Internet Policy and Rules Regarding Computer Use
Internet Policy:
The Utica Public Library agrees with the view of the American Library Association as stated in the Library Bill of Rights, that “a person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background or views.” Although the library recognizes that patrons may encounter sites on the Internet that they regard as objectionable, offensive or possessed of content they deem inappropriate for children, we must remind them that the staff cannot monitor these children as they explore the information resources, either print or electronic, available in the library. That type of supervision is the right and responsibility of the child’s parent or legal guardian. We expect that parents or caretakers of children will guide them in their exploration of the Internet in the same way that they provide guidance in the child’s choice of reading or listening materials.
Rules
- The Children’s Room provides computers for use by children aged 14 years and younger. Preschoolers and non-readers will need a parent or guardian to monitor and assist them with the computer.
- The staff will use its discretion in allowing teens (over the age of 14) and adults to use the Children’s Room computers.
- Children must ask a staff member to sign them up for computer time. Computers may also be reserved in advance by phone. However, if the person reserving the computer is not in the Children’s Room within five minutes of the reserved time, their turn will be lost.
- Parents wishing to use the Web Catalog will be provided an available computer. If no computer is available, staff will be happy to assist them in looking up materials.
- Staff reserves the right to limit computer time. During times of high demand, staff will impose a 30-minute time limit for recreational use of computers.
- Children doing research and homework assignments will be given first choice of computer time. There will be no time limit imposed unless there is a waiting list. Every effort will be made to be sure all children are given ample time to complete assignments.
- Children using the computer for recreation may print no more than 5 free copies per day. Children will not be allowed to access music and/or music videos on the computer while doing homework. Those wishing to listen to music while doing homework should bring their own portable player with headphones. Once assignments have been completed, children may then sign up for recreational use of a computer. Children caught using homework time for recreational use will lose their computer privileges for the remainder of the day, even if their assignments have not been completed.
- Only two people are allowed to share a computer at one time.
- The staff will use its discretion in determining which Web sites are not acceptable for viewing in the Children’s Room. Children viewing the sites will be given a verbal warning. If a child persists in viewing sites they’ve received a verbal warning about, their recreational computer privileges may be suspended.