Use a computer

Internet Use Policy

Philosophy Statement:  Thompson Public Library is pleased to provide electronic resources via the Internet through the use of our public access computers.  Computers are available for public use during regular library hours except during times of routine or emergency maintenance.  The purpose of providing public Internet access is to expose the public to the world of information available on the Internet and to provide equal access to that information for all individuals in the community.

Users should be aware that the inappropriate use of electron information resources can be a violation of local state and federal laws and lead to prosecution  The user will be held responsible for his/her actions suing the Internet.  Users are expected to abide by the policies below which include generally accepted rules of network etiquette.  Unacceptable uses of the service will result in the suspension or revocation of Internet use privileges.

Warnings:

The Internet is a decentralized, unmoderated global network; Thompson Public Library has no control over the content found there.  However, the library does have filters in place to prevent the viewing of objectionable websites. The use filters are to conform to CIPA so that the Library may receive E-rate funds.  The library is not responsible for the availability and accuracy of the information found on the Internet.

 

The library cannot assure that data or files downloaded by users are virus-free.  The library is not responsible for damages to equipment or data on a user’s personal computer from the use of data downloaded from the library’s Internet service.

 

The use of the Internet and e-mail is not guaranteed to be private.  Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to the proper authorities.

 

Guidelines:

  • Users may use the Internet for research and the acquisition of information to address their educational, vocational, cultural, and recreational needs
  • Users may use the Internet for the receipt and transmission of electronic mail (e-mail) as long as they use a free e-mail service which will establish and maintain an account for them; the library is unable to manage e-mail accounts for any organizations or individuals
  • Internet use is offered in thirty (30) minute sessions on a first-come, first-served basis; each user is allowed one session—if there is no patron waiting for the service at the end of a session, the user can have another session, but once having had the service for 30 minutes the user must abandon use of the Internet if another patron requests use of the service
  • Staff reserves the right to end a session if there is suggestion of misconduct or illegal use of library computers and personal devices accessing the library’s wireless service.
  • Users will respect and uphold copyright laws and all other applicable laws and regulations; they will not use it for illegal purposes
  • Users will respect the rights and privacy of others by not accessing private files
  • Users agree not to incur any costs for the library through their use of the Internet service
  • Users shall not create and /or distribute computer viruses over the Internet
  • Users shall not deliberately or willfully cause damage to computer equipment, programs or parameters.
  • As is the case with other materials in the library’s collection, any restriction of an child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian.  Thompson Public Library cannot act as a censor or substitute parent  It is the responsibility of the parents to provide the oversight to ensure their children’s use of the Internet in a safe and appropriate manner, including the proper  use of expensive compute equipment.