Internet Use & Safety Policy

4. NSPL Internet Use and Safety Policy

Consistent with its mission to serve the community through the provision of information and a wide array of informational and recreational resources, the NSPL provides patrons with an opportunity to search for information on the internet. The internet is a global collection of national, regional and local computer networks capable of communicating with each other through a telecommunications network.

Unacceptable Use of the Internet: Access to and use of the internet in the NSPL is a library privilege. Unacceptable use of the NSPL electric information resources, including the internet is prohibited and will result in loss of computer privileges. The following examples of inappropriate or illegal activities constitute unacceptable use:

a. Using the internet for illegal purposes and use of the internet in violation of MA General Law 272, Section 31 (The Harmful to Minors Statute which prohibits dissemination of material to minors which is obscene, or child pornography.
b. Disclosing using or disseminating personal identity information about minors
c. Compromising privacy of users
d. Violating copyright law or software licenses
e. Developing computer programs which infiltrate a computer or computer system and / or damage or alter the software components of a local or remote computer or computer system
f. Transmitting chain mail, broadcast letters or junk mail of any type
g. Attempting to gain unauthorized access to the resources of the library internet computers
h. Disrupting the intended use of the library’s internet computers
i. Destroying the integrity of computer-based information and the library’s internet computers

The NSPL does not provide email accounts to users; however, users with existing email accounts may access their accounts through the library’s internet terminals. The NSPL does not accept responsibility for the privacy of possible cached messages left after such use.

Use of the Internet by Minor Children: The NSPL expects parents to monitor their own minor children’s use of the internet and for deciding whether matter accessed by their minor children is appropriate or inappropriate. Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring their own minor children’s safety and security when using electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communication while at the NSPL. Anyone discovered attempting to damage the library’s equipment or software, attempting to change files or reset configurations will immediately lose the right to use those resources.

Guidelines for NSPL Internet Use: Anyone is eligible to use our electronic resources after having an orientation by library staff. Users with overdue library materials may be denied internet use at the discretion of the library staff. Users are responsible for understanding and adhering to the Internet Use and Safety Policy. As a protection against viruses there will be no downloading of information from the library’s computers to a disk or hard drive. Disks, computer programs and CD Rom’s may not be introduced to a computer unless by an authorized library employee. Printouts are available from internet access computers. Cost per page for black and white printout is $00.10 or $00.25 for color printouts. Users may reserve up to one half hour of computer time in person or by phone.

Violators of the NSPL Internet policies may lose all library privileges.

Offensive and Disruptive Materials: The NSPL strives to balance the rights of patrons to access all types of information resources with the rights of patrons and staff to work in a public setting free from disruptive sounds and visual materials. The NSPL’s computers are located in public areas, which are shared with library users and staff of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities. Users are expected to consider this diversity and respect the sensibilities of others when accessing potentially offensive information or images.

Waiver of Responsibility: The NSPL does not control or monitor material available on the internet and cannot be held responsible for its content, authority reliability, validity, currency or use. The NSPL does not accept responsibility for retention of cached information about sites visited on the internet or World Wide Web. The NSPL Board of Trustees, staff and director are not liable for any negative consequences that may occur as a result of using the NSPL internet connection. It is the responsibility of each user to determine that information accessed electronically is appropriate for that user.

Violation of policies regarding acceptable use of computing resources will be handled through appropriate legal channels relative to the nature and seriousness of any violation.

New Salem Public Library Video Policy

The New Salem Public Library prides itself on providing a safe and enjoyable experience to all its users, offering an atmosphere conducive to everyone’s right to unimpeded and enjoyable library use. The library also recognizes that there are times when the desire or need to capture a permanent image of an event or the building is important. To retain the privacy of library users, as well as the aforementioned safe and enjoyable space, the following is the stated policy for photography, filming and recording in the library.

Casual noncommercial photography intended to record a visit to the public areas of the library is permitted provided that such photography

does not interfere in any way with library operations
does not capture identifiable likenesses of individuals without their permission
does not feature minors, except with the permission of their parent or legal guardian
does not use any supplemental lighting
is not used for any commercial purpose whatsoever.

Please contact the Library Director if you or your interest in the library falls into one of the following categories:

Nonprofit filming projects that require special equipment, staff involvement, or after-hours access
News media for stories or projects that directly involve the library and its programs
Individuals or organizations seeking to do photography or filming for commercial purposes

The library recommends a donation of $50 from people wishing to use its facilities for photos, filming or recording.

The library reserves the right to terminate or restrict any photography or filming that causes an undue disturbance, violates library policy or regulation, endangers the health or safety of patrons or staff, or violates any local ordinance, or state or federal law.

The New Salem Public Library reserves the right to use photographs or video taken at the library for publicity purposes in printed materials and online. Attendees and patrons consent to having their photograph taken and used for such purposes. If a library patron does not wish themselves or their child to be photographed, the patron must notify the library staff to that effect. No names will be used in conjunction with photos or video without express written consent.