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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