The Springfield Public Library provides access to the Internet so that people can connect electronically to ideas, information and commentary from around the world. However, the Internet is unregulated and materials accessible through it may be inaccurate, biased, inappropriate, or offensive. The Library does not control information found on the Internet and, therefore, cannot be held responsible for its content.
Library staff and Board Members have developed a policy to ensure fair and reasonable use of Internet resources. Please read the following statement before using the Library’s Internet terminals.
Parents or legal guardians of minor children are ultimately responsible for the child’s use of the Internet at the Library, and Library staff cannot be held responsible for supervising minors while they are using the Internet workstations. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian in order to access the Internet. Children under the age of 16 must have a permission card signed by a parent or legal guardian in order to access the Internet unsupervised.
Misuse of the computers will result in the loss of computer privileges, potential loss of library privileges and possible prosecution. Such misuse includes, but is not limited to, using the computer for illegal activities; hacking into the library computer system or any other computer system; damaging or attempting to damage computer equipment or software; downloading and/or installing software; interfering with systems operations, integrity or security; gaining unauthorized access to another person’s files; sending harassing messages to other computer users; altering or attempting to alter the library computer’s settings; and violating copyright laws and software licensing agreements.
The Library does not offer downloading to diskette. Printing is available at a cost of 10 cents per page. Please ask at the front desk for paper. You may not use your own paper because it is the cost of laser cartridges which necessitates the per page charge, not the cost of the paper. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure they are not violating copyright law when printing material.
Users are advised to exercise caution when sending personal or financial information such as name, address, Social insurance number, credit card number, etc. over the Internet.
Filtering software is installed on workstations to block access to material that might be deemed objectionable. Given the nature of how information and sites become accessible through the Internet, the Library cannot and does not guarantee that the filtering software will block all material that some users may find objectionable.
The library’s computers are set up for use by a single individual. In some cases, such as a parent/guardian with children, it may be important for two or more people to work together at a computer. Otherwise, because of limited space, a maximum of two persons may sit/work together at anyone computer.
All users are asked to respect the privacy of other users and not attempt to observe or comment upon what others are viewing.
The Library reserves the right to regulate the use of workstations to include the amount of time a workstation may be used, printing restrictions for that workstation, chat room use on a workstation, etc. and further reserves the right to terminate an Internet session at any time.
Users violating these guidelines will be asked to stop. If the violation continues, the user will forfeit the right to use the Internet access station and may be asked to leave the Library.