SHELTER ROCK PUBLIC LIBRARY – INTERNET / WIRELESS POLICY

The Shelter Rock Public Library is committed to intellectual freedom and is dedicated to the principles espoused in the FirstAmendment of the Constitution of the United States, the American Library Association’sLibrary Bill of Rights, and the Electronic Bill of Rights. Copies of these documents are available at the Library. In keeping with this commitment, the Library will provide patrons who agree to the terms of this Internet / Wireless Policy with unfiltered access to the Internet and the World Wide Web.

Copies of this policy are available at the Circulation Desk and on the Library’s website at www.nassaulibrary.org/shelter

The Internet is an enormous global electronic network that provides dynamic and ever-changing sources of information. The Library has no control over the information that can be accessed through the Internet. It does not monitor or filter that information nor does it guarantee the content, quality, suitability or accuracy of any such information. The Library makes no express or implied warranties of any kind for the services it provides.

More information regarding the Library’s access to the Internet can be found in Appendix A – Shelter Rock Public Library’s Internet Safety Policy.

Wireless Access poses the same risks that a wired network poses. In addition, WiFi unplugs the Internet and makes personal security risks more visible. Cautious WiFi users may choose not to transmit their credit card or financial information and passwords while using any WiFi hotspot, including the Library’s.

When you connect to the Library’s Wireless Network you are automatically accepting the Library’s Internet / Wireless Access Policy.

The use of any information obtained by using the Library’s Internet Connections is at the user’s own risk. Each user is personally responsible for the choice of Internet sites visited. The Library assumes no direct or indirect responsibility for any damages that may occur arising from the use by its patrons of its connection to the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to such things as loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, service interruptions, or transfers or disclosure of user file information, inaccurate information, fees incurred, or personal or other harm caused to patrons if the user discloses personal information over the Internet. Likewise, the Library is not responsible for damage caused to a computer owned by the user or anyone else from computer viruses acquired through use of the Library’s Internet or Wireless connections. In addition, the Library is not responsible for the theft or damage to personal property including, but not limited to, laptops.

Access to and use of the Library’s Hardwired and/or Wireless Internet Connections:

Any patron may register for access to the Library’s Internet connections, subject to compliance with the Library’s rules for use of the Internet. Since the Library recognizes that restriction of a minor’s access to the Internet (as with other materials) is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian, the parent must register in person for all patrons under the age of 18 for their use of the Library’s Internet connections. Any patron may cancel a registration to use the Library’s Internet connections by submitting a written cancellation request that will take effect when it is received by the Library.

Suspension or Termination of Library Privileges in Case of Violation of the Library’s Rules:

The Administration, Reference Librarians and/or Information Technology Specialist will evaluate all reports of inappropriate or illegal use of the Library’s networks. Illegal uses will be reported to the appropriate authorities. Inappropriate uses will be handled in accordance with the procedures outlined in Appendices B and C.

The Director is authorized by the Library’s Board of Trustees (the Board) to suspend the Library privileges and/or suspend or terminate the Internet / Wireless privileges of any patron who fails to adhere to the Library’s rules for use of its Internet/ Wireless connections. A patron may appeal the suspension or termination of Library and/or Internet / Wireless privileges in writing, to the Library’s Board of Trustees. However, the suspension or termination will remain in effect until the appeal is heard and a determination of the Board is made.

BY SIGNING THE INTERNET/WIRELESS REGISTRATION FORM YOU RELEASE THE LIBRARY AND HOLD IT HARMLESS, IN ADVANCE, FROM ANY AND ALL DAMAGES, DIRECT AND INDIRECT, ARISING FROM YOUR (AND/OR YOUR MINOR CHILD’S) USE OF THE LIBRARY’S INTERNET CONNECTIONS; YOU FURTHER AGREE TO ALL TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS DOCUMENT AND TO ABIDE BY ALL RULES POSTED BY THE LIBRARY FOR USE OF THE INTERNET/ WIRELESS CONNECTIONS.

