Welcome to the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library’s Internet Access. The Internet is a global collection of computer networks that connects thousands of computers all over the world. Access to the Internet provides the user with vast amounts of information available through these connections. Use of the Internet shall be in accordance with the Library’s mission of providing services and materials that "give opportunity for the education, cultural enrichment and development, recreation and entertainment of its patrons." Though the Internet is perhaps the most advanced and broadest source of information, like all other library provided sources and services, its use is subject to Library policy and guidelines.

Disclaimer

While the Library offers suggestions to a wide range of useful and interesting sites through its home page, all Internet sites are accessible through the Library’s Internet provider. This allows access to ideas, information and commentary from around the globe and a vast array of tools and resources for different age levels and points-of-view, some of which may contain inaccurate, controversial and even offensive material. The Internet is an unregulated, ungoverned fluid source of information that is constantly changing. The Library does not endorse the viewpoints or vouch for the accuracy of information obtained through the Internet. Selection policies, which serve to govern the Library’s purchase of materials, are not applicable to materials accessed electronically. The Library has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. We firmly believe that the valuable information and interactions available on this worldwide network far outweigh the possibility of access to materials not consistent with Library goals.

Acceptable Use

All users of electronic information resources such as the Internet are expected to use these resources in a responsible manner, consistent with the educational, informational and recreational purposes for which they are provided.

Responsible, ethical, use of Internet resources includes the following:

• Using resources for educational, informational and recreational purposes only, not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.

• Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; by not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.

• Further respecting the privacy of others using public access workstations by not interfering with their use.

• Saving information only to a diskette or printing it out according to the fee schedule posted.

• Downloading (bringing information and or programs from a remote computer’s hard drive to a library computer’s hard drive) is not permissible.

• Leaving the computer (screen and hard drive) exactly as you found it.

• Being sensitive to the fact that the Internet Access stations are in a public location subject to view by a wide audience.

• Not sending, receiving, or displaying, text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene, sexually explicit, or demeaning to any race, ethnic background, religion, disability, gender, or life style.

• Not participating in chat rooms.

Access by Minors

In-Library access to the Internet is available to anyone who has a Community Library card in good standing. Parents of youth under 18 years who do not want their child to have library based Internet access, should notify the Library by writing to or visiting the Special Services Section of the Circulation Department.

If it is apparent that acceptable use guidelines are not being followed, librarians will intervene. It is not possible, however, for library staff to monitor all use. We cannot guarantee that inappropriate sites will never be accessed by children and youth. We recommend that parents take an active interest in, and responsibility for their children’s on-line use.

Assistance

Library staff will assist patrons with Internet use as time permits, but cannot offer personal instruction.

Time Limits

Internet use may be limited to prescribed lengths of time to provide greater access for all patrons.

Violation of Guidelines

Misuse or abuse of this computer or Internet access may result in suspension of Internet access privileges. Persons using this equipment agree not to make any changes to the setup or configuration of the software or hardware. Violations of the letter and / or spirit of these guidelines may result in the suspension of Internet privileges. Violations of laws governing Internet use may result in criminal prosecution.