Internet Access Policy

Note: This policy applies to the use of public Internet terminals in the Main library and the Fords, Henry Inman and Iselin branch libraries.

The Woodbridge Public Library is committed to providing its library users with the best and most current resources available. As part of our goal to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of our public, the Library makes available free access to the Internet.

The Library endorses the American Library Association Bill of Rights. All Library users are provided equal access to the resources available on the Internet.

The Internet is a world-wide entity with a diverse user population. The Library does not endorse the viewpoints or vouch for the accuracy, authenticity or timeliness of information accessed via the Internet. It is left to each user to determine what information is appropriate. Parents or guardians of minors using the Internet are responsible for providing guidance to the children under their care.

Users have the right of confidentiality in all their activities with resources and services provided by the Library. The Library supports the user's right to privacy; however, users are advised that because security is technically difficult to achieve, electronic communications and files could become public. The Library staff will not monitor or supervise Internet access, other than for length of use. However, the Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session at any time.

Disclaimer Statements

The Library has no control over any of the resources referenced by this document. Some or all of these resources may be unavailable at any time. Parents or guardians, not the Library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children.

The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to the Internet. The Library makes no guarantee, either expressed or implied with respect to the quality or content of the information available on the Internet. Not all the information available via the Internet is accurate, current or complete. The provision of access does not mean or imply that the Library endorses or sanctions the content or point of view of any of the information or commentary which may be found on the Internet. Because the Internet is a vast and unregulated information network, it may enable access to ideas, information, images and commentary beyond the confines of the Library's collection, mission, selections criteria and collection development policies.

Downloading of software from the Internet is not allowed.

Child Safety on the Internet

Parents or guardians are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents are encouraged to discuss the use of the Internet in relation to family values and boundaries with their children and to monitor their children's use of the Internet.

It is the policy to:

Prevent access by minors over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications;
Prevent unauthorized access including "hacking" and other unlawful online activity;
Prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors; and
Comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) [Pub. L. Number 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)]

To assist parents, the Library has available online the pamphlet "Keeping Kids Safer on the Internet" published by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The pamphlet includes "Tips for Parents". Parents are encouraged to review this information with their children.

In addition, the Library has taken certain measures designed to assist in the safe and effective use of these resources by all minors and is compliant.

To address the issue of access by minors to inappropriate material on the Internet, including material that is harmful to minors, the Library promotes recommended websites for children and teens; provides training programs on effective Internet use; and encourages staff to guide minors away from materials that may be inappropriate.

User Responsibilities & Rules for Use

All users of the Internet are expected to use this library resource in a responsible and courteous manner, consistent with the purposes for which it is provided, and to follow all Internet-related rules, regulations and procedures established for its use including, but not limited to, those of the Library.

Internet users will:

Recognize that the Internet, like all of the Library's information sources, must be shared and used in a manner which respects the rights of others and refrain from activity that prevents others from using it.
Use the Library's Internet resources for educational, informational and recreational purposes only.
Respect intellectual property rights by making only authorized copies of copyrighted, licensed or otherwise-controlled software or data residing on the Internet.
Respect 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; and by not seeking disallowed access to any computer system via the Internet.

Internet users are prohibited from:

Using Library Internet workstations in a way that is inappropriate for an open public area shared by people of all ages and backgrounds or that interferes with customers, employees or operations of the Library.
Using the Library's Internet resources to conduct a business or commercial enterprise, or engage in commercial activity such as the distribution of advertising.
Using the Internet illegally.
Damaging or altering the setup of the equipment used to access the Internet at the Library.
Altering or damaging software or data residing on the Internet.
Deliberately propagating computer worms or viruses.
Transmitting threatening, harassing or abusive language and images.

Compliance with Library Policy & Guidelines

In addition to the policy, general guidelines for the use of all public-access computers govern the use of the Internet in the Library. Violation of the policies and regulations that govern the use of the Library's Internet resources may result in suspension or loss of the privilege to use these resources. Illegal activity involving the Library's Internet resources will be subject to prosecution by the appropriate authorities.

Staff Assistance

The Library offers one-on-one basic skills classes in the use of the Internet. Time permitting, staff will try to answer specific questions about the Internet and offer suggestions for effective searching. Staff can also provide information about Internet training opportunities and Internet books and manuals.

Email

The Library does not offer email accounts to library users.

Wireless Access

Required to Use the Wireless Service

You will need a 802.11b or 802.11g wireless Ethernet device installed in your laptop, or a laptop with a built-in Wi-Fi capability.

Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or any other web browser.

A charged battery. Electrical outlets may be available, but the Library cannot guarantee availability.

How to Connect

In many cases you will not need to change the settings on your computer to connect. Your enabled wireless device will recognize the library's open wireless network. Simply launch your web browser. Your computer's home page will appear and you may begin surfing immediately.

Limitations & Disclaimers

Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance and no guarantee can be made that you will be able to make a wireless connection. The Library staff is prohibited from making any physical contact with your device.

The Library's wireless network is not secure. Information sent to and from your notebook/laptop computer or other wireless device may be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software.

We have tried to make wireless access as available as possible in our Library, but you may encounter some "dead" spots where wireless reception may be limited. If you have trouble accessing the Internet or staying online please move to a different location within the library.

The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for notebook/laptop computer or other wireless device configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library's wireless access, or from connection to the Library's power supply. The Library cannot provide security for your laptop or other equipment. Please do not leave valuables unattended.

The Library cannot guarantee that an electrical outlet will be available to patrons wishing to access its wireless connection.

Impeding or blocking pedestrian traffic by accessing electrical outlets is prohibited.

Rearranging of the Library's tables and chairs is prohibited unless the Library gives its prior approval.

Unplugging any Library equipment is prohibited.

By choosing to use this free service, you agree to abide by the Library's Internet Access Policy. This policy states the limitations of internet access, your responsibilities for using that access, and provides examples of acceptable and unacceptable uses.

Woodbridge Library is not responsible for any changes you make to your computer's settings and cannot guarantee your hardware will work with our wireless connection.

Approval Dates

Approved - Board of Library Trustees - June 15, 2017
Revised - Board of Library Trustees - February 21, 2019