Brownell Library Technology Use Policy

Access to the Library’s computer network is a privilege, not a right. To adhere to the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, the Library offers unfiltered internet access. The Library is not responsible for the quality or content of information encountered on the internet nor any damage or loss of data incurred while using Library technology. Any claims, liabilities, actions or damages to personal property arising from use of any library owned or leased electronic services, or resulting from the use of data made available through electronic information services are not the responsibility of Brownell Library.  Staff cannot offer technical support for non-Library owned equipment.

Acceptable Use

To ensure fair and legal use of Library technology, through Library equipment and Library wireless access users must observe the following:

  • Be considerate of others.
  • Respect the privacy of others.
  • Immediately report any computer or printer problems to staff.
  • Adhere to computer use time limits as defined in the logging in process.
  • Supply their own portable devices for saving data.
  • Pay all printing fees as defined in the logging in process.
  • Use headphones to avoid bothering others.
  • Leave computers and software as you found them. Computers are turned on and off only by staff.
  • Destroying, damaging, modifying or removing equipment, software or data belonging to the Library is prohibited.
  • Working from DOS prompt or Terminal is prohibited.
  • Violating U.S., state, or local laws is prohibited.
  • Using another person’s barcode number or permitting another person to use their barcode number to access the computer network, internet or electronic services, is prohibited.
  • Accessing or loading pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit material is inappropriate in a public environment and is prohibited.
  • Disrupting or engaging in unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications, including excessive use of the Library’s internet capacity, is prohibited.

Children

All users of the Brownell Library, regardless of age, have equal access to the information provided by the Library. The Library's policy on the use of computers and access to the internet is the same as for the borrowing of books: parents and guardians of children are responsible for the appropriate use by children, and only their own children, of the Library facilities, and the Library assumes no responsibility for supervising users who are minors.

Sanctions
Users who try to bypass the security of the network or fail to comply with our technology guidelines will lose technology privileges. The Library will assist in investigations in accordance with the Library’s privacy policy statement and procedures.

These rules were approved by the Board of Trustees of the Brownell Library, May 14th, 1996, and revised on October 9, 1999, January 22, 2001, April 15, 2003, August 1, 2005, May 15, 2007 and June 16, 2015.