Raymond Village Library

Acceptable Use Policy for computers and Internet Access

The Raymond Village Library's connection to the Internet, a worldwide computer based resource, enables the Library to provide access to information beyond the confines of its own collections and thus enhances the breadth and depth of information resources available to library users.

Currently the Internet is a largely unregulated medium.  Unlike other library resources, it is not organized, catalogued, or indexed. The information available on the Internet includes much that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching.  It also provides access to material that may be offensive or disturbing to some individuals, as well as access to information that may be factually incorrect and/or illegal. The Internet is a powerful tool for finding information, but it is not necessarily a substitute for other library resources.

The Library provides Internet access primarily for educational and research purposes, not for personal communications (e.g. online chatting), playing online games, ordering merchandise, viewing of obscene or indecent materials or shopping online. The Library does not provide e-mail; however, web-based e-mail accounts may be accessed depending on availability of computers.

Parents concerned about their children's use of electronic resources are ultimately responsible for setting standards and establishing guidelines for their children.  Parents may find the pamphlet "Child Safety on the Information Highway," published by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and available in the library, useful in considering some of these issues.

 Policies:
      1. The Raymond Village Library upholds and affirms the right of each individual to have access to constitutionally protected materials.

      2. The Raymond Village Library affirms the responsibility of parents to determine the appropriateness of Internet-accessed resources and all other library material for their children.

      3. The Library expects users of this service shall not engage in conduct which unreasonably interferes with use or enjoyment of the library by others.

      4.  The Library reserves the right to limit the use of its electronic resources by the public.  Such limitations may include, but are not limited to:
           --restricting time on computers and limiting the applications or functions used on the computers;
           --requiring that patrons use library-provided removable media; 
           --charging a nominal fee for the use of certain consumable supplies such as paper. diskettes and writable CDs.

       5.  The Raymond Village Library's electronic resources may be used only for purposes which are legal and consistent with the Library's mission. Unacceptable uses (some of which may be illegal) include, but are not limited to:
           --Harassment of other library or computer users or staff;
           --Unauthorized access to the files, data, passwords or personal information of others;
           --Chatting or using instant messaging;
           --Libeling or slandering others;
           --Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications, including so-called "hacking";
           --Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material;
           --Damaging or attempting to alter computer equipment;
           --Intentional exposure of other individuals, (particularly children), to material or images they (or their parents) may find
             personally unsuitable;
           --Unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identification information, particularly that of minors;
           --Incurring any costs to the Raymond Village Library.

Violation of the policies may result in suspension or loss of privilege or prosecution by the appropriate authorities.

 Disclaimer:
      1. The Raymond Village Library does not monitor and has no control over the information available through the Internet, and specifically disclaims any warranty as to the information's accuracy, authoritativeness, timeliness, usefulness or fitness for a particular purpose.

      2. The Library assumes no responsibility for and shall have no liability for any direct, indirect or consequential damages arising from the use of its electronic resources, or connections to other Internet resources.

 Guidelines on access to information:
        The Raymond Village Library is guided by the following American Library Association statements on access to information:
            --The Library Bill of Rights
            --Freedom to Read Statement
            --Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights: particularly Free Access to Libraries for Minors and Access to Electronic
                 Information Services and Networks

       In general, the Library is guided by a commitment to "access to information" policies that provide appropriate protections to its patrons while being consistent with the Library's commitment to the principles of free expression as set forth in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

 This Acceptable Use Policy will be reviewed periodically and may be revised as necessary.