Approved 12-4-2001
The principal role of the Buckland Public Library is continuing the long standing tradition of American libraries in our democratic society, ensuring the availability of information and materials for independent, self-directed learning. It is the goal of the library that clienteles are provided with accurate and timely information. The Internet is one of the resource options the Buckland Public Library has in securing the needed information.
The Internet is a global collection of distinct national, regional and local computer networks capable of communicating with each other through a telecommunications network. Internet users will find an extraordinary range of information that is vast and ever growing, from searching library catalogs and campus information systems, to data files from research and government computers, to hundreds of local area and community networks, to a wide variety of information databanks.
While the Internet is an immense storehouse of information, it is not always what a user might expect. Because it consists of a collection of independent networks it is not centrally organized. There is no table of contents or index to help a user find what is needed. The Internet is a powerful tool for finding information, but it is not a substitute for other library resources. In many cases it will be easier to use reference books, magazines or more established computer databases to do research. Users should seek the assistance of reference librarians to help find the best sources for the needed information.
ACCEPTABLE USE: Access to and use of the Internet is a privilege and should be treated as such by all users of the system. The Buckland Public Library’s electronic information resources are to be used in a responsible manner consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which they are provided. The following purposeful, illegal and/or criminal activities constitute unacceptable use:
Attempting to gain unauthorized access to the resources of the library Internet computers;
Disrupting the intended use of the library Internet computers;
Wasting resources (staff time, equipment capacity, supplies) through such actions;
Destroying the integrity of computer-based information on the library Internet computers;
Compromising the privacy of users;
Deliberately displaying obscene images (see OBSCENE MATERIALS section below);
Engaging in communications which are libelous or slanderous;
Committing fraud;
Violating copyright law or software licenses;
Developing computer programs which infiltrate a computer or computer system and/or damage or alter the software components of a local or remote computer or computer system.
DOWNLOADING: As a protection against viruses there will be no downloading of information from the library’s public Internet work stations to a disk or hard drive. Under no circumstances may disks be introduced to the Internet work station unless by an authorized library employee.
E-MAIL: The library does not establish, maintain and/or actively facilitate the use of e-mail accounts, news groups, list-serves or chat-rooms for its users.
FILTERING OR BLOCKING SOFTWARE: The Buckland Public Library subscribes to the position adopted by the American Library Association (appended) that sees the use of filtering software on library Internet workstations as blocking Constitutionally protected speech and inconsistent with the United States Constitution and federal law.
MISUSE: Violators of library policy, including these policies for Internet Access and Service, may lose library privileges. Anyone discovered attempting to damage the library’s equipment or software, attempting to change files or reset configurations, or otherwise violating this policy will immediately lose the right to use those resources. Violations of the policies for legal and ethical use of computing resources will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner. Illegal acts involving library computing resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities. Users are responsible for any damage to hardware, software or furniture. A librarian may check the workstations after each use.
OBSCENE MATERIALS: The library strives to balance the rights of patrons to access all types of information resources with the rights of patrons and staff to work in a public setting free from disruptive sounds and visuals. Patrons are reminded that the library’s computer terminals are located in public areas which are shared with library users and staff of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities. Individuals are expected to consider this diversity and respect the sensibilities of others when accessing potentially offensive information or images. The deliberate display of obscene(1) materials is prohibited as a violation of Massachusetts General Law.(2)
VALIDITY: Internet users are cautioned to examine carefully the validity and accuracy of any information obtained over the Internet as well as the validity of its source.
WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY: The Buckland Public Library does not actively monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content, authority, reliability, currency or use. Neither the Board of Trustees of the Buckland Public Library, the Library staff, nor the Town of Buckland is liable for any negative consequences that may occur as a result of using the library’s Internet connection.
The Buckland Public Library is a strong advocate for free speech and free expression so long as it is not at odds with applicable state and/or federal law. As with other library materials, the library affirms the parent’s or legal guardian’s right and responsibility for monitoring their children’s use of electronic resources. The Buckland Public Library rejects attempts to censor electronic communications. It is not possible for library staff to control specific information library users may locate on the Internet because the resources available are constantly changing. Just as libraries do not vouch for or endorse the viewpoints of written material in their collections, they do not do so for electronic information. Selection policies which serve the more traditional library materials may not apply to material accessed electronically. It is the responsibility of the user (or parent, guardian or caregiver) to determine what is appropriate. The Buckland Public Library expects parents who are concerned about their children’s use of electronic resources to provide guidance to their own children.
The Buckland Public Library has a responsibility to provide material and information presenting all points of view, and the Library supports access to all formats of material to meet the user’s informational needs, regardless of the user’s age or the content of the material. Parents concerned about their children’s use of electronic resources are ultimately responsible for setting standards and establishing guidelines, and may wish to spend time on-line with their children to discuss the wealth of information available.
(1) The standard for “obscenity” was set forth in Miller v. California, 413 U.S. 15 (1973).
(2) MGL, Chapter 272, Section 29: Crimes Against Morality, Good Order – Dissemination or Possession of Obscene Matter; and Chapter 272, Section 31: Crimes Against Morality, Good Order – Definitions.