The Albert F. Totman Library is pleased to offer internet access to all library Patrons courtesy of the Maine Infonet Project. The internet includes much material that is personally, professionally and culturally enriching. For these reasons, access to the internet is a benefit to the community and consistent with the role of the library.
Computer Usage Rules:
- The user must be in good standing with the Albert F. Totman Library.
- The User must sign a consent agreement before initial usage. The signed patron agreement will be kept on file authorizing the use of library equipment. This approval is not transferrable to any other individual.
- Users under 18 years of age, must have the patron agreement countersigned by their Parent or Guardian. The Parent or Guardian is ultimately responsible for setting standards and establishing guidelines for minors.
- All users of the Library's internet service, including wireless users, must sign a log on/log off sheet at the beginning and end of each session located at the Library's circulation desk.
- Users must agree to and follow the guidelines listed below while using the Library's computers.
Liability:
Some information obtained through the internet may be inaccurate, misleading, offensive or disturbing. The Library disclaims any warranty to the accuracy, authenticity, timeliness, usefulness or fitness of the information for a particular purpose. The Library assumes no responsibility and shall have no liability for any direct, indirect or consequential damages arising from the use of its electronic resources nor for any damage caused to Patrons hardware or software due to electrical surges, security issues or consequences while using the Library services. Most wireless connections are not completely secure, therefore, wireless access users should have up to date virus protection on their devices.
Filtering:
To the extent practical, the internet or other forms of electronic communications access to inappropriate information, will be blocked or filtered using technology protection measures (filters) to comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) (Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h). As required by CIPA, the blocks shall be applied to, but not limited to, visual depictions of material deemed obscene or pornographic involving children, or to any other material deemed harmful to minors, as nearly as possible and to still allow legitimate sites. Upon request by an adult to a Library representative, the filter may be minimized for a specified period of time to allow access to sites which are not deemed illegal by State and Federal laws.
Privacy:
Library computers are located in public areas, therefore, confidentiality of electronic transactions of files and information cannot be guaranteed. Data on your screen may be observed by others. The library will not be responsible for any information (ie: credit card account numbers, passwords, etc.) that is compromised or lost (saved information, etc.).
Ethical Usage:
Internet access, as well as, electronic mail or other forms of direct electronic communications, may be used only for legal and ethical purposes by everyone, adults and minors. Making unauthorized copies of copyrighted data is prohibited. Other unethical and unlawful activities such as hacking (breaking into any system or files belonging to others), spamming (unsolicited advertising), spreading computer viruses, or disclosing, using or sending personal identification information of minors are strictly prohibited. Harassing or slandering other users will not be permitted under any circumstances. All users will not send, receive or intentionally display graphics or text that may be legally defined by State and Federal law as illegal.
Staff assistance:
The Library staff will provide limited assistance for basic start-up procedures. However, the staff may not be familiar with every application that patrons might wish to use. The Library staff will not provide technical assistance in configuring a Patrons wireless device (laptop, notebook, tablet, cellular phone, etc.) to connect to the Library network. Nor can we guarantee a Patrons device will work with the Library's wireless network service.
Printing:
Printing of documents will be available at a specified cost per page for all print outs or copies. Payment should be made at the circulation desk. Printing access is not available via the wireless connection. If printing is needed, users can save information to a device (disc, USB device, etc.) or send files to an email address. Access to the information can be obtained using a library computer with printing capabilities. The Library is not responsible for loss of a Patrons material or files.
Downloading:
Patrons may download to their own devices. The library does not guarantee downloaded materials to be virus free. The Library is not responsible for loss or damage to a Patrons device.
Software:
Use of personal software on Library computers is not permitted. Tampering with the system software or settings is prohibited and can result in loss of computer privileges.
Hardware:
Deliberate abuse of Library equipment will not be tolerated. The Patrons will be financially responsible for any malicious damage. Tampering with the system hardware or settings is prohibited and can result in loss of computer privileges. Wireless users are asked to use devices in specified locations only and to use battery power when able. Use of cords is permitted as long as it does not create a safety issue (across doorways, Patrons walkways, etc.).
Email:
The Library does not offer electronic mail accounts for Patron use. Patrons may use the Library computers to establish one online through an email provider or to access their own email accounts.
Education, Supervision and Monitoring
It shall be the responsibility of the Albert F. Totman Library staff to educate, supervise and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer network and access to the internet in accordance with this policy, the Children's Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.
This Internet User Policy was adopted by the Board of Trustees for the Albert F. Totman Library at a public meeting, following normal public notice on June 4, 2015.