[Adopted 10-3-2001]
A.
The Mission Statement of the Great Barrington Libraries reads in
part that "the libraries will provide the means of acquiring information
in a timely, convenient manner, in a variety of the formats and methods
available, including but not limited to books, periodicals, videos,
books on tape, CD-ROM products, the Internet, etc." and that "the
governing board of the Town libraries and the director recognize their
obligation to provide as wide a spectrum of materials as possible."
In keeping with these recognized goals, Internet access is an option
available to our patrons as a means of securing information.
B.
The Internet is a vast collection of networks and websites with an
extraordinary range of information and viewpoints represented. While
the Internet offers a wealth of information that supplements our existing
collection, patrons should view sites with discretion, as there may
be unreliable and out-of-date information, as well as content that
may be objectionable, disturbing, and/or controversial to some individuals.
A.
There are public terminals available for Internet use at the Mason
Library and Ramsdell Public Library. At Mason, the terminal in the
Children's Room will be used to access preselected sites only.
Terminals on the main floor at Mason and those at Ramsdell will have
open access, with restrictions as outlined other places within this
document.
B.
The workstation in the Reference/Genealogy Room at Mason will be
restricted for use under the direction of library personnel for reference
purposes, tutoring, and data input by staff/volunteers. The libraries'
OPACs (online public access computers) are intended for use in accessing
the library catalog and will not to be used to surf the Internet.
C.
If available, patrons may make use of an express e-mail station.
Word processing may be performed at any available station, with the
exception of the express terminal.
D.
Patrons must sign in at the Circulation Desk before using an Internet
workstation, and sign an Internet registration use/consent form that
will be kept on file. Users may be asked to present identification,
preferably a library card in good standing. Patrons with outstanding
debts at either Town library may be denied Internet use at the discretion
of library staff.
All patrons will sign a registration form before using an open
access computer workstation for the first time. In order for minors
under the age of 17 to use any terminals other than the one in Mason's
Children's Room, the use/consent form must be filled out in advance
of reserving a time slot, and must be done by a parent/guardian in
the library, in the presence of a librarian.
Patrons must reserve time slots for use of the Internet workstations.
They may do so in person or by telephone, not less than five minutes
before the session is to begin, or up to 48 hours in advance. Patrons
may reserve no more than one session per day. If a patron is 10 minutes
or more late, he or she will lose the reservation and the workstation
will be made available for another user. If usage is heavy, patrons
may be limited to a weekly minimum. This will be determined at the
discretion of the librarian.
In general, computer use will be limited to fifty-five-minute
increments, one per day. This includes time necessary for downloading
and/or printing. At the end of the session, if no one else is waiting,
patrons may request to have their session extended for 30 minutes.
If a patron is late and is permitted to start the session, that time
will not be added onto the end of the session. The library clock will
be the official timepiece. Time limits may vary at the discretion
of the librarian, depending upon the time of day, or season. The last
time slot of the day will end 15 minutes before library closing time.
If available, patrons may make use of an e-mail express station on
a first-come, first-served basis, for the purpose of quickly checking
e-mail.
A.
The Great Barrington Libraries provide electronic resources for use
by patrons and staff to supplement materials in other formats. The
use of computers and the Internet is a privilege, and must be in done
in a responsible and respectful manner. These services are to be used
only for legal and ethical purposes.
B.
Examples of unacceptable use include but are not limited to:
(1)
Violation of library usage policies and regulations.
(2)
Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, files, or data.
(3)
Attempts to violate system security.
(4)
Copyright violations.
(5)
The conducting of commercial or business activities.
(6)
Harassment of others.
(7)
Violating another user's privacy.
(8)
Committing fraud, libel or slander.
(9)
Deliberately displaying obscene images.
Patrons violating these and other library policies may lose
library privileges. Unacceptable uses of the electronic resources
will result in the suspension of access privileges. Replacement costs
will be charged for damages caused to hardware, software, or furnishings.
Computer users may be accompanied by no more than one other
person at the workstation.
The Great Barrington Libraries will follow established guidelines for public libraries regarding the use of filtering or content blocking software. While filtering software such as Cyber Patrol or Net Nanny will not be employed, the libraries will work with their technical consultant to explore options available to be in compliance with any pertinent federal and state legislation. The workstation in the Children's Room at the Mason Library will access preselected web sites only. See also § 234-41, Waiver of responsibility, at the end of this article.
The Great Barrington Libraries will not establish, maintain
or actively facilitate the use of e-mail accounts, news groups, list
serves or chat rooms for its users.
Patrons are reminded that computer workstations are located
in public areas, and users are to respect the sensibilities of all
individuals when accessing sites with potentially offensive information
or images. The deliberate display of obscene materials and images
is prohibited by Massachusetts General Law, (MGL c. 272, § 29).
If a patron accidentally enters an offensive site and is unable to
exit, a librarian should immediately be made aware of the problem
so as to provide assistance.
No personal disks may be used, nor is there to be any downloading
to the hard drive. Downloading will be permitted only to a floppy
disk, which must be purchased from library staff. Once the floppy
is taken from the computer and removed from the library, it cannot
be reused in a library workstation. No disk may be used at a public
terminal unless expressly authorized by the appropriate library employee.
Printouts and disks are available:
In order to facilitate closing procedures, library personnel
will begin to shut down workstations 15 minutes before the library
closes.
Internet beginners may be interested in attending a workshop
offered periodically by the library, or make use of the services of
a volunteer tutor. People interested in participating in such training
sessions should inquire at the main desk. Library staff will attempt
to offer basic assistance, but cannot guarantee either sufficient
time or knowledge to solve Internet-related questions.
Patrons are cautioned to carefully consider the accuracy of
any information accessed over the Internet, as well as the validity
of its source.
A.
The Great Barrington Libraries cannot be held responsible for the
content or quality of the information accessed through the Internet.
The library staff does not actively monitor nor have control over
the subject matter being accessed by any patron. Neither the Great
Barrington Board of Library Trustees, nor the library staff, nor the
Town of Great Barrington is liable for any negative consequences that
may result from using the library computer services.
B.
As with other library materials, the Great Barrington Libraries affirm
the parent's or legal guardian's right and responsibility
for monitoring his or her child's use of electronic resources,
and expect parents who are concerned about their children's use
of electronic resources to provide guidance to their own children.
