Mission Statement

The Simsbury Public Library seeks to provide free and equal access to ideas and information to all members of the community. The principle of free and unrestricted access to information and ideas is reaffirmed and supported regardless of the format in which they appear. Use of the Simsbury Public Library’s Internet access shall be in accordance with this Policy.

The use of the Simsbury Public Library’s electronic information resources is a privilege – not a right.

Training and Education

The Library staff is committed to teaching the public how to use computers and the Internet. All patrons with access to electronic information resources shall have a working knowledge of computer operations and Internet access methods.

Internet Use

The electronic information resources of the Simsbury Public Library shall be used only in accordance with this policy. Simsbury Library patrons:

• Shall not attempt to violate the computer security systems, not attempt to access the hard drive or other files, networks or computer systems of the Library.
• Shall not store any data on the Library’s computers.
• Shall not knowingly destroy, degrade or disrupt electronic information, software or equipment. Examples of such activities include: tampering with computer hardware and software, vandalizing or modifying data without permission, invoking computer viruses, attempting to gain access to restricted or unauthorized networks or network services, or violating copyright laws or software license agreements.
• Shall immediately report any security problems or breaches of these requirements to a staff member.
• Shall not use the Internet for illegal purposes.
• Shall be considerate of other electronic information users and their privacy.

Users who release any personal information including social security numbers, credit card or bank account numbers and other personal identifying information do so at their own risk.

Minors and the Use of the Internet

The Simsbury Public Library does not use filters on any computers. The Library reaffirms the rights of parents and guardians to guide and select access to materials and resources for those users younger than eighteen (18) years of age. Parents and guardians are strongly advised to supervise their children’s Internet sessions. The Library does not censor any user’s access to materials or protect minors from information which may be considered to be offensive, controversial, or sexually explicit.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to read “Child Safety on the Information Highway” jointly produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Interactive Services Association. A copy of the brochure is available in the Children’s Department.

Interruption of Service

All materials that are electronically stored on the Library computers are the property of the Library. The Library reserves the right to interrupt patrons’ computer use if access is required for Library business purposes, periodic maintenance, technical difficulties or staff use.

Penalties for Violations

• Any user of electronic information resources who is found to have violated any provision of this policy will have his/her Library privileges suspended or revoked.
• All users will be required to compensate the Simsbury Public Library or others for any and all damage caused by their violation of this policy.
• When appropriate, legal action will be initiated to address violations of the policy.

Amendments

The Library Board of Trustees reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to amend this policy and to modify and suspend computer users’ privileges.

Disclaimers

Not all sources on the Internet provide information that is accurate, complete, current or legal. The Simsbury Public Library staff is unable to monitor or control the content of materials on the Internet, which changes rapidly and unpredictably. Therefore, the Simsbury Public Library makes the following disclaimers concerning each patron’s use of the Internet:

• The Library makes no warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, for the service it is providing.
• The Library expressly disclaims liability and shall not be held liable for any material obtained through the Library’s web site or its Internet access even if the material is unlawful, incomplete, incorrect or harmful in any way. Use of information obtained from these resources is made at the user’s risk, and the Library specifically denies any liability for the accuracy of the information obtained through these resources.
• The Simsbury Public Library does not endorse the content of any material obtained from the Internet.
• The Simsbury Public Library shall not be liable for damages suffered by the user from errors or omissions of the user, of any patron, or any Library staff member. Such damage may include, but is not limited to, loss of data resulting from delay, non-delivery, incorrect delivery or service interruption.
• The Simsbury Public Library does not guarantee successful connections to the Internet.
• The Library recognizes users’ rights of privacy and confidentiality: however, Internet security is not guaranteed, and electronic communications and files could become public.
• The Library shall not be responsible for loss or damage resulting to a user from such a breach of privacy or confidentiality.

Adopted May 17, 1999; Revised March 17, 2003, revised December, 2009