Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library

Internet Use Policy

Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library System provides Internet service to area residents to meet the cultural, informational, and recreational resource needs of our communities.

Internet resources contain a wide variety of materials from varied points of view, including explicit and controversial items.  Not all resources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information.  Users need to be good information consumers, questioning the validity and usefulness of resources found.  Each library patron is responsible for sites that he or she searches for or uses.  Parents of minor children assume the responsibility for their children’s Internet use in the library.  Please be aware that some information found on the internet is of a mature nature and may not be suitable for children.

          The U.S. Federal Courts and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Law have defined the following:

“Harmful to Minors” involves materials that involve explicit sexual materials that depict nudity, sexual conduct or sadomasochistic abuse and appeal predominantly to prurient, shameful or morbid interest of minors, is offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community and taken as a whole lacks serious literary, artistic, political, educational or scientific value for minors

 Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library System is not responsible for any loss of data or damages, direct or indirect arising from use of Internet services.

POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR INTERNET USE

 To maximize availability of this resource, and to insure fair accessibility for everyone, the Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library System has established the following policy and procedures:

1.     Users of the computer workstation must have a current Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library System membership card and be in good standing. (You cannot have fines of $5.00 or more on your account )Visitors from out of area may use the computers for 15 minutes as a guest.

2.      First time users must read and accept the Policy and Procedures for Internet Use, before using a computer workstation.  Use of a computer workstation constitutes acceptance of current Internet policy and procedures.

3.     You must be 18 years of age or older to use the computers unsupervised. Patrons 12-17 may use the computers unsupervised, providing a parent/guardian has signed a consent form, IN PERSON, at the Library and a blue dot has been placed on the patron’s card.  Consent forms may not be taken from the Library for signatures. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times when using the computer.

4.     Computer Workstation users must register (sign in) at the circulation desk before using a Workstation. You must have your library card with you when you use the computer. The library will hold the patron’s library card while using the computer.

5.     Internet use is available on a FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED basis.  Reservations will not be taken over the phone.

6.     Computer usage is limited to ½ hour.  If you would like to use the computer again, you will be given that opportunity, providing a computer is available.  However, you will be the first one asked to terminate your usage if there is a waiting list.  Access each day will terminate 10 minutes before the library closes

7.     The library does not permit accessing web sites that display sexual material.

8.     The library does not permit patrons to use their own software programs.

9.     Patrons may print information using a computer workstation.  A fee will be charge by the library. Patrons are responsible for all copies printed and a fee will be accessed for those copies. Patrons may download and save files on pre-formatted 3 ½ inch disks purchased from the library at a cost of $1.00 per disk.  Patrons may not use their own disks on library computers. 

10. Library staff reserves the right to pre-empt a patron’s usage time if                needed.

11. Library staff may provide a brief orientation to users of the internet;     however, staff cannot provide in-depth training concerning the   internet or computers.  Staff may not always be available due to           schedules.

 COMPUTER & INTERNET POLICY VIOLATIONS WILL RESULT IN:

v    First offense:  Termination of current session.  Ban for current day.

v    Second offense:  Three month ban from all computer workstations.  For readmission to Computer Workstations the patron must provide valid photo ID, indicate an understanding of Internet policies in writing and sign and agreement to adhere to all library policies.

v    Third offense:  Permanent banning from all computer workstations.