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Internet Policy

Hartford Public Library Internet Use Policy

Public access to the internet is available to all users of the Hartford Public Library as an information and educational resources in support of our role as this community’s information and lifelong learning center.

OUR MISSION

Consistent with our mission and the professional principles of public librarianship, this Internet Use Policy affirms the safeguarding of First Amendment rights, intellectual freedom, equality of access and confidentiality of information about users. The public access computers at the library are generated by local taxes and private grants and are intended for general public use, regardless of age, sex, ethnic origin, religion or economic status.

DISCLAIMER

The Hartford Public Library has no control over what the Internet provides, and is not responsible for any output. The Internet contains information that may be considered inaccurate, outdated, or even offensive for some. Hartford Public Library is not responsible for information gained via the Internet and assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its’ connection to the Internet. The library makes no guarantees either expressed or implied, with respect to the quality of content of the information available on the Internet. Not all information is accurate, current or complete. Users are encourages to be good information consumers by evaluating the validity of the information accessed via the Internet

MINORS
In order to comply with P.A. 212 of 2000 (MCLA 397.606), minors are prohibited from accessing or viewing obscene matter (as defined in MCLA 752.362) and sexually explicit matter that is harmful to minors (as defined in MCLA 722.673 and 722.674) on any computers in the library. The library staff will monitor compliance with this requirement by periodically checking the public access computers in use by the patrons.

SOFTWARE
The Hartford Public Library has availed itself of some commercially available software programs to prevent access to certain Internet sites which may contain information or graphics which have been judged to be unfit for children. Determination of “unfit” content usually is made on the basis the content judged to be violent, obscene or pornographic. However, it is still the responsibility of the parent(s) or guardian(s) to be aware of the types of material which might be available and selected by their children through the Internet at the library.

All library patrons under the age of 18 years old- must have a parent or guardian authorized form on file to use the Internet at the Hartford Public Library.


Time Limits

There is a 2 hour/ twice a day limit and a 30-minutes time limit when there are other patrons waiting to use the computers. Usage is on a first-come, first-served basis. Each user must sign in with a Library Staff member before using the computer and upon leaving. Hours of availability and length of use by patrons shall be set by the Library Director.


*Only one person may use the Internet computer at one time. Standing or  sitting behind or to the side of a computer is prohibited unless authorized by Library Staff.
 *The Library reserves the right to ask individuals to discontinue the display of information, if it causes a disruption as determined by the Library Staff or Director.

It is NOT permissible for users of the Internet computers to:

  • Use the library network for illegal or fraudulent activity.
  • Downloading  of FTP files to the library computers.
  • Damage or alter the setup or background screens.
  • Publicly display images which may be offensive to other patrons or staff.


What is considered offensive:

  • Failing to sign-up to use the Internet.
  • Attempting to load other software on to the computer.
  • Refusing to vacate the station when asked to do so by Library Staff.
  • Publicly display images which may be offensive to other patrons or staff.

Violation of any of the Hartford Public Library Internet Policies will result in suspension or loss of the privilege to use these resources.


There is no charge for using the Internet.

There is a fee for printing either black and white or color pages. Please advise staff when ready to print.