Policies of the William Jeanes Library
Internet and Acceptable Use Policy:
INTERNET AND COMPUTER ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
[William Jeanes Memorial Library]
COMPUTERS
Misuse or abuse of the library’s computers, ancillary storage devices, Internet access or network(s) will result in termination of privileges to use the library’s computers. Such actions include without limitation, any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data, including the uploading or creating of computer viruses and intentional physical damage to library computer(s) and/or their peripherals. No patron may tamper with the software or hardware configurations provided by the library. Use of the library’s computers and its computer network(s) is restricted to that which does not disrupt computer access by others. Misappropriation, modification and or use of password(s) utilized by the library to access the computer network(s) or computer equipment is not permitted.
REQUIREMENTS
The WJML provides free computer access to those patrons who submit a completed and signed Internet Access Registration Form acknowledging their agreement to abide by this Internet and Computer Acceptable Use Policy. Individuals above the age of 12 may use WJML computers if they have a library card, and their Internet Access Registration Form is signed by their parent or guardian. Individuals between 14 to 18 years of age may use library workstations and/or network(s) for internet access without filtering, subject to adult approval. See particulars below.
INTERNET
The William Jeanes Memorial Library complies with the Internet Access Policy of the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCLINC), and the policies for internet access established by its Internet Service Provider, the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCIU). Any activity that does not comply with such collective polices, rules, regulations & protocols are prohibited.
The MCUI Acceptable Use Policy can be found at:
http://www.mciu.org/mciu23/CWP/view.asp?A=13&QUESTION_ID=400130.
MODIFICATION OF TERMS OF USE
You acknowledge and agree that we may update, revise, supplement and otherwise modify these this Policy and impose new or additional terms and conditions on your use of library workstations, access to its wired and/or wireless network(s) from time to time. Such updates, revisions, supplements, modifications and additional rules, policies, terms and conditions will be effective immediately and incorporated into this Policy. If we change our Policy, we will post a new statement on the library website and change the date. By continuing to use of library workstations, access to its wired and/or wireless network(s) after we make any such updates, revisions, supplements, modifications and additions, you agree to be bound by the revised terms of use. Therefore, we encourage you to check the date of our Policy whenever you visit the library or its website for any updates or changes.
SUSPENSION & TERMINATION OF PRIVILEGES
The WJML reserves the right to suspend user privileges for non-compliance with this Policy, and all other applicable policies, procedures, rules & protocols referenced in this Policy.
Unacceptable uses of this service may result in the suspension or revocation of Internet use privileges. Where Library employees believe that a patron has failed to comply with this Policy and/or those polices, rules, regulations & protocols referenced herein, they are authorized to temporarily terminate such patron’s internet access and use of library workstations up to two (2) weeks from the date of the infraction. A user may be permanently barred from Internet access and/or the use of library workstations by the Library Director for violations of this Policy and/or those polices, rules, regulations & protocols referenced herein. The decision of a Library employee to deny access to a patron may be appealed to the Library Director, and the Library Director’s decision may be further appealed to the Library Board of Directors. Requests for reinstatement of Internet privileges will be made to the Library Board of Directors.
THE LIBRARY’S RIGHT TO MONITOR USE
The WJML reserves the right to investigate and prosecute violations of any of the above, including intellectual property rights’ infringement and library network security issues, to the fullest extent permitted by law. The library may involve and cooperate with law enforcement authorities in prosecuting users who violate its Policy and terms of use. You acknowledge that the library has no obligation to monitor your access to or use of its computer workstations and/or wired and wireless networks, but has the right to do so for the purpose of providing computer workstations and internet access to its patrons, to ensure your compliance with this Policy, or to comply with applicable law or the order or requirement of a court, administrative agency or other governmental body.
INDEMNIFICATION OF LIBRARY
By using the library computer workstations and/or wired and wireless networks, you agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the library, its affiliates, and its and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives, from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses and expenses, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, arising out of or in any way connected with your access to or use of the library computer workstations and/or wired and wireless networks, or your violation of this Policy.
