Please note that the Medway Public Library does not allow the use of cell phones in the library. Please confine your use of cell phones to the entryways at the front and rear entrances to the library.

1. Goals of Public Internet Access.

The Medway Public Library seeks to enhance its mission as a disseminator of knowledge and its role as information provider by enabling the public to access information on the worldwide network of computers referred to as the Internet. Information on the Internet may be reliable and current or it may be inaccurate, out-of-date or unavailable at times. The Medway Public Library has no control over Internet resources nor does the library have complete knowledge of what is on the Internet. Patrons must be good information consumers and consider the validity of information found.

2. Policies on Access

a. Acceptable Use.

1. Do not disseminate any personal information, i.e. name, address, or age of any minor patron, including yourself, if a minor, via chat rooms, or other electronic communications

2. Illegal, unethical or abusive use of the Internet is not permitted. Such use includes, but is not limited to:

• transmitting or displaying obscene, harassing or threatening material or messages
• violation of copyright or licensing agreements
• violation of another user's privacy
• representing yourself as someone else
• distributing advertising, junk mail, chain letters or computer viruses
• interfering with or harassing other users either in person or online
• attempting to violate computer security or to gain unauthorized access to the library's network or computer systems or any other network or computer system.

b. Limitations of Service

1. E-mail Accounts: The library will not provide personal electronic mail accounts to allow users to communicate with others over the Internet via direct electronic mail or via postings to news groups. Users may access their own mail accounts through library workstations, if they are accessible via standard Internet connections.
2. Sending Mail: Do not request replies to messages unless replies will go to your personal mail account. Replies will not be able to get back to you if they are addressed to the public workstation or have the default browser's address.
3. Assistance. Library staff is available to assist you in your use of Internet Resources, but cannot be familiar with every resource you might wish to use. Due to scheduling constraints, there may not be an Internet- trained librarian on duty at all times. Because of the many different Internet resources available, the library is unable to provide complete technical support

c. Limitations of Service

There are no specific age restrictions on use of library computers, however, in order to assure the safety and integrity of the equipment, we reserve the right to insist that anyone below the age of ten must be accompanied by an adult. Parents should ensure that their children use the equipment responsibly.

There are no other restrictions on youth access. Parents are urged to be aware of their child=s use of the Internet, and should know that they are responsible for their child's use of the Internet. Widespread searching of the Internet beyond the selections highlighted by the Minuteman website can bring a wealth of important and relevant information. However, the Internet is an unrestricted area and could present particular hazards to minors. We urge parents to be informed Internet users for their children and encourage parents to review the following sites for important safety information for minors and the Internet.

http://www.Safekids.com

d. User Responsibilities. Users are responsible for:

1. Evaluating the currency and accuracy of information found on the Internet.
2. Selecting sites for use beyond those listed on the Medway Public Library web site or the Minuteman Library Network web site.
3. Supervising children's use. It is the library's policy that parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for which library or Internet resources are appropriate for their children. Parents should let their children know which materials or sites they do not want them to use.

3. Operating Policies

1. Sign-ups & Time-limits. Reservations/ Sign-up must be made at the Main Desk or with a library staff member. A specific machine will be assigned at half-hour usage intervals, up to one hour. Additional/ consecutive reservations may not be made without requesting permission from a library staff member.
2. Printing limits or fees. Patrons are charged 10 cents per page printed out. Pick-up/ pay for printouts at Main Desk.
3. Use of computer stations

Do not install any software onto library computers

• Do not change any settings on software
• Do not add or delete bookmarks or links
• Leave all equipment turned on. If a problem develops, notify a staff member. Do not attempt to make adjustments yourself
• Do not alter or attach equipment to the Library's hardware
• Group use limits. Only 2 people may participate in a session at one time, unless prior permission to hold a group session has been obtained.

d. Failure to follow any policy may result in your being asked to leave.

Updated: 11/28/07