Philipsburg Free Public Library

Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Adopted May 7, 1998; Revised April 2001, May 2003, Nov. 2003, May 2004

Mission Statement

The Library is pleased to offer free Internet access to our patrons as a part of our mission to provide resources that reflect the great diversity of interests and opinions in our community, both locally and globally. When demand for access exceeds capacity, preference will be given to research needs over recreational needs.

Internet Acceptable Use Policy

  1. The Library does not monitor, and has no control over, any information found on the Internet, and is not responsible for its content, timeliness or accuracy.

  2. Confidentiality

  1. Users are advised to guard their credit card numbers, ID, and other personal information from the gaze of others, as well as from anyone on the Internet who may request such information.

  2. The Library is not responsible for any information users may input or save on public computers.

  3. The Library uses a daily procedure that is intended to destroy any data, documents or files left on public computers. The staff cannot retrieve this information.

  1. Internet Safety for Minors

  1. Pursuant to the Children’s Internet Protection Act and the FCC Order of July 23, 2003, all computers connected to the Internet are provided with a Technology Protection Measure in order to protect against visual depictions of obscenity, child pornography and materials harmful to minors. Parents wishing to file a complaint related to under-blocking of such depictions should contact the Federal Communications Commission.

  2. Since no Technology Protection Measure can be 100% effective, parents are encouraged at all times to supervise their minor children’s computer use.

  1. Safety for Minors Using IM, IRC, Email, and Other Direct Electronic Communications

  1. Internet use in the Library is intended to be for World Wide Web access. Since online chat and messaging are not primarily sources of information, they do not support the Library’s Mission and are prohibited.

  2. Since Internet-based email supports the mission of the Library and its World of Work program, use of Library computers for this purpose is allowed. The Library makes no further provision for personal email accounts.

  3. Minors are hereby cautioned against disclosing their personal information online.

  4. Minors should report to a parent or to law enforcement authorities any attempt by an Internet correspondent to arrange an in-person meeting.

  1. The Technology Protection Measure will be disabled at the request of any adult 17 years of age or older, for any lawful purpose. Proof of age may be required. Adults wishing to file a complaint related to failure to disable the Technology Protection Measure should contact an attorney to be advised of his/her rights under the Supreme Court Decision in the Case of ALA v. US, 2003.

  2. The Library Staff will assist patrons in connecting to the Internet, and will provide a brief explanation of how to search for information. Public Service Desk staff cannot provide individual training beyond that level. Instructional aids, informational materials, and free instruction are available in the Library.

  3. It is expected that Library users will abide by any and all copyright laws when printing, copying or downloading copyrighted materials from the Internet.

  4. Users who fail to abide by these policies and procedures may be prohibited from using Library computers, and may be required to leave the Library. Illegal activities will be reported to the proper authorities.

Internet Acceptable Use Procedures

  1. Use of computers is first come, first served. Users time is subject to limits. More time may be granted at the discretion of the Librarian on duty in the Department where the computer is located.

  2. There is no charge to access the Internet.

  3. Users may not save files to Library hard drives. See Internet Acceptable Use Policy, No. 2, above. Removable disks are sold at the Public Service Desks.

  4. Making any change to the setup of Library computers, downloading or installing software of any kind is strictly prohibited.

  5. Users bringing removable disks into the Library must give them to the Reference Librarian on duty to be scanned before loading them into any Library computer.

  6. The Library makes no provision for telnet, FTP, scanning or telefacsimile services.

  7. Users who wish to print from the Internet must pay for printouts at the rate of 10 cents per sheet of paper used. Payments are accepted at the Public Service Desks.