in the Library” states that “children 9 and under may not be left unattended in the building.”

Limits on Computer Use

  • Due to a limited number of public computers, time is limited to forty-five (45) minutes when others are waiting.  If no patrons are waiting, time will be automatically extended in 30-minute increments up to a maximum of three hours per day per person.  Patrons may request (2) 30-minute time extensions after reaching their three hour daily limit, for a maximum of one additional hour. Time extensions will be made at the discretion of the librarian. All computers will automatically shut down 10 minutes prior to close.  There is no time limit on the use of the wireless network.
  • Computers located on the 2nd floor of the building are intended for patrons under the age of 18 and for adults accompanying children.  Patrons over the age of 18 may be asked to move their work to the 1st floor computers.
  • Computers located on the 1st floor of the building are intended for patrons over the age of 18.  Patrons under the age of 18 may be asked to move their work to the 2nd floor computers.
  • Patrons should have adequate computer skills in order to use the library computers. The library staff will assist patrons as time permits, but cannot offer personal instruction.  Patrons are encouraged to sign up for free tutorials offered by the library if instruction is needed.
  • The computers do not have speakers. Patrons should bring headphones if they wish to listen to music and/or videos. Earbuds are available to purchase.
  • Library staff is not available to assist patrons with the wireless network.

Users are responsible for configuring their own equipment.  The Library does not guarantee all wireless devices will work with our network.

Printing and Saving

  • Black and white and color printing is available for a fee from all public computers. Coin box accepts cash only.
  • Printers are intended for personal and homework use, not for business or bulk printing.  The library reserves the right to limit quantity.
  • The library is not responsible for the recovery of any files saved to the library computers.  All files saved to the library computers are deleted once the computer logs off at the end of a session. 8GB USB (aka Flash) drives are available to purchase.

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees April 15, 2008

Amended July 7, 2009

Amended July 22, 2010

Amended March 19, 2013

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