INTERNET USAGE IN THE LIBRARY

 Please read the guidelines below. Click the link at the bottom of this page to proceed.

The Sawyer Free Library’s Wireless Network is a free service permitting open access to the Internet. Patrons agree to use the service in a responsible manner and to refrain from inappropriate or illegal activity while making use of the Library's Internet service. As an open resource provided by an external vendor, the Library does not guarantee a level of service or reliability of the connection, nor is the Library responsible for any damages to a patron’s data or equipment caused through using the service.

The Internet is an unrestricted global electronic network, and the Library does not own or control the information found on external sites not part of the Library’s own Website. The Library does not control or block potential harmful or offensive information found on some sites, nor does it endorse or guarantee the accuracy of the content. Resources available over the Internet may contain controversial material. Information links often change rapidly and are unpredictable, and response times will vary in speed.

Please be aware that as an unsecured, open connection, your computer is vulnerable to hackers and personal information is not protected while using this wireless service. It is recommended that you use a firewall for your device while connected. The Library is not responsible for the loss, theft, or malicious damage of personal computing devices.

Parents must assume responsibility for their children's use of the Internet resources through the library's connection. As with all materials in the Library, responsibility for a child’s use of the Internet rests with the parent or guardian. Parents are encouraged to work with their children to develop rules for the use of the Internet, including rules for the safety of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of electronic communications.

When using the Library's Internet access, it is not acceptable to:

· violate federal, state or local laws

· violate copyright laws or database license agreements

· display or print graphics or text that is obscene, pornography, or harmful to minors

· engage in any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating, disruptive or hostile environment for patrons or library staff

· invade the privacy of individuals

· gain unauthorized access to other computers, resources or entities.

Consequences of violation of this Internet policy will lead to:

· Patrons being asked to discontinue the activity.

· If they continue, they will be asked to leave the library facility.

· If they refuse to leave, they will be considered trespassers and the police will be called to remove them.

· If the activity is thought to be illegal as defined by law (above), police will be called to investigate.

USER’S RESPONSIBLITIES:

Patrons are responsible for bringing their own wireless-enabled laptop computer or other wireless device to the Library. The Library does not check out any computer equipment.

Patrons are responsible for knowing how to configure their own equipment. Check your manual if you can't get your wireless card to work. Since everyone's computer is different, the Library cannot support the variety of equipment configurations.

Be considerate of other patrons and remember to use headphones when listening to resources with audio. The Library reserves the right to ask patrons to lower the volume when loud headphones are causing a disturbance. The use of computer speakers is not permitted in the Library reading areas.

Printing is not available through the wireless Internet service.