FILTERING
Consistent with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), access to Internet content is filtered through software provided by MCLINC on all workstations. Individuals who have attained the age of fourteen (14) and wish to have unfiltered Internet access may request that the filtering of the content be disabled for that session. These requests will be kept confidential.
At present, nonfiltered internet access is only available on library computer workstations and its wired internet network.
Patrons between the ages of 14 and 18 who wish to use WJML computers or its computer network(s) without filtering content, may do so, upon having their Internet Access Registration Form (WJML) signed by their parent or guardian confirming assent for such unrestricted service.
Please note, filtering is not completely reliable, and access to obscene materials and images or materials patrons find personally offensive is still possible. The library cannot be held responsible for patrons who gain access to such sites. The library advises parents or guardians that they, not the Library or its staff, need to be responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents who believe their children cannot responsibly use the Library’s Internet access workstations are requested to monitor their children’s Internet use.
All patrons are asked to remember that they are in a public building and to show consideration for others when viewing web sites. Offensive images are harassing to the public and staff. Explicit sexual material, as defined in 18 Pa. C.S.A. 5903, may not be displayed on or printed from library workstations.
PRIVACY
The use of the Internet and e-mail are not guaranteed to be private or secure. The library cannot assure the confidentiality of credit card or other personal information transmitted through library computers or on its computer network(s). Minors are especially warned to not disclose personal information to strangers in any form of electronic communication.
COPYRIGHT
Patrons shall be obligated to respect and uphold copyright laws, licensing agreements and all other applicable laws and regulations; they will not use library Internet resources for illegal or criminal purposes.
SLANDER & CYBER-BULLYING
Patrons may not engage in any activity that is deliberately or maliciously offensive, libelous or slanderous, or may reasonably be deemed cyber-bulllying.
NON-COMMERCIAL USE
The library’s public computer and internet system is not designed for commercial use by patrons.
RULES GOVERNING THE USE OF LIBRARY WORKSTATIONS
· All patrons wishing to use Library computer workstations must first demonstrate they have a validly issued library card in good standing, and sign in at the front Circulation Desk before each computer use session.
· When the library’s computers are at full capacity, a waiting list will be started, and patrons who have been on for the longest time period will be asked to sign off. Patrons are not guaranteed a minimum time period for usage, but the Library will endeavor to provide each patron with 30 minutes of uninterrupted usage of a computer and/or internet access.
· Patrons must supply their own headphones if they desire sound.
· Patrons may bring in removable media such as floppy disks, zip disks or thumb drives in which to transfer data associated with their computer workstation usage. Saving things directly to library computers in any fashion is prohibited.
· Printing is available to patrons from the library’s public workstations. Please check at the desk for current charges and rules relating to printing.
· Use of the library’s computers and its network(s) is restricted to that which does not disrupt computer access by others. Patrons of computers in the library may not disrupt general library use by other patrons.
· Patrons may not install software on library workstations or copy software from a library workstations.
· The public access computers will be shut down fifteen minutes before the library closes.
Click here for the Internet Registration Form.
WiFi Policy:
WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS POLICY
[William Jeanes Memorial Library]
This Policy defines the rules that apply to internet accessing wireless internet service using their own equipment at the William Jeanes Memorial Library (WJML). Neither the library, nor Whitemarsh Township, Montgomery County, PA shall be responsible for the content or quality of information retrieved.
Access and Usage
All patrons of the WJML wishing to use Wireless internet access at the library must agree to the Internet And Computer Acceptable Use Policy (WJML) and/ this Wireless Internet Access Policy (WJML) for access to library workstations and/or computer network(s), including wireless internet access. Please note that the WJML complies with the Internet Access Policy of the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCLINC), and the policies for internet access established by its Internet Service Provider, the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCIU).
The MCUI Acceptable Use Policy can be found at:
http://www.mciu.org/mciu23/CWP/view.asp?A=13&QUESTION_ID=400130.
Any activity that does not comply with such collective polices, rules, regulations & protocols (collectively referenced the “Policy”) are prohibited. Failure to comply with the Policy may result in the loss of computer use privileges.
