Public Internet Access Policy
NOTICE: Due to COVID-19, these policies may be altered or temporarily suspended. For more information, click here: COVID-19.
TORRINGTON LIBRARY POLICY FOR ACCESS TO THE INTERNET BY THE PUBLIC
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 eleven (11) and under when using the Internet in 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:
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: June 2, 2008 (Rev. 8/13/17)
TORRINGTON LIBRARY PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC ACCESS INTERNET
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: June 2, 2008 (Rev. 8/13/17)
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 eleven (11) and under when using the Internet in 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: June 2, 2008 (Rev. 8/13/17)
TORRINGTON LIBRARY PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC ACCESS INTERNET
- Internet users must have a valid library card, valid driver’s license, or other photo I.D.
- Internet users who hold resident or non-resident library cards must be in good standing with the Library. Users having overdue items on their card must return or pay the billed amount for all outstanding items before Internet use privileges are granted.
- Guest Users must sign in each time at the Resource Desk. A valid library card, driver’s license, or other photo I.D. must be presented each time.
- 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 USB is 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: June 2, 2008 (Rev. 8/13/17)
Wireless Internet (WiFi)
The Torrington Library also offers free wireless Internet access for all of our patrons. You must provide your own WiFi-compatible laptop or device. You are responsible for knowing how to configure your own equipment. The Library does not take any responsibility for changes or alterations made to your computer or device while accessing our public WiFi. The wireless service provided is not secure and all patrons are advised to configure their laptops with the appropriate security to control access from other wireless devices and the Internet itself.