Internet Policy

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young adult area

            The Bridgewater Public Library welcomes you to the Internet.  Sometimes referred to as the “Information Super Highway”, the Internet is a global collection of computer networks capable of communicating with each other to provide information and resources to users around the world.

             In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the Bridgewater Public Library endeavors to develop collections, resources and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of Bridgewater’s diverse, multicultural community. 

            The Internet and its available resources may contain materials of a controversial nature.  In offering Internet access, library staff cannot control access points which often change rapidly and unpredictably.  Users are hereby reminded that the information they find is their responsibility. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet through the library’s “Internet only” connections.

             All users of electronic resources are to act in a responsible and ethical manner, consistent with the policies of the library and, for minors, consistent also with parental or legal guardian guidance.  In accordance with federal and state laws and regulations, patrons are not permitted to use terminals for any illegal or criminal purpose, including, but not limited to, accessing legally obscene materials, harassment or stalking, unauthorized access to computer systems, or in a manner disruptive of other people’s work.  The library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through electronic information systems, including its connections to its World Wide Web Server or from its connections to other Internet services through UltraNet, Inc. and the SAILS Network. 

             We encourage you to browse the available resources with an adventurous spirit.  Unlike materials which reside within our library, Internet resources have not been selected by librarians.  We cannot be responsible for the accuracy or timeliness of information found.  Because of the public nature of the library’s Internet services, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

            The Bridgewater Public Library does not offer e-mail accounts to patrons.   Please be aware that responses to e-mail sent directly over the Internet from these workstations are not available to the sender. However, users may be able to access their personal e- mail accounts at the workstations in order to send and receive messages.  Patrons may also establish e-mail accounts through services on the Internet such as Hot Mail and Alta Vista.  When accessing e-mail in the library at a public workstation, please keep in mind that private communications may be accessible to the next workstation user. 

            Chat rooms can be a valuable source of information on the Internet.  Users may be able to find a group discussing current topics of interest and importance to them.  Because of the limited number of workstations and the popularity of the Internet among library users, the Bridgewater Public Library strongly discourages users from using library workstations for entering chat rooms which are for entertainment rather than for information purposes.

             Users may not download information, icons, graphics or programs to the computer’s hard drive.  Information may only be downloaded to pre-formatted floppy disks purchased at the library. 

Adopted by the Board of Library Trustees March 19, 1996

Amended March 20, 2000; June 19, 2001

   Last modified 06/05/2003

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