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 and teens aged 17 years and younger. Preschoolers and non-readers will need a parent or guardian to monitor and assist them with the computer.
Preference will be given to children up to age 14 for computer usage in the Children's Room. Staff will use their discretion in allowing teens over the age of 14 and adults to use the Children's Room computers, since those aged 15 and up are able to use the Adult computers in the Reference Room. Furthermore, when the Teen Computer Lab is open, teenagers aged 13-18 will be asked to use those computers.
Children's Room staff reserve 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.
Only two people are allowed to share a computer at one time.
Acceptable Use
Children's Room computers are available to use for homework, research and recreation. Acceptable recreational activities include, but are not limited to, internet surfing, online games, watching videos and listening to music, online chat, and social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook. Note: If a child has an account with one of these sites it will not be the responsibility of the Children's Room Staff to determine if they should be on the site based on their age and the site's Rules of Use.
No person using the computers will be allowed to view sites that may be considered offensive to others. Staff will use their 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 computer privileges may be suspended.
Printing
Printing from Children's Room computers is $.10 per page. If a child is printing related to homework or research assignments, the first 10 pages will be free. Any additional pages will be $.10 per page. There is no color printing in the Children's Room.
