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

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. The Westfield Memorial Library affirms that it is the right and responsibility of parents and legal guardians to monitor their minor children’s use of library materials and resources, including Internet access.

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.

All users of the Library Internet workstations will utilize this Library resource in a way that is appropriate for an open public area shared by people of all ages and backgrounds. Individuals are asked to consider this when accessing potentially controversial information and images. All users are expected 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 that 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 or passwords belonging to others; and by not seeking disallowed access to any computer system via the Internet.
  

Internet users are prohibited from:

• Engaging in any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating environment for library staff and customers.
  
• Displaying, sending, receiving or printing text, images or graphics that violate laws relating to child pornography.
  
• Damaging or altering the setup of the equipment used to access the Internet at the Library
  
• Damaging or altering software or data residing on the Internet.
  
• Transmitting threatening, harassing or abusive language and images.
  Deliberately propagating computer worms and viruses.
  

Professional librarians on staff are authorized to terminate the Internet session of any customer who fails to comply with this policy; to take further action in accordance with the Patron Code of Conduct; and to report illegal activity of which they become aware to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees

September 26, 2002