Policy Statements of the Enfield Public Library

Public Access Computer Policy 

In accordance with its mission to meet the informational needs of the community, the Enfield Public Library is pleased to provide equal and fair access to the information network known as the Internet to all who are registered Connecticut library patrons in good standing It is the purpose of this Public Access Computer Policy to discuss, clarify, and emphasize particular issues, and it is used in conjunction with our Patron Behavior Policy

As a member of the Connecticut Library Association, the Enfield Public Library supports the principles of open, free and unrestricted access to information, including information available via the Internet.

The Library fully supports the declarations of the American Library Association. The ALA Code of Ethics, the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read and Freedom to View statements all govern our duties and responsibilities to the general public.

Any use of the computers that violates federal, state or local laws or regulations will be strictly prohibited.

The Enfield Public Library does not monitor or control the information accessed online. Not all Internet sources provide accurate, complete, or current information; therefore the library makes no representations as to, nor is it responsible for, the content, organization or quality of such information.

The library is pleased to provide access to a wide range of resources; however, it is the assumed responsibility of the public to use judgment and caution when using these resources. As with other library materials, the library cannot act in loco parentis. Parents/guardians, not library staff, are responsible for monitoring their children's use of the Internet and other electronic resources using the library's connection.

Access to electronic mail (e-mail), chat rooms and electronic games are permitted on the library's computers; however, the library does not provide e-mail accounts. Users must possess a web-based e-mail account. Additionally, all research needs take precedence over e-mail, chat or gaming usage.

The library's computers are available on a first come/first serve basis whenever the library is open. Although there are no time restrictions, users need to limit their usage to one hour when others are waiting. Users are required to sign-in at the Reference Desk before accessing the computers.

It is expected that patrons have a basic working knowledge of computer hardware and software programs. Library staff is available on a limited basis to assist patrons with computer troubleshooting. Although the staff is happy to help, priority is given to research instruction, not computer instruction. Periodically, the library will hold educational classes for online searching. If more individualized attention is needed, please inquire at the Reference Desk about the availability of one-on-one instruction.

Users must pay for printing at the main desk. The cost is $.10 per page. Using any paper that is not provided by the library is prohibited. Any specialized printing needs must be found at a third party vendor.

All library computers shut down 10 minutes before the library closes. Users must have all searching and printing completed before this time.

Violations of this aforementioned policy or misuse of the computers or Internet access will result in a patron's loss of computer privileges and may also result in the loss of library privileges and/or legal action. Misuse includes, but it not limited to:

• Users may not download programs onto town computers.
• Users may not copy system files or attempt to modify such files or software.
• Violating any federal or state law (including all copyright laws) is prohibited.
• Vandalizing any hardware, software or computer systems is prohibited.
• Users are not to attempt any troubleshooting of the hardware or software. Please report any problems to the desk.
• Introducing any computer viruses into the system is prohibited.
• Consuming food or drink near the computer workstations is prohibited.

Library computers are in public areas. The staff will intervene if what you view is disruptive to others reasonable use of the library.

Revised 8/03

In our efforts to provide a comfortable environment for all library users, we have established a Library Behavior Policy for our patrons. The purpose of the Policy is to define unacceptable behavior and also to suggest conduct that is appropriate in a library.

Violations of the Policy will result in increasing levels of action, ranging from asking the patron to leave the library for the remainder of the day to the patron’s permanent loss of all library privileges to legal prosecution. The level of action shall be determined on a case-by-case basis and shall be within the sole discretion of the Library Director or his or her designee.

Unacceptable Behavior causes excessive noise levels, creates disturbances, interferes with other patrons' use of the library, damages library property and is not permitted in the library. Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• Loud, disruptive conversations, including shouting;
• Use of profane and/or abusive language;
• Harassment of others, either verbally or by physical actions. This includes any
  actions that other patrons or staff members perceive to be harassing;
• Threatening others either verbally or by physical actions. This includes any actions that other patrons or staff members perceive to be threatening;
• Use of alcohol and narcotics is not permitted. Patrons under the influence of either alcohol or narcotics will not be allowed on the Library premises;
• Carrying weapons of any kind. This does not apply to law enforcement officers;
• Throwing, running and climbing in the library;
• Indiscriminate pulling of materials from shelves in a manner that disrupts the orderly and proper arrangement of library materials;
• Radios and other sound producing devices may not be used in the library unless they are used with headphones and the sounds are not audible to others;
• Patrons bringing cell phones or paging devices into the library must set them to the silent or vibrating mode. Patrons talking on cell phones should use the lobby area. Patrons talking in a loud or disruptive manner or using profane or abusive language will be asked to leave the library;
• Solicitation, vending and distribution of petitions or surveys are not permitted in the library or on the library grounds without the prior consent of the Library Director or his/her designee.

Animals are not allowed inside the library. Animals needed to aid individuals with disabilities are exempted from this rule.

Only staff and authorized individuals are allowed in staff areas.

Roller blades, skateboards or other athletic equipment shall not be used in the library. Patrons bringing these items to the library may check them at the front desk.

Library staff cannot be expected to assume responsibility for the care of unsupervised children, under the age of eighteen. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for the behavior of their children.

Children six (6) years of age and younger must be accompanied by and at all times be under the supervision of a parent or other responsible caregiver who is at least twelve (12) years of age. The library staff and this policy recognize that the children's area of the library may be louder and have more commotion than the adult areas of the library. However, if a child is disruptive and cannot be quieted or calmed, the parent or caregiver must remove the child from the library.

Toys must remain in the children's area and or community room.

There shall be no loitering on the library grounds.

All patrons must leave the premises after closing, unless they are participating in a prescheduled program or meeting.

Anyone involved in the theft, defacement or mutilation of library materials or property will be subject to arrest and prosecution.

Food and drink spillage can damage valuable resources. Since care needs to be exercised, we ask that you refrain from having food and drink around any computer or electronic equipment. The patron is responsible for any damage done by their food and drink.

Last Modified: 2/16/2007 10:06:54 AM