Mission
Kellogg-Hubbard Library exists to provide books, materials and access to information and to promote and stimulate knowledge, culture and reading for pleasure for adults and children. The Library is a steward of the intellectual energy of the community. It serves as a resource to encourage life-long learning, acts as a catalyst for the free exchange of ideas, and promotes literacy among all people.
The Library subscribes to and supports the Library Bill of Rights and its
Interpretations, particularly Access to Electronic Information, Services, and
Networks.
Internet Access
The Internet, a world-wide network of computer networks is an essential medium for obtaining and transmitting information of all types. Therefore, public access to the Internet is germane to the Library's mission.
However, the Internet is an unregulated medium. It also provides access to information that is inaccurate, illegal or that some may find offensive or disturbing. The Library will identify on its web site specific Internet sites that have potential interest for Library users. But the Library cannot control a user's access to other Internet resources.
Responsibilities of Library Staff and Users
Library staff will not monitor a user's Internet use, except for length of use in order to ensure equal opportunity of access for everyone. The user, or the parent of a minor, is responsible for his or her Internet session at all times.
The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session that disrupts library services or that involves user behavior that violates the Library's policies.
As with all Library resources, the Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents/guardians, NOT Library staff, to determine and monitor their minor children's use of the Internet. This includes the use of e-mail and chat rooms. Parents should warn their children against the disclosing of personal information to strangers on the Internet. (Minors are defined in this policy as children and young people under the age of 18 years.) Parents are responsible for their minor children's use of the Library's resources and facilities. Parents who believe that their children cannot responsibly use the Library's Internet access are requested to monitor their children's Internet use.
Disclaimer
While the Library endeavors to provide access to information of the highest quality, the Library specifically disclaims any warrant as to the information's accuracy, timeliness, authoritativeness, usefulness or fitness for a particular purpose.
The Library will have no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of information accessed through the Library's Internet service.
Since software and information downloaded from any sources, including the Internet, may contain computer viruses, users are advised to utilize virus checking software on their home computers. The Library is not responsible for damage to users' home computers or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from use of the Library's computers.
Unacceptable Uses of Computers
Among the uses that are considered unacceptable and which constitute a violation of this policy are the following:
- Uses that violate the law. Transmitting of offensive or harassing messages; offering for sale or use any substance the possession or use of which is prohibited by law; viewing, transmitting or downloading illegal materials or materials; downloading or transmitting confidential, trade secret information, or copyrighted materials. Even if materials on the networks are not marked with the copyright symbol, users should assume that all materials are protected unless there is explicit permission on the materials to use them.
- Uses that cause harm to others or damage to their property. Engaging in defamation (harming another's reputation by lies); uploading a worm, virus, "trojan horse," "time bomb" or other harmful form of programming or vandalism; participating in "hacking" activities or any form of unauthorized access to other computers, networks, or information systems.
- Uses that jeopardize the security of access of the computer network or other networks on the Internet. Disclosing or sharing the user's password with others; impersonating another user; using one's own software programs on the library's computers; altering the Library's computer settings; damaging or modifying computer equipment or software.
- Uses that compromise the safety and security of minors when using e-mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications: Minors under age 18: Giving others private information about one's self or others, including credit card numbers and social security numbers; arranging a face-to-face meeting with someone one has "met" on the computer network or Internet without a parent's permission.
Confidentiality of Library Records
In accordance with 1 V.S.A. § 317 (c)(19), the following are exempt from public inspection and copying--records relating to the identity of library patrons or the identity of library patrons in regard to the circulation of library materials.
Procedures
The Library staff will develop such rules and procedures as are necessary to
ensure the fair and reasonable use of Internet access.
Response to Violations
The user's access to the Library's computer network and Internet is a privilege, not a right. A user violates this policy by his or her own action or by failing to report any violations by other users that come to the attention of the user. Failure to comply with this policy and its procedures will result in the forfeiture of library Internet or general library privileges.
Compliance with the Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act (NCIPA)
The Library believes this policy to be in compliance with the requirements of the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Pub. L. No. 106-554, Subtitle C (Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act), § 1731-32.
