330.1 Internet Use Policy.

The Aaron Cutler Memorial Library provides Internet access to all patrons to enhance their information and learning opportunities. The information on the Internet includes much that is personally, professionally and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages. On the other hand, as an unregulated medium, the Internet also provides access to information that may be factually incorrect or incomplete, offensive, disturbing, and/or illegal. The library does not filter, monitor or censor access to material on the Internet and therefore has no control over the information accessed through its use, and as such, it is the patron’s responsibility, not the library’s, to evaluate the validity of the information found. To this end, parents or guardians of minor children under the age of 18 must remain with their child while he/she uses the Internet. Children age 8 – 18 may use the Internet unaccompanied by a parent or guardian if they have a signed permission agreement on file. Patrons must read all Internet use guidelines before using the Internet. Use of the Internet signifies the patron’s acceptance of these guidelines and any violation may result in the suspension or revocation of Internet privileges.

330.2 Internet Use Guidelines.

· Internet availability begins 15 minutes after opening and ends 15 minutes before closing.
· Any patron wishing to use the Internet must sign-up for a block of time on the Internet use schedule.
· Library scheduled use or maintenance will take precedence over individual patron use.
· Access to the Internet in the Young Readers’ Room may only be used by children in grades 6 and under.
· Access to the Internet on the main floor may only be used by teens (grades 7-12) and adults.

· Internet use is available on a first-come, first-served basis in 15-minute blocks of time, unless otherwise authorized by the Librarian in charge.
· Patrons are allowed to sign up for 30-minutes of use at one sitting. However, if another patron has not signed up for the next 30-minute block of time, the patron may remain for an additional 30 minutes.
· To provide free and equal access to the Internet, the maximum number of 30-minute time blocks available per patron is two per day, unless otherwise authorized by the Librarian in charge.

· Parents or guardians are solely responsible for monitoring and/or restricting the materials their minor children access on the Internet.
· Parents or guardians are responsible for any damage to equipment their minor children may incur.
· Parents or guardians may give their minor children (age 8 – 18) permission to use the Internet without parental supervision by signing a permission agreement in the presence of library staff.

· No more than two patrons may work together seated at a station, with the exceptions of a parent working with children, or an instructor working with students.
· Patrons will not attempt to read material being viewed by others who are using the Internet, nor will they disrupt or interfere with another user’s service or equipment.
· Patrons will promptly pay any printing fees incurred and will not incur any unauthorized costs for the library through their Internet use.
· The library is a family setting and as a courtesy to others, patrons should take care not to view Internet sites of a mature nature as others may inadvertently view this information. To this end, the Library reserves the right to ask a patron to close such sites.

· The Library reserves the right to monitor and/or report activities as needed to maintain security and usability of the Internet workstations and the systems to which they are connected.
· Patrons are advised that all electronic transactions and files could become public, and to use caution when sending any personal information such as name, address, telephone number, credit card numbers, etc. over the Internet.

· The library supports the principle of open access to information and ideas, regardless of the medium in which they exist. · Because Internet filters are imperfect—often blocking access to valuable, acceptable information, and allowing access to inappropriate information—they are not used by the library.
· The library also affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children’s use of all library materials and resources, including the Internet. Internet filters simply offer parents and guardians a false sense of security.
· The library endorses the New Hampshire Library Association’s Statement on Use of Library Filters, the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics, Freedom to Read Statement, the Library Bill of Rights, and Access to Electronic Information, Services and Networks.

· Library Staff is able to offer search suggestions and answer a few simple questions, but cannot provide in-depth instruction on Internet or personal computer usage.
· Library staff is prohibited from assisting patrons with any interactions on websites requiring any personal information.

· Patrons will use the Internet in a responsible and ethical manner for educational, informational and recreational purposes only. · Patrons may use the Internet for the receipt and transmission of e-mail, provided they use a free e-mail service that will establish and maintain an account for them.
· Patrons may download files from the Internet to a CD only. Any files downloaded to the hard drive will be automatically deleted each day.
· The library is not responsible for any damage, real or perceived, to the patron’s documents or personal equipment.

Patrons are prohibited from:
· Damaging the library’s computer equipment, programs, or parameters, or making unauthorized changes to the setup or configuration of the software and hardware.
· Downloading any files to the hard drive of any library computer.
· Downloading, installing, setting-up, running or executing any program or software, to the hard drive of any library computer, not authorized by the library.
· Making unauthorized copies of copyright protected material, or from violating any licensing agreements. · Printing offensive or inappropriate material.
· Making any purchases, or incurring any fees or charges, on behalf of the Library. All purchases or fees are the sole responsibility of the patron and must be made using the patron’s credit card.
· Creating and/or transmitting computer viruses over the Internet.
· Transmitting Spam e-mail.
· Transmitting any electronic communication which attempts to hide or misrepresent their identity.
· Engaging in any Internet activity which is deliberately and maliciously offensive, harassing, libelous or slanderous.
· Accessing or transmitting child pornography, or any material that is obscene or “harmful to minors.” Such activities may be a violation of local, state, and/or federal laws and can lead to prosecution.
· Accessing private files located on the internal library network.
· Modifying or gaining access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others.
· Seeking unauthorized access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software components of any network or database. · Any suspected use of the Internet for unlawful activities will be reported to the proper authorities.

· The library reserves the right to suspend or terminate a patron’s Internet privileges for violating the Internet Use Policy and Guidelines. Final decision regarding appropriate use rests with the Library Director and the Board of Trustees.
· Violations

· 1st violation results in a one week suspension.
· 2nd violation results in a one month suspension.
· 3rd violation results in permanent termination of privileges.