INTERNET ACCESS POLICY AND GUIDELINES
Internet Access Policy
The Raynham Public Library welcomes the public to its Internet access. By providing access to the Internet, the library is making available a broader range of information than had been previously found in traditional library resources. Furthermore, the library, by offering this service, is acting as a neutral provider of information from all points of view.
The Raynham Public library supports free and open access to the Internet for adults and believes that this is consistent with the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read, and the Freedom to View as stated by the American library Association and sanctioned by the Raynham Public library.
Information found on the Internet is not organized centrally by anyone agency or author. Librarians do not select or restrict the information on the Internet. The information may be current or dated, accurate or inaccurate, and sometimes completely unavailable. Some material accessed electronically on the Internet may not meet the standards set by the Raynham Public Library Materials Selection Policy. In some cases, the information sought will be more readily found in a book, magazine, or a CD ROM product. A librarian will be glad to direct the patron to the best source for his or her inquiry.
Specific unacceptable uses are, but are not limited to:
a. tampering with icons, bookmarks, computer hardware or software
b. degrading or disrupting equipment or system performance
a. vandalizing the data of another user
b. gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities
c. invading the privacy of individuals
d. violating software license agreements and copyright laws
e. violating Federal, State or local laws
f. harassment of other users
g. libeling of other users
h. viewing of sexually explicit sites. Sites containing graphic nudity should not be viewed in a public place. Accessing such sites may result in the loss of an individual patron’s internet privileges. The termination of privileges will remain in effect for that patron, unless reinstated by the Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the Director of the Library.
Violation of the above rules may result in the cancellation of the individual’s computer privileges and may also be subject to prosecution by local, state and federal authorities.
Amended: March 2011