Internet Access Policy
In seeking to fulfill the mission of the Marlborough Public Library "...to create a community meeting house where citizens of all ages are free to gather and pursue common educational, cultural and recreational interests" the Library provides information in a variety of formats, including access to information on the Internet.
The Library does not select the material available on the Internet. The Library is not accountable for the accuracy, content, nature, or quality of information obtained through the Internet, nor does the Library endorse viewpoints presented on the Internet. As with other library materials, the responsibility for determining what is valuable or appropriate lies with the library patron or, in the case of minors, their parents or guardians.
The Marlborough Public Library seeks to provide Internet resources equally to all patrons. Users are advised to refrain from using these resources for illegal activities.
The following prohibitions and warnings apply to both adults and minors:
- Viewing images or text that is disruptive to others, inappropriate in a public setting or constitutes potential sources of sexual harassment to patrons and library staff is prohibited. For example, the viewing of web sites which display pornography is inappropriate for a public environment and is therefore, not permitted.
- Minors shall not access material “harmful to minors.”
- Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes or network identification codes/numbers assigned to others is prohibited.
- No more than two people may sit or stand at a computer workstation at any time.
- Attempts to gain unauthorized access to computer systems or otherwise compromise system security (“hacking”) are prohibited. Destruction, damaging or altering the configurations of library equipment or software in any way is also prohibited.
- Users are advised to exercise caution in divulging personal information through direct electronic communications, as doing so can compromise personal safety and privacy.
- The downloading of copyrighted materials is also prohibited.
Library staff will intercede when this policy is violated and violators will be asked to leave the library. Violation of this policy may result in actions including, but not limited to, loss of access to the computers and, in some cases, exclusion from the library. When and where applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved.
Approved by the Board of Trustees, December 7, 2010.