Swansea Free Public Library
Computer and Internet Use Policy

The Swansea Free Public Library is committed to providing free and open access to informational, educational, recreational, and cultural resources for library users of all ages and backgrounds, including unfiltered access to the Internet. The Library encourages lifelong learning, promotes literacy, and provides free and open access to library materials and information services.

The Internet is an unregulated medium. As such, while it offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, it also enables access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing, and/or illegal, inaccurate, or incomplete. Users are encouraged to be good information consumers by evaluating the validity of information accessed via the Internet.

In accordance with the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and a supplemental document entitled Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks, the Library does not control or monitor access to material which may be accessible on the Internet. Parents may find that some information on the Internet may be unsuitable for their children, or may not reflect their personal values. Parents and guardians, not the library or its staff, are responsible for the information selected and accessed by their children. Parents and guardians, not the library or its staff, are also responsible for information disseminated by minors through email, chat rooms, or other direct electronic communication. Parents are strongly encouraged to instruct children never to give out personal information online. For further information on children’s access to the Internet, parents are encouraged to read the Child Safety on the Information Highway.

Rules governing use of the library computers are designed to address the following goals:
 

• Equitable access to the services by all users
• Ready availability of a computer for users coming into the library
• Minimal use of library staff time regulating the use of machines

 
Therefore, these rules apply to use of the library computers:
 

• Use of all Internet computers in the library is generally limited to three-hour total computer time per day per patron
• Patrons using the Internet computers must login using their SAILS Library Network card number
• Guest passes are available for those patrons without a library card
• Patrons must be responsive to library staff’s requests in regard to enforcement of the rules above
• No more than two people may use a computer at one time; this number may be limited further if access to other machines is blocked
• Public Environment: Whether using a library computer or a personal laptop, patrons prohibited from displaying graphics which are inappropriate for public viewing, or playing audio that could disturb other patrons.

 
 It is not acceptable to use computers at the Swansea Free Public Library for illegal or abusive purposes including, but not limited to, the following:

• Violations of any local, state, or federal statutes
• Displaying text or graphics which may be considered obscene and defined in MLG 272# 31
• Tampering with hardware or software
• Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected materials in any format
• Transmission of chain letters, broadcast letters, or any form of junk mail
• Transmission of threatening, obscene, or harassing materials
• Transmission of computer viruses
• Unauthorized access to local and remote computer systems, including hacking and other unlawful activities
• Activities which interfere with or are disruptive to other users, services, or equipment
• unauthorized disclosure of personal identification about a third party

 
The Swansea Free Public Library assumes no liability for any damage to user data or loss of user privacy sustained while using the library’s computer equipment. In addition, the Library makes no guarantees, either expressed or implied, with respect to any technology, equipment, software, or other library materials.
 
  
Approved by the Swansea Free Public Library Board of Trustees, October 18, 2018