The Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library is committed to its role in serving the information and lifelong learning needs of all of its citizens.  Providing access to the Internet can enable the library to expand greatly its information services beyond the traditional collections and resources.

The Internet offers unlimited global access to information, however, before using the Internet customers should be aware that not all sources on the Internet provide information that is accurate, complete, current, legal, or philosophically acceptable to all citizens and some Internet sites contain material that some may find to be controversial or offensive.  The Library has no control over the information available on the Internet and, therefore, cannot be held responsible for its content, accuracy or currency.  The Library also does not monitor customers’ use of the Internet, and does not install filters, which limit access to certain sites or materials, on its Internet computers made available to the public.

By using a Library computer, customers agree to hold the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library (including its Board of Trustees, employees and agents), harmless and to indemnify it against any and all claims or liabilities, directly or indirectly, relating to the customer’s or another person’s use of the Library’s Internet computers.

Child Safety on the Internet

Parents and guardians of children under the age of 18 are responsible for their children’s use of the Internet.  Parents are encouraged to discuss with their children the use of the Internet in relation to their own family values and as to boundaries and to monitor their children’s use of the Internet.

To assist parents, the Library has available on line and in print form, a pamphlet entitled Child Safety on the Internet, published by the National Center for Missing and Exploited children.  The pamphlet includes “Guidelines for Safety” and “My Rules for Online Safety.”  Parents are encouraged to review this information with their children.

Restrictions

Users are encouraged to take advantage of the Internet and to exercise good judgment and discretion in their use of it.  The Library firmly believes that the valuable information available on the Internet far outweighs the possibility that users may come across material that is inconsistent with the goals of the Library.  Nevertheless, the Library reserves the right to prohibit the accessing and/or viewing of material that is in violation of this Policy.

Use of the Library’s Internet computers is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate usage may result in a suspension or cancellation of this privilege.  Examples of inappropriate use include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Compromising the integrity of the Library’s computer network;
• Unauthorized tampering with computer hardware or software;
• Attempting to or downloading and/or installing software onto a Library computer;
• Storing data to anything other than a personal, portable information storage device;
• Violating software license agreements or copyright laws;
• Viewing sites or pages which display child pornography or other unlawful content;
• Violating another user’s privacy;
• Engaging in conduct that is disruptive to the Library.

Individuals performing unlawful acts involving Library computing resources also may be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal law enforcement authorities.

The Library is not responsible for damage to a customer’s portable information storage device or computer, or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from the customer’s use of the Library’s computers.

Computer Use

No more than two people may use a computer workstation at one time.  The Library will establish time limits, which will vary based on demand.

Customers should notify the Library of any viruses they find.  The Library is not responsible for the unavailability of resources on the Internet computers due to technical difficulties or any other reason.

Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in termination of an Internet session at any time, and also may result in suspension or cancellation of computer use privileges.

Staff Assistance

Staff will try to answer specific questions about the Internet and offer suggestions for effective searching.  Staff also can provide information about Internet training opportunities and Internet books and manuals.

The Library staff and Board of Trustees support the principles and user rights delineated in the American Library Association’s “Library Bill of Rights in Cyberspace.”

Adopted:  05/18/98

Revised:  11/27/00

Revised:  01/24/05

Revised:  05/26/09