Computer and Internet Policy
BERKSHIRE FREE LIBRARY
12519 State Route 38 – P. O. Box 151, Berkshire, NY 13736
Phone 607-657-4418 Email bfl@htva.net
Berkshire Free Library Computer/Internet Use Policy
Your computer and Internet use must be consistent with this policy which has been approved by the Berkshire Library Board of Trustees.
Your use of the Library’s Computers/Internet is a privilege, not a right.
Children age 10 or younger may use the computer/Internet when a parent or legal guardian accompanies them. A parent or legal guardian may authorize another party to accompany their child while using the computer/internet. This must be done by the parent or legal guardian in person, by completing the computer/internet use form at the library and stating by name the person or persons that are authorized to accompany the child.
Children age 11-17 must have a valid library card, and may use the Internet only after a parent/guardian and the child read and sign the Computer/Internet Permission Form. The form must be completed and signed by all parties in person at the library. With each renewal of the library card, a new Computer/Internet Permission form must be signed following the above stated guidelines.
Users must sign in, each day, first name and time. Use is limited to one hour, unless nobody is waiting to use a computer; in that case, the user can sign up for an additional hour.
Parents, guardians, and adult caregivers are responsible for deciding what library materials and resources, including Internet use are appropriate for their minor children.
Users must respect the privacy and sensibilities of others. Displaying or printing images which are sexually explicit, obscene, or harmful to minors is expressly prohibited according to the N.Y.U.C.C. Penal 235.00-235.24 (Consol. 2004).
Internet computers and network services may not be used for illegal activities, including the harassment of others. Users may not misrepresent themselves when using the Internet.
U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of fair use. The library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from copyright infringement or any violation of local, state or federal laws.
Patrons may not use their own software programs on the library computers.
Patrons may save work using their own memory device.
The library reserves the right to limit the number of people at individual Internet computers.
Internet users are cautioned that the Internet is not a secure medium and all transactions, files and communications, including personal information, are vulnerable to unauthorized access, and, therefore, should be considered public. The library will not release information on the use of electronic resources by members of the public except as required by law.
The library staff will take appropriate actions when they are aware of violations. Violations may result in a loss of privileges and/or legal action.
To comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act and restrict access to online content that may be considered harmful to minors or offensive to adults, the library employs technology protection measures (filters) on all computers with Internet access. As required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed as obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors. Users are cautioned that filters are not foolproof and due to technological limitations cannot obstruct access to all potentially harmful or offensive content. In addition, filters may block access to some legitimate or constitutionally protected material found on the Internet. By law, individuals who have attained the age of 17 have the right to unfiltered Internet access for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.
Approved by Board of Trustees: March 12, 2018