Internet Use Policy – Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Maine: Approved by Curtis Board of Directors 1-21-10, updated by approval of Board at November 20, 2014 Board meeting

Internet Use Policy

In fulfilling our mission “To enhance the quality of life in Brunswick and Harpswell by providing free and equitable access to information and ideas that enlighten, inspire, enrich and entertain” the Curtis Memorial Library endeavors to develop quality collections, resources, and services for use by its community.

The library shall maintain a set of publicly-accessible web pages on the Internet for the purposes of:

  1. Providing information on library services, policies, collections, and programs
  2. Facilitating citizen communication with the library staff
  3. Directing users to quality information and resources.

The library shall provide computers for use by the public to access the Internet. The library staff shall set rules and restrictions on the use of these computers to ensure that the resources are shared freely and equally.

All library records regarding a patron’s use of the Internet shall be kept confidential. Those records may only be released with the express written permission of the patron involved or per order of a court.

Misuse of the electronic resources of the Library, or of Internet access, shall result in the loss of computer privileges for the user. Such misuse includes, but is not limited to:

  1. Using computers for illegal activities
  2. Viewing obscene or sexually explicit images
  3. Hacking into the library’s computer system or any other computer system
  4. Sending harassing communications to other computer users
  5. Violating copyright laws and/or software licensing agreements.

The library has basic filtering in place on its public computers to meet criteria necessary to receive government technology funding. However, a patron may request that a librarian remove the filter if there is a site that the patron wants to review and that does not violate any of the above noted limitations.

Curtis Memorial Library has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population. While much of the information available is of a high quality, the Internet also contains information that is inaccurate, outdated, or personally offensive. The availability of information does not constitute endorsement of the content by Curtis Memorial Library and library patrons should use it at their own risk. Access, use, or dissemination of information via the Internet in the library is the responsibility of the user. In the case of minors, it is a joint responsibility of the user and the parent or guardian.

To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications. The unauthorized disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors is prohibited.

The public library, unlike schools, does not serve in loco parentis (in place of a parent). Librarians cannot act in the place of parents in providing constant care and supervision of children as they explore the Internet. The responsibility for what minors read or view on the Internet rests with parents or guardians.

Users who violate this policy will be warned the first time. A second violation will result in being banned from using the library workstations for 4 weeks. A user may be permanently banned at the library Director’s discretion for serious or repeated offenses, and law enforcement authorities may be called.

Approved Curtis Board of Directors 1-21-10
Updated by approval of Board 11-20-2014