Milford Town Library Internet Safety Policy

The Milford Town Library provides access to the Internet. The individual user is the ultimate judge of appropriateness, usefulness, and value of all information accessed via the Internet. The library does not control and does not monitor any information accessed through the Internet for either accuracy or content. Nor does the library have complete knowledge of what is on the Internet. Information on the Internet may be reliable and current or it may be inaccurate, out-of-date, or unavailable at times. The Milford Town Library cannot be held responsible for the content of the Internet. The Library seeks to provide equal access to information for persons of all ages, preserving minors status as full members of the Internet community. In the case of minors, responsibility rests with their parents or legal guardian. Library staff will answer basic questions about Internet use. Users may refer to books about the Internet or sign up for Internet workshops held at the library.

Using computers in the Library for illegal purposes is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to using the Internet in violation of the Massachusetts General Law 272 Section 31, the Harmful to Minors statute, or for the transmission of threatening, harassing, defamatory or obscene materials. Children shall not access material “harmful to minors”. Blatantly offensive visual or text-based materials constitute potential sources of sexual harassment to other patrons and to Library staff and will not be tolerated. Failure to comply with a request from a Library staff member to abide by these rules will result in suspension from the Library and/or criminal sanctions. Viewing child pornography or attempting to use sexually explicit images to entice a child will be reported immediately to the Police.

Images and text that are deemed by Library staff or patrons to be threatening or unsafe for children will not be allowed on computer monitors in the Children’s Room. Privacy screens are available to ensure confidentiality for anyone who is viewing Internet material that may be disturbing to young children or may infringe upon another person’s rights. Users are advised to exercise caution in divulging personal information through direct electronic communications, as doing so can compromise personal safety and privacy. Unauthorized disclosure of personal information about a third party is prohibited. Parents are responsible for monitoring their children’s access to chat and e-mail in the library and children should be taught not to disclose personal information. We encourage parents to participate with their children in the Library’s Internet Safety Program. Patrons are encouraged to assist in maintaining a child-safe Library by bringing problems to the attention of the staff. Patrons may fill out an Incident Report Form if they feel that a situation merits further attention.

To ensure equity in time, access to the Internet is regulated using the PC Reservations system. Patrons using the Internet can reserve a PC or access an available Internet terminal using their library card. Guest passes are available for non-cardholders. All patrons are limited to two one-hour sessions of Internet use per day.

Adopted by the Board of Library Trustees November 18, 2003