Poestenkill Library Policies & Procedures

INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

As part of Poestenkill Library’s mission to meet the information needs of town residents, the library offers public access to the Internet. Access to the Internet enables patrons to explore a vast array of information beyond that contained in the library’s collection.

While the library offers guidance to a wide array of useful and interesting Internet sites on the World Wide Web, some may contain inaccurate, controversial, and even offensive material. The library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be responsible for its content.

Users are asked to remember that they are in a public building and to show consideration for others when viewing Internet sites. Patrons must respect copyright laws and licensing agreements. The library does not permit violation of any U.S. or state law or regulation including, but not restricted to acts of a threatening, harassing or obscene nature.

Parents and guardians are responsible for monitoring their child’s use of the Internet. Any restriction of a child’s access is the responsibility of the parent/guardian, not the library staff. Persons under the age of 18 must have signed parental authorization to use the Internet. Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult at the Internet workstation at all times.

Users are required to sign in at the Circulation Desk each time to use the Internet workstation. Access to the Internet workstation is limited to one _ hour session per day. A maximum of two users at one workstation at a time is allowed. If the computer is shared all users must agree to the library’s Internet policy. Users must finish work and log off 15 minutes before the library closes.

Files may not be downloaded to the library computer’s hard drive. Patrons must save files by downloading to a 3_ inch formatted disk for an IBM compatible PC. Disks are available for $1.00 at the Circulation Desk. You may not use a disk from home due to the possibility of viruses. Hardware and software on the Internet computer may not be altered.

Misuse of the Internet computer by not complying with these procedures and policies will result in the following consequences:

• First Offense: A verbal warning will be given.
• Second Offense: User will call parent and also lose Internet privileges for two (2) weeks. (If the Internet is needed for research purposes for reports or school work, the user must be accompanied at the computer by his/her parent at all times.)
• Third Offense: User will call parent and also have permanent loss of Internet privileges. (If the Internet is needed for research purposes for reports or school work, the user must be accompanied at the computer by his/her parent at all times.)

Adopted by the Board of Trustees June 25, 2001
Amended December 17, 2001

POESTENKILL LIBRARY PARENTAL PERMISSION FOR INTERNET USE

This form is to be completed and signed by a parent/guardian for anyone under the age of 18. The parent/guardian must come into the library to sign this form. A copy will be kept at the Circulation Desk and will be checked before a child may use the Internet.

• Child’s Name: ___________________________________
• Date of Birth: ___________
• Address: _________________________________________
• Phone: ________________

In addition to the Poestenkill Library’s general Internet Policy, I understand the following rules regarding use of the Internet by my child:

• Children 10 years and younger must have a parent/guardian with them at all times when using the Internet.
• Children 11 -18 years old may use the Internet for a one hour session provided a copy of this form is on file at the Circulation Desk – no exceptions.
• As with any library resource, restriction of a child’s access is the responsibility of the parent/guardian, not the library staff.
• Misuse of the Internet or equipment by not complying with these rules and the Poestenkill Library Internet Policy will result in the loss of privileges as per page one.
• A parent/guardian will be contacted if there is a problem with their child’s use of the Internet.

I agree to the rules above.

• Please Print Parent/Guardian Name: ___________________________________
• Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________________
• Date Signed: ____________________________

Approved by Poestenkill Library Board of Trustees on March 25, 2002.