PC, INTERNET & WIRELESS POLICIES
Users access the Internet at their own discretion. The Library staff is not responsible for the content of the Internet. We do not control information for either content or accuracy. The individual user is responsible for judging the validity, appropriateness, and value of the material.
The Library does not filter access to the Internet but may monitor patron usage.
Parents are responsible for monitoring their child's or childrens' use of library resources including the Internet.
All Library users in good standing are welcome to use the public PCs.
Users may be asked to sign in and out or to present a BPL card. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
The Library’s PCs are coded for use as follows: ground floor for adults (aged 18+), second floor for young adults (aged 13-17), and Children’s Room for children (12 and under). Those using guest passes must observe these boundaries.
There is no charge for accessing the Internet at the Library.
Downloading from the user’s own software, flash drives, and/or discs may not be used on Library machines.
The Library reserves the right to suspend immediately the privileges of users who abuse the Library’s personal computers and/or Internet connections and/or network connections by unethical or illegal use, for example:
Patrons violating the above rules will told by the Library Staff to cease immediately. Staff are authorized to take prompt and appropriate actions to enforce this policy.
The Library staff will assist patrons with startup procedures and basic questions about Internet use; however, staff may not always be available to assist, and staff will not be responsible for troubleshooting users’ personal devices.
The Internet terminals are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Blocks of time may be reserved on the Internet terminal by calling the Library during open hours or by signing in on the reservation PC in the lobby. Users may reserve two blocks of time per day. Users who are 10 or more minutes late for reserved time forfeit that time if someone else is waiting to use a terminal.
No more than two people may use each Internet terminal at one time.
The last block of time before the library closes is 50 minutes.
Public PCs will be shut down 10 minutes before closing.
WIRELESS
Users of the library’s wireless access are subject to the provisions of the Internet Policy, with the following additions and guidelines for use.
The Bolton Public Library offers wireless internet access throughout the building and on some areas of the grounds via two hotspots.
The Library is not responsible for delays or damage to software or hardware due to electrical surges, power loss, service interruptions, computer viruses, spyware, or malware.
The Library is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged equipment.
Anti-virus and security protections are the responsibility of individual users.
The wireless connection is neither secure nor encrypted. The library assumes no responsibility for the following:
The library staff offers no assistance in establishing or maintaining a wireless connection, or for technical support including troubleshooting users’ personal devices.
Printing is not available to wireless users at the library.
Wireless users may connect their devices to any available electrical power outlet provided that cord(s) do not create a tripping hazard. Patrons may not unplug library equipment.
Because we cannot guarantee the availability of outlets, batteries should be charged before coming to the Library.
Approved by the Board of Library Trustees October 11, 2011 ; revised April 12, 2016.
The Library does not filter access to the Internet but may monitor patron usage.
Parents are responsible for monitoring their child's or childrens' use of library resources including the Internet.
All Library users in good standing are welcome to use the public PCs.
Users may be asked to sign in and out or to present a BPL card. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
The Library’s PCs are coded for use as follows: ground floor for adults (aged 18+), second floor for young adults (aged 13-17), and Children’s Room for children (12 and under). Those using guest passes must observe these boundaries.
There is no charge for accessing the Internet at the Library.
Downloading from the user’s own software, flash drives, and/or discs may not be used on Library machines.
The Library reserves the right to suspend immediately the privileges of users who abuse the Library’s personal computers and/or Internet connections and/or network connections by unethical or illegal use, for example:
- Destruction or damage of equipment, software, or data
- Rough use of equipment (e.g., pounding on the keyboard by young child)
- Wasting resources (i.e., staff time, supplies, etc.)
- Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications
- Harassment of other users
- Violating copyright or software licenses; unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material in any form.
- Deliberately displaying obscene messages or images, or images that are harmful to minors (as defined by 18 USC 1460 and 18 USC 2256, respectively; and/or in violation of the Massachusetts General Law 272 Section 31, the Harmful to Minors Statute.)
- Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification codes or numbers (i.e., “hacking”)
- Use of communication facilities in ways that unnecessarily impede the computing activities of others
Violation of others’ privacy - Transmission of threatening, harrassing, defamatory, or obscene materials
- Violation of computer system security
- Violation of network or host usage policies or software license agreements
- Any other use of the Internet that violates Town, State, or Federal law
Patrons violating the above rules will told by the Library Staff to cease immediately. Staff are authorized to take prompt and appropriate actions to enforce this policy.
The Library staff will assist patrons with startup procedures and basic questions about Internet use; however, staff may not always be available to assist, and staff will not be responsible for troubleshooting users’ personal devices.
The Internet terminals are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Blocks of time may be reserved on the Internet terminal by calling the Library during open hours or by signing in on the reservation PC in the lobby. Users may reserve two blocks of time per day. Users who are 10 or more minutes late for reserved time forfeit that time if someone else is waiting to use a terminal.
No more than two people may use each Internet terminal at one time.
The last block of time before the library closes is 50 minutes.
Public PCs will be shut down 10 minutes before closing.
WIRELESS
Users of the library’s wireless access are subject to the provisions of the Internet Policy, with the following additions and guidelines for use.
The Bolton Public Library offers wireless internet access throughout the building and on some areas of the grounds via two hotspots.
The Library is not responsible for delays or damage to software or hardware due to electrical surges, power loss, service interruptions, computer viruses, spyware, or malware.
The Library is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged equipment.
Anti-virus and security protections are the responsibility of individual users.
The wireless connection is neither secure nor encrypted. The library assumes no responsibility for the following:
- Intercepted transmissions, including unauthorized access to personal information such as (but not limited to) name, password(s), telephone and credit card numbers
- Viruses, malware, viruses, and hacks
- Hardware or software damage
- Loss, theft, or damage of equipment or data left unattended
The library staff offers no assistance in establishing or maintaining a wireless connection, or for technical support including troubleshooting users’ personal devices.
Printing is not available to wireless users at the library.
Wireless users may connect their devices to any available electrical power outlet provided that cord(s) do not create a tripping hazard. Patrons may not unplug library equipment.
Because we cannot guarantee the availability of outlets, batteries should be charged before coming to the Library.
Approved by the Board of Library Trustees October 11, 2011 ; revised April 12, 2016.
