internet policy

policy guidelines

Internet access is available on selected terminals for any user having a Westchester Library System library card or other acceptable form of identification. Access to the Internet is compatible with this library’s endorsement of the Library Bill of Rights;
the Freedom to Read Statement; the Freedom to View; Access to Electronic Information Services and Networks; and with the policies, goals and objectives of this public library.

The Internet allows users to connect to networks of resources outside the library. The New Rochelle Public Library has no control over these resources nor does it have complete knowledge of what is on the Internet. The library does not warrant the information available through its Internet connection to be accurate, authoritative, factual, timely or useful, and it does not endorse the content of the networked information available. The library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet, and it cannot be held responsible for the content of the networked information available through its Internet connection.

It is assumed that information and resources accessible through the library's Internet connection are private to the individuals and organizations by these owners or holders of rights. In particular, it is important to respect the legal protection that is provided by copyright and licenses to programs and data.

The New Rochelle Public Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of its electronic services, or from its connections to other Internet services through any Internet service provider.

Library users access the Internet at their own discretion. As with other library materials, the restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian. With regard to children and teenagers, the library recommends that parents take an active interest in, and responsibility for their children’s online use. While young people need a certain amount of privacy, they also need parental involvement and supervision in their daily lives. The same general skills that apply to daily life apply while online. A wide variety of information for parents and children is available at the Westchester Library System Youth Services webpage, including the American Library Association Internet Safety Tips and Parent Pages which offer many useful sites aimed at parents.

It is not acceptable to use the Internet
• for illegal activity
• to interfere with or disrupt other users, services or equipment
• for chats, postings, moo's, mushes, or spamming
• to make unauthorized entry to any other machine—whether internal
  or external
• for accessing inappropriate materials, including but not limited to obscene, lewd, or sexually explicit images or messages.

Use of the library's Internet gateway/connection is intended for private, non-commercial activities, and does not permit unauthorized sales and marketing of products or services.

The library may suspend or terminate computer privileges if the library reasonably believes that any user has violated these policy guidelines.

Library staff will assist patrons with Internet use as time permits. Formal Internet instruction is offered by the library staff.

Please ask the librarian at the 2nd Floor Information Desk for details.