Computer & Internet Use Policy

The Town of Acton Libraries

Purpose

The Town of Acton Libraries – the Memorial Library and Citizens’ Library – provide resources in a wide variety of formats to meet the cultural, informational, educational, and recreational needs of the diverse community they serve. The internet is an integral part of the resources available to assist library patrons in finding information they need.

The internet is a global electronic network. The Libraries have no control over the information accessed through the internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The internet may contain material of a controversial nature. Parents are encouraged to supervise their children’s internet sessions.

The internet is a continually evolving resource and information and links on the internet change rapidly and unpredictably. The Libraries cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information on the internet. You need to carefully evaluate the information that you or your children find when using this resource.

Library staff, in the course of their regular duties, reserve the right to ensure that Library patrons are adhering to all Library policies.

By using a public internet workstation, public WiFi, or any other public technology at either Acton library, you agree to comply with the following guidelines.

General Use & Behavior

Use of the internet is governed by the Library User Behavior Policy.

• Use
  • Use of the Libraries’ public internet workstation, public WiFi, or any other public technology at either Acton library for illegal or abusive activities is prohibited. Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to: accessing sexually explicit sites; harassing others; spreading libel; creating and downloading viruses; and destroying or damaging library equipment, software, or data belonging to the Libraries or others.
  • Display or dissemination of sexually explicit or sexually suggestive (obscene) material is strictly prohibited.
  • You may not invade the privacy of others or engage in any activity that is harassing, defamatory, or threatening, or receive or display graphics which may be reasonably construed as obscene as defined by law.
  • It is your responsibility to respect copyright laws and licensing agreements.
  • The Libraries do not assume any responsibility for payment of fees or any fee-based service.
• Printing: Printing is 15¢ for black and white prints, and 25¢ for color prints. At Memorial Library, the print release station on the upper level offers cash and card payment options. At Citizens’ Library, pay at the front desk. You may only print on paper that is provided by the Library.
• USB Drives: You may save work on your own USB drive. The Libraries are not responsible for damage, loss of data, or liability that may result from patron use of the Libraries’ computers.
• Software Installation: You may not alter the setup of Library equipment (computers, desk, etc.) and you are prohibited from installing additional software or hardware on the Libraries’ computers. Tampering with or removing hardware and/or software is considered vandalism.
• Technology Support and Troubleshooting
  • Due to availability of Library staff, detailed and complex technical instruction is unavailable.
  • When using a Library computer, do not attempt to repair equipment or troubleshoot any technical problems. Do not reboot Library equipment. If there is an issue with Library equipment, please seek assistance from Library staff.
• Privacy: The Libraries make every attempt to protect the privacy of its patrons. However, the complexity of today’s networking software prevents us from making any guarantee of privacy on our computers. The Libraries’ time management system at Memorial Library records times of log in, logout, and barcode. The Libraries reserves the right, in special circumstances, to use that information to investigate serious breaches of our policies. The Libraries and the Minuteman Library Network assume no liability for any damage to user data or loss of user privacy sustained while using library equipment.
• Enforcement: Violations of the policies described above will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner, which includes, but is not limited to having computer privileges revoked or resulting in potential removal from the Library. Be aware that illegal acts involving the Libraries’ resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.

Children & the Internet

• Filtering: Software filters may block certain content from being accessed by computers in the Children’s Room, but the ultimate responsibility for what children access on the internet is the sole responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.
• Use: Each child must sign in to use the computers with their own library card. Children’s Room computer users are allowed up to 120 minutes (2 hours) per day. This time can be used in multiple sessions. Your session may be cut short if you log on near closing time. Disruptive or destructive behavior may result in the suspension of computer privileges.

Use of Library Computers at Memorial Library

• Logging In: You can access the internet through public computers by logging in with either your library card or with a guest pass. You must present your own valid Minuteman Library Card. Using another patron’s library card is strictly prohibited. If you do not have a library card, and wish to get one, you may do so at any public service desk in the library. At Memorial Library, guest passes are available at the Reference Desk. The Memorial Library reserves the right to terminate an internet session at any time.
• Time: You may use Library equipment (Library desktop workstation or Chromebook) for up to 120 minutes (2 hours) per day. This time can be used in one session or multiple sessions throughout the day. Your session may be cut short if you log in during closing hours. Renewals are available at the discretion of the Library staff and only if there is no one waiting to use a computer.
• Chromebooks: Please see the Chromebook Lending Policy for more information.

Use of Library Computers at Citizens’ Library

• Logging In: You may freely access the internet through public computers at Citizens’ Library.
• Time: While there is no time restriction set on computer use at Citizens’, the Citizens’ Library reserves the right to terminate an internet session at any time, especially if someone is waiting and you have been on for more than 2 hours.

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Acton Memorial Library this 28th day of March, 2024.