NEWTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Internet Access Procedures
The Library's Internet access is intended primarily as an information
resource. The Library does not provide electronic mail or access to
newsgroups. Access is provided through "browser" software, and library
users use the Internet at their own discretion. Parents are expected to
monitor and supervise their children's use of the Internet.
- A designated Internet workstation will be located where it can
be monitored by staff for assistance and security.
- The Internet workstation is open to all library users with a
Newton Public Library card in good standing. To protect the Library
from liability for illegal use of the Internet, each user is required
to sign in at the Adult Department Check Out Desk and leave his/her
Newton Public Library card with the library staff. Through his/her
signature, each user agrees to the Microcomputer Use Policy and the
Internet Access & Acceptable Use Policy each time access is granted.
The user must sign off before the library card is returned. A maximum
of two people may view the Internet workstation during one sign up
block. Both must follow the sign up procedure. A minimal level of
computer competence is required for users of the Internet workstation.
Library staff will offer searching suggestions and answer questions,
but cannot provide individual training.
- Use is on a first-come, first served basis. Each user may reserve
access to the Internet workstation 24 hours prior to use. Each user
may reserve up to one hour block of time in a 24 hour period. The user
may use the computer in 15 minute increments until time the computer
was previously reserved if the computer is available without making a
reservation. The user must complete searching, downloading, and
printing before the scheduled hour is over and/or before the next user
is scheduled to begin using the computer. Time limits begin at the
scheduled hour, not when login is successful, and will be enforced to
ensure fair access for all persons. Anyone arriving more than ten
minutes late for a scheduled appointment may have forfeited his/her
time to a walk-in user. Users may not start a session within 15
minutes of closing, and station use must end at library closing time.
- There is a 10 cent per page charge for printing. The user must sign
out and pay all printing charges at the desk before leaving.
- For those users who wish to save their files, formatted disks will
be available at the desk for $1.00 each. Users may not run programs of
their own, or programs downloaded from the Internet, on the Library's
computer. Files left on computer hard drives will be deleted.
- Users will be personally responsible for any materials ordered via
the Internet. They will need to pay for these items with a credit
card. The library will not be responsible for these costs.
- Inappropriate use of Internet access may result in cancellation of
the individual's use of this service.
- Library scheduled use of the equipment takes precedence over
individual use at all times.
(Adopted by the Newton Public Library Board of Trustees with City Attorney recommendations, February 10, 1997.)