Waterboro Public Library - Acceptable Use Policy for Computer and Internet Access
Last Revised and Approved: 19 Nov. 2002
The Waterboro Public Library, as part of its ongoing commitment to
provide information to the citizens of Waterboro, provides access to the
Internet and its various resources through computers which are available
for patron use.
All users of electronic resources should be aware that the inappropriate use
of electronic information can violate Local, State, and Federal laws,
and can lead to prosecution. Unacceptable uses of the Library's
computers and Internet access resources will result in revocation of use
privileges and the user will be held responsible for his or her
inappropriate use.
Users are expected to abide by the following policies:
- The publicly accessible computers are available for all patrons for
educational, recreational, and informational purposes.
- Patrons shall not use the Library's computers for unauthorized,
unethical or illegal purposes. Such uses include but are not limited to:
- Using the systems for any commercial purpose
- Using an account other than your own or misrepresenting your identity
- Creating and/or distributing a computer virus
- Using the systems to gain unauthorized access to other systems (i.e. hacking)
- Using impolite or abusive language
- The Internet contains all types of information and resources,
including material unsuitable for children. The Library does not filter
or censor material on the Internet. Parents and guardians are solely
responsible for supervising the information their children view. In
accordance with NCIPA Guideline #1, parents and guardians of minor
patrons are required to sign a copy of this document, acknowledging they
have read, understand and agree to its contents on behalf of the minor
patron(s). Patrons using computers in the Children's Room should
refrain from viewing material unsuitable for children.
- Computers are available on a first-come first-served basis. When patrons
are waiting to use the computers, there will be a 30 minute time
limit for each use.
- Each patron must sign the guest book and indicate time-in and out when using a computer.
- Patrons wishing to download files or programs may do so by using blank
diskettes or CDs purchased from the librarian and may do so only with
the explicit permission of the librarian. The Library does not provide
virus-protection capabilities. Patrons are urged to check all downloaded
programs with their virus-scanning capabilities at home. Expanding or
installing any downloaded programs shall constitute 'Altering the
configuration of the computers...', an unauthorized use.
- Patrons may access personal website-based email accounts (hotmail,
yahoo.com, etc.) but may not configure email client software (Outlook
Express, etc.) for their own personal use. The Library does not filter
or restrict email content in any way. In accordance with NCIPA Guideline
#2, parents/guardians of minor patrons are urged to supervise the
minor's use of such email accounts.
- Chat software is not installed on any system. Downloading and
installing such software is an unauthorized use.
- The Library's publicly available computers are configured to be usable
by as many patrons as possible. Patrons may not alter the configuration
of the computers in any way.
- In accordance with the State of Maine's statute regarding
confidentiality of patron information, (27 M.R.S.A. Section 121) the
Library will not disclose any information about any of its patrons,
adult or minor.
Acknowledgment of Parent/Guardian
On behalf of the minor Patron named ___________________________
(Age: ____), I have read and agree to the policies stated in this
document. I understand that the Library does not restrict the content
available via the Internet and will personally supervise his/her usage
to the extent I deem appropriate.
Parent/Guardian: ________________________________ Date: _______________
