TORRINGTON LIBRARY

POLICY FOR ACCESS TO THE INTERNET BY THE PUBLIC

POLICY

The Torrington Library strives to provide information, education, and cultural enrichment for the Torrington community through a commitment to excellence in library services including provision of the latest information technology. Therefore, we are providing patrons with Internet access that is available in the Adult Department. 

The Internet is a global and unregulated information network.  As such, it allows patrons access to information and images beyond the scope of the Torrington Library’s collection, selection criteria, and collection development policies. The Library cannot control the information accessible through the Internet and does not accept responsibility for its content. As with other library materials parents, not the Library, are responsible for what their children read, view, or borrow at the Library.  Parents are strongly advised to provide guidance and explore the Internet with their children. A parent or legal guardian must accompany children aged twelve (12) and under when using the Internet in the Library. A parent or guardian of young adults aged thirteen (13) through seventeen (17) must complete the Library’s permission form to allow them independent access to the Internet at the Library.   

The Library’s Internet workstations are for information-retrieval purposes only; the stations are in a public area and the space around the workstations is public space, therefore, all patrons are asked to refrain from accessing potentially offensive information or images. Misuse or abuse of the Library’s computers, behavior that is disruptive to the operation of the Library or of the quiet enjoyment of the Library by others, or other violations of this policy will result in suspension of Internet access privileges and may result in the loss of all Library privileges.  Illegal acts involving Library computing resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities. 

The patron is responsible for any damage or loss caused to the computer, printer, and/or software while he/she is using the computer.  Repairs and/or replacement of items necessary for damage caused by the patron will be charged to the patron at a cost determined by the Library.  A parent or legal guardian is responsible for any loss or damage caused by a child less than 18 years of age. 

The Torrington Library reserves the right to limit use of the Internet to resources appropriate to the library setting.  Certain specific types of system misuse are expressly prohibited, including but not limited to the following: 

• Sending any form of slanderous, harassing, threatening, or intimidating message, at any time, to any person.  Such communication may be a crime, pursuant to Public Act 95-143, and other laws.
• Sending any copyrighted or other legally protected material over the system.
• Sending messages for any other purpose prohibited by law.
• Gaining or seeking to gain unauthorized access to resources or entities.
• Changing any configurations.
• Downloading anything to the hard drive.
• Using the Internet in any irresponsible, inappropriate, or illegal way as judged by the Staff or a law enforcement agency.

Compliance with this policy is a condition of public Internet use.

Internet Policy is subject to revision at any time.

Adopted by the Torrington Library Board of Trustees on: May 30, 2007

TORRINGTON LIBRARY

 PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC ACCESS INTERNET

PROCEDURES

• Internet users must have a valid library card, valid driver’s license, or other photo I.D.

• Users must sign in each time at the Main Desk.  A valid library card, driver’s license, or other photo I.D. must be presented each time.

• Internet workstations may be reserved for a specific day and time up to two (2) days in advance.  The requested time slot will be held for ten (10) minutes after the reserved time and then forfeited.
• Use of an Internet station will be limited to thirty (30) minutes. Sessions are limited to two (2) sessions per person, per day.  Additional time may be granted depending upon availability and at the discretion of Library Staff.
• Users should have basic computer skills and are expected to work independently.  Staff time is limited and they can assist only as time allows.
• A maximum of two (2) people may use an Internet station at any one time.
• Downloading to floppy disks, CDs, or other media is not permitted.  Downloading to the hard drive is not permitted:  Library Staff will delete files, documents, or programs found there.
• Patrons must close out of every site and exit to the established home page.

• There is a charge of 10 cents per page for printing from the Internet.
• Users who refuse to leave the station at the end of their session may lose their Internet use privileges.
• Internet workstations will be shut down thirty (30) minutes before the Library closes each day.

Compliance with these procedures is a condition of public Internet use.

Internet Procedures are subject to revision at any time.

Adopted by the Torrington Library Board of Trustees on: May 30, 2007