In accord with our Mission Statement, the Warwick Public Library endeavors to develop resources and services to meet the informational needs of our community. Advances in technology have made possible many new library resources, some of which are used and accessed in ways different from print media. This statement is intended to outline library policies and user responsibilities regarding electronic resources and the Internet. Most electronic information resources, including the Internet, are accessed through public-access computer workstations at the Library. Use of any computer workstation shall constitute acceptance by the user of the Library's policies, and agreement to follow these policies. This acceptance is reaffirmed each time a workstation is used.
The Internet is a global electronic network that offers access to a nearly unlimited variety of materials and information. However, the quality of that information varies greatly. Not all resources on the Internet provide information that is accurate, complete, current, or legal. Some Internet sites contain material that you may find to be offensive, disturbing, and inappropriate for children. The Warwick Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the content of materials on the Internet, which often changes rapidly and unpredictably.
Users are responsible for the choice of Internet sites that they visit, and the Warwick Public Library cannot be held responsible for the contents of any site. Just as the Library does not vouch for or endorse the viewpoints of written materials, we do not do so for electronic information, including Internet sites.
Library staff can provide guidance to users, and suggest appropriate sites. Our home page offers easy and convenient access to valuable local, national, and international resources.
In no event shall the Warwick Public Library have any liability for lost profits or for any direct or indirect special, punitive, or consequential damages, or any liability to a third party, even if the Library is advised of the possibility of such damages, arising from the use of its connection to the Internet.
As with other library materials, restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. The Warwick Public Library does not serve in loco parentis; the Library cannot usurp the right and responsibility of parents and guardians to supervise children's use of the Internet. Please read "My rules for Online Safety" and the pamphlet "Parents, Kids, and the Internet" for more information. Our Kids Page provides a great starting point for children's use of the Internet.
Guidelines
All users of computer workstations must agree to abide by the following rules:
- Computers will not be used for illegal activities, to access illegal materials, or to access materials that by local community standards would be obscene.
- The installation, downloading, or modification of software is prohibited.
- Users will make no attempts to modify or gain access to system files, passwords, or data.
- Users will make no changes in the setup or configuration of software or hardware.
- Users will make only authorized copies of software or data, and are responsible for compliance with all international, national, and state laws governing copyrighted materials.
- Users will end their session and leave the workstation when asked to do so by Library staff.
- Under no circumstances may personal software or equipment be used on the Library's workstations or network.
- Users shall not behave in a way that intrudes upon the rights of others. Users are prohibited from invading the privacy of other library users, harassing the Library staff or users, and damaging or disrupting computer equipment.
- No library user is permitted to use a computer to view obscenity, child pornography, or to display any illegal content, or, if a minor, to view materials harmful to minors in violation of federal, state and/or local laws.
- All users agree to abide by the decision of Library staff regarding any and all use of computer equipment.
- The Library reserves the right to restrict access to particular Internet sites, or to limit use of equipment for any reason deemed to be in the best interest of the community. Web management software may be employed to accomplish the objectives of these policies. Any individual whose behavior violates Library policies or otherwise misuses computer resources will be subject to the loss of computer privileges, potential loss of library privileges, and possible prosecution.
Approved by Library Board of Trustees 6/28/02