INTERNET USE
Public access to the Internet is available to all users of the Denville Public Library on specifically designated computers. The Library is making the Internet available as an information and educational resource in support of our role as this community’s information and lifelong learning center.
Consistent with our mission and the professional principles of public librarianship, this Internet Use Policy affirms the safeguarding of First Amendment rights, intellectual freedom, equality of access, confidentiality of information about users and their use of all Library resources including electronic and individual responsibility.
The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to the Internet. The Library makes no guarantee, either expressed or implied, with respect to the quality or content of the information available on the Internet. Not all the information available via the Internet is accurate, current or complete. Users are encouraged to be good information consumers by evaluating the validity of information accessed via the Internet.
Users are cautioned that ideas, points of view and images can be found on the Internet which may be controversial, divergent and/or inflammatory. The provision of access does not mean or imply that the Library endorses or sanctions the content or point of view of any of the information or commentary which may be found on the Internet.
The Internet offers a wealth of information that can be personally, professionally, and culturally enriching. But, because the Internet is a vast and unregulated information network, it also enables access to ideas, information, images and commentary beyond the confines of the Library’s collection, mission, selection criteria and collection development policies. Because of this and the fact that access points on the Internet can and do change often, rapidly and unpredictably, the Library cannot protect individuals from information and images which they might find offensive or disturbing.
Since the Library computers on which the public can access the Internet are located in public areas that must be shared by Library users of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities, individuals are asked to consider this when accessing potentially controversial information and images. Library staff cannot consistently and effectively monitor the public’s use of the Library’s access to the Internet. Yet, the Library reserves the right to ask individuals to discontinue the display of information or images that may be disturbing to other Library patrons.
Users are cautioned that, because security in an electronic environment such as the Internet cannot be guaranteed, all transactions, files, and communications are vulnerable to unauthorized access and, therefore, should be considered public.
Child Safety on the Internet
Parents or guardians are responsible for the Internet information selected or accessed by their children. Children who use the Internet in an unsupervised manner may be exposed to inappropriate or disturbing information and images. Parents are encouraged to discuss the use of the Internet with their children in relation to family values and boundaries and to monitor their children’s use of the Internet.
User Responsibility
All users of the Internet are expected to use this Library resource in a responsible and courteous manner, consistent with the purposes for which it is provided, and to follow all Internet-related rules, regulations and procedures established for its use including, but not limited to, those of the Library. Responsible, courteous use of access to the Internet through the Library includes:
- Recognizing that the Internet, like all of the Library’s information sources, must be shared and used in a manner which respects the rights of others and refrains from any activity that prevents others from using it.
- Using the Library’s Internet resources for educational, informational, and recreational purposes only.
- Refraining from using the Library’s Internet resources to conduct a business or commercial enterprise or engage in commercial activity such as the distribution of advertising.
- Respecting intellectual property rights by making only authorized copies of copyrighted, licensed, or otherwise controlled materials or information residing on the Internet.
- Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; and by not seeking disallowed access to any computer system via the Internet.
- Refraining from damaging or altering the setup of the Library’s equipment used to access the Internet at the Library.
- Refraining from any unauthorized altering or damaging software or data residing on the Internet.
- Refraining from the deliberate propagation of computer worms or viruses.
- Refraining from the transmission of threatening, harassing or abusive language and images.
Compliance with Library Policy and Guidelines
In addition to this specific policy, guidelines for use of all public-access computers govern the use of the Internet in the Library. Violation of the policies and regulations that govern the use of the Library’s Internet resources may result in suspension or loss of the privilege to use these resources and/or the Library as a whole. Illegal activity involving the Library’s Internet resources will be subject to prosecution by the appropriate authorities.
Staff Assistance
Staff will assist Library users in getting started on the Internet. Adult Services/Reference staff is available for one-on-one appointments for more in-depth training at mutually agreeable times. Time permitting, staff will try to answer specific questions about the Internet and offer suggestions for effective searching. Staff can also provide information about Internet training opportunities and Internet books and manuals.
The Library is not able to offer denvillelibrary.org e-mail accounts to Library users.
WIRELESS INTERNET USE
The Denville Public Library provides wireless Internet connectivity as a service for patrons with wireless-enabled devices.
The library does not filter the wireless network, which is available to anyone with a compatible laptop computer or other device, including children. Parents wishing filtered Internet access for their children should purchase filtering software for their laptop computer or other device.
By choosing to use this free wireless service, patrons agree to abide by both the Library’s Internet Use Policy as well as this Wireless Internet Usage Policy, which prohibit disruptive or illegal activity while using the Library’s Internet service. Copies of these policies are available at the Circulation Desk and at workstations throughout the building. It is the responsibility of the user to understand these policies and his/her obligation to refrain from inappropriate or illegal activities.
The user assumes all responsibility for the use of the Library’s wireless network. The Library is not responsible for any alterations of or interference with a laptop’s configuration or operation or data files resulting from connection to the wireless network. The Library is not responsible or liable for the consequences of wireless network use in any way, including the transmission of computer viruses, loss of data or e-mail, or any harm resulting from the use of an unsecured server. The Library is not liable for the loss or compromise of any confidential, sensitive, or any other information, or for any and all damages resulting from that loss or compromise. In addition, the Library assumes no responsibility for damage, theft, or loss of any kind to a user’s equipment, software, data files, or other personal property brought into or used at the Library’s facilities.
The Library does not guarantee that all devices will be compatible with its wireless Internet service.
Users are responsible to configure their own equipment. Library staff members cannot configure a patron’s laptop or network card or help establish a wireless network connection. The Library does not provide wireless network cards or laptops to patrons. The Library staff is not available for troubleshooting of a patron’s computer. Patrons seeking Internet connectivity assistance are asked instead to use one of the Library’s computers available for public use.
Wireless connections may be less secure than a wired connection. Anti-virus and security protection are the user’s responsibility.
Signal strength may vary in different parts of the building. The Library cannot guarantee that the service will be available at any specific time. There is a wireless printing option.