COMPUTER ACCESS AND SERVICES POLICY

Policies and Procedures

Public access terminals are available at the Mason Library and the Ramsdell Public

Library. Patrons are expected to use them with consideration for others.

The Great Barrington Library will follow established guidelines for public libraries

regarding the use of filtering or content clocking software. While filtering software such

as Cyber Patrol or Net Nanny will not be employed, the libraries will work with their

technical consultant to explore options available to be in compliance with any pertinent

federal and state legislation.

The Great Barrington Libraries cannot be held responsible for the content or quality of

the information accessed through the Internet. The library staff does not actively monitor

nor have control over the subject matter being accessed by any patron. Neither the Great

Barrington Board of Library Trustees, nor the library staff, nor the town of Great

Barrington is liable for any negative consequences that may result from using the library

computer services.

As with other library materials, the Great Barrington Libraries affirm the parent’s or legal

guardian’s right and responsibility for monitoring his or her child’s use of electronic

resources.

Availability

Terminals around the stairwell and at the back of the stacks section of Mason Library are

intended for library catalog access and for short-term internet access and do not require

registration. Patrons using these terminals for long periods of time when other patrons

are waiting may be asked to vacate their terminals.

Patrons at Ramsdell Public Library should notify the circulation desk when they want to

use a terminal. Patrons may be asked to leave after one hour if other patrons are waiting.

Patrons at Mason Library who want to use a terminal in the Reading Room or the

Reference/Genealogy Room should sign in at the circulation desk. Patrons may be asked

to leave after one hour if other patrons are waiting. Patrons using the reference room

computer for purposes other than research may be asked to leave at any time in favor of a

patron engaged in research.

Patrons under 17 years of age must have the signed consent of a parent or legal guardian

to use computers at Ramsdell or in the Mason Reading Room, using the form attached to

these policies.

Computers in the children’s room are for the exclusive use of children and accompanying

adults. It is expected that parents will be aware of what children are viewing.

Use

Public Access Computers are to be used in a manner that is both legal and respectful to

other patrons.

Black and white printouts are $ .15 cents a page

Students may print up to twenty pages a day of homework-related material. Whether

material is home-work related is to be determined by the library staff.

Public access computers may not be used to:

•Conduct business activities

•Harass others

•Commit fraud, libel or slander

•Violate copyright

•Violate another user’s privacy

•Deliberately display obscene images

In addition, patrons may not deliberately damage equipment, software, files or data or

attempt to violate system security.

The deliberate display of obscene materials and images is prohibited by Massachusetts

General Law (Chapter 272, Section 29). If a patron accidentally enters an offensive site

and is unable to exit, a librarian should immediately be made aware of the problems so as

to provide assistance.

Patrons violating these and other library policies may lose all library privileges.

Replacement costs will be charged for damages caused to hardware, software, or

furnishings.

Parent/Guardian Consent Form for Open Access Computer Use

All patrons less than seventeen (17) years of age must have a copy of this form on file

with Great Barrington Libraries. Forms must be signed by a parent or guardian in the

presence of a member of the library staff, who must the countersign the agreement.

As the parent or legal guardian of ______________________________________ I give

permission for my minor child to use the open access internet computers at the Great

Barrington Libraries with the understanding that I am responsible for monitoring my

child’s appropriate use of the computers, and that I am also responsible for any damage

that may occur by inappropriate use.

Child’s Name__________________________ Child’s Date of Birth____________

Parent/Guardian Signature_____________________________ Date________________

Address_________________________________________________________________

Telephone #__________________________