The WJML assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by children. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to determine what is appropriate for children.
Filtering
Consistent with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), access to Internet content is filtered through software provided by MCLINC on all workstations and its wireless network.
Please note, filtering is not completely reliable, and access to obscene materials and images or materials internet find personally offensive is still possible. The library cannot be held responsible for internet who gain access to such sites. The library advises parents or guardians that they, not the library or its staff, need to be responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents who believe their children cannot responsibly use the library’s Internet access workstations are requested to monitor their children’s Internet use.
All patrons are asked to remember that they are in a public building and to show consideration for others when viewing web sites. Offensive images are harassing to the public and staff. Explicit sexual material, as defined in 18 Pa. C.S.A. 5903, may not be displayed on or printed from library workstations.
Disclaimers
The WJML makes no guarantees with regard to wireless network availability nor guarantees a secure connection. Internet patrons using the library’s wireless internet service agree that the library will not be held liable for any damage to personal hardware or software, or for virus infections or other consequences caused by downloads while using the network. Internet patrons should have up-to-date virus software to protect personal devices. Internet patrons agree to indemnify and hold the library harmless from any and all liability arising from use of library network(s) .
Technical Support
Technical support is not available to internet patrons for configuration of personal devices. If you experience difficulty obtaining a wireless signal within the building, please move to a location closer to the wireless access point, which the staff can point out to you. Please refer to MCLINC’s WI-FI Users Guide http://www.mclinc.org/WiFi%20Info.htm for technical support suggestions.
Printers
Printers are not available for wireless access sessions. Patrons are advised to save their work and either use off-site printing capabilities independently arranged, or to email it to their personal address for printing on one of the library’s Internet workstations.
The Internet
Some information found on the internet may not be accurate, complete, or current. Patrons must independently assess the validity of the information found. Patrons should be aware that the internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information about Patron’s activities.
Disclaimer
Free public wireless provides access to the internet for all citizens with a wireless card and a laptop or portable device. The availability, uptime and throughput are not guaranteed but the library will provide a reasonable effort to provide reliable service. The WJML shall be held harmless for any illegal activity or information or data attempted to be accessed or directly accessed whether appropriate or inappropriate while using the internet connections provided by the library. In the case of minors, this responsibility for internet access and use of the library network(s) rests with their parents or legal guardian. In no case, does the display of any material on the internet constitute an endorsement by the WJML.
Confidentiality
Citizens may use private laptops or portable devices to access the internet at their own risk. The library will make a reasonable effort to provide for the privacy of patrons with respect to content, internet name and/or other pertinent information to protect confidentiality.
LIMITATIONS & DISCLAIMERS
§ No printing is available for internet using wireless connection offered by the WJML.
§ By using this free wireless service, you agree to abide by: Internet And Computer Acceptable Use Policy (WJML) and/ this Wireless Internet Access Policy (WJML), the Internet Access Policy of the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCLINC), and the policies for internet access established by its Internet Service Provider, the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCIU). Patrons are required to familiarize themselves with the foregoing policies and procedures.
§ Since all information moves over open radio frequencies, the library’s wireless network is not secure. Any information you enter or display, including email, may be captured by anyone with a wireless device and the appropriate software within several hundred feet. The library strongly urges you not to enter passwords, PINs, account numbers or other private information while using the wireless network, and cautions that using the wireless network for email may allow other people to read your email. Use web based email that employs encrypted (http) access if you absolutely must use email.
§ The library cannot supply technical support or troubleshooting beyond the helpful hints in this document if your equipment does not work with the library wireless service.
§ The library is not responsible for any changes you make to your computer in order to use or attempt to use the library wireless services.
§ The library assumes no responsibility for the security or safety of computer equipment you bring into the library, and patrons must keep their equipment with them at all times.
§ Turn off any audible sound if you use your laptop computers in the library. Patrons are encouraged to supply their own headphones if they desire sound.
§ Signal strength and performance will vary within the library depending on the location of the equipment that produces the radio signals.
§ Although the wireless Internet service is usually available, it is not guaranteed and during times of high use or technical problems, the wireless service may not be available.
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