The following prohibitions always apply:

1. Using Internet-accessible resources in a way that violates intellectual property rights of the owner or creator of the information.
2. Using the Library’s networks to make or obtain copies of software.
3. Using the Library’s networks and equipment for any illegal, inappropriate or criminal purpose, including but not limited to:
   • United States copyright law and all applicable state and federal laws;
   • Receipt and /or transmission of any material in violation of state or federal law* (including but not limited to material that is deemed obscene, defamatory, libelous, malicious, slanderous or with the intent to annoy, harass or alarm); and
   • Intentionally exposing patrons or staff to information that is deemed obscene, child pornography or material deemed harmful to minors.
4. Using the Library’s networks for commercial purposes, except for incidental work such as posting a resume, mentioning consulting services in a webpage, or communicating with an employer via email.
5. Consuming large amounts of system resources (e.g. network bandwidth and disk space) by performing large file downloads or networked gaming.
6. Using another patron’s Library card, password or other user identification to gain access to the Library’s Internet connection, or lending your own Library card, password or other user identification to allow anyone else to gain access to the Library’s connection to the Internet.
7. Trying to circumvent or breach workstation, network or host security in the Library or at other Internet sites.
8. Changing or deleting computer files that do not belong to the user.
9. Vandalism or any other malicious attempt to harm or destroy data, including unloading or creating computer viruses.
10. Using any electronic mail system to forward junk email, send spam, harass or intimidate another person or to hinder the ability of others to work. Users may not send messages with forged headers.
11. Setting up a proxy service or other such arrangement to enable more than one computer to access the network.
12. Setting up a server service that opens up a channel or port for two-way communication. This includes, but is not limited to Web, File, Game, Chat, Email and Name / Address / Configuration Servers.

*Definitions by Federal Law

Inappropriate Material
Visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography or to any material deemed harmful to minors.

Obscene
The federal obscenity statute does not itself contain an express definition of obscenity. However, in the landmark case of Miller v. California, 413 U.S. 15 (1973), the Supreme Court established a test/definition for obscenity that is now implicitly incorporated into the federal statute: (a) whether "the average person, applying contemporary community standards" would find the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest; (b) whether the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by the applicable state or federal law; and (c) whether the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

Child Pornography
The federal child pornography statute, 18 U.S.C. '2256, defines "child pornography" as "any visual depiction" of a minor under-18 years old engaging in "sexually explicit conduct”, which includes "actual or simulated" sexual intercourse, bestiality, masturbation, sadistic or masochistic abuse, or "lascivious exhibition of the genitals or pubic area." The statute's definition includes not only actual depictions of sexually explicit conduct involving minors, but also images that "appear to be" minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Material Deemed Harmful to Minors
18 USC 2256 defines "harmful to minors" as "any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that (i) taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex or excretion; (ii) depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual act, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and (iii) taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors."

ILLEGAL ACTS INVOLVING LIBRARY RESOURCES MAY BE SUBJECT TO PROSECUTION BY LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL OFFICIALS.

THE LIBRARY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE AN INTERNET SESSION AT ANY TIME.

Adopted by the Library’s Board of Trustees on May 13, 1998, revised April 21, 2008

APPENDIX A

SHELTER ROCK PUBLIC LIBRARY INTERNET SAFETY POLICY

The Shelter Rock Public Library provides unfiltered access to the Internet on all its Public Internet Workstations and its Wireless Network, including those used by children, in accordance with our mission to provide free and open access to a broad spectrum of information. In addition, filter technology currently available fails to protect users from access to inappropriate websites and often blocks access to very appropriate websites. The Library does not monitor use of its Public Internet Workstations, including those used by children. Thus, parents of minor children must assume the sole and full responsibility for the use of the Library’s Public Internet Workstations by their minor children.

The Library makes a concerted effort to provide ready access to information about safe use of the Internet. To comply with the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act (NCIPA), the Library’s current Internet Policy is reaffirmed and expanded to emphasize how it addresses Internet practices that promote the confidentiality, privacy and personal safety of minor children, and how it can assist parents and children to prevent, when reasonably possible, the exposure of children to materials harmful to minors and to materials that are inappropriate for minors to access on the Internet, such as nudity of a sexual nature and sexual acts/text.

A. Responsibility for Materials Minor Children Should Use.

The Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by children. Each family has the right and responsibility to decide what materials minor children will read, listen, view or create using the Public Internet Access at the Shelter Rock Public Library. Parents are encouraged to directly supervise their children’s activities by accompanying them to the Library and by remaining close by throughout the family’s visit. Library staff members can provide general guidance for adults, teens, and children in selection and use of age appropriate materials, but their advice cannot be tailored to the opinions or perspectives of each individual or family.

The Library assists patrons by providing information about the selection of Internet resources that are suitable for children. Parents can review those resources at all Public Internet Workstations and at the Circulation Desk. Parents and teens may also review suggestions about Internet use available at Internet sites recommended for that purpose: (http://safekids.com and http://safeteens.com).

B. Responsibility for Use of Direct Electronic Communications.

Parents should determine if is appropriate for their minor children to use direct electronic communications such as Internet email, chat rooms, instant messaging, etc. at the Library. If they permit their child to do so, it is their responsibility to instruct young children and teens not to share information that strangers could use to identify them, their family, their friends, their house, or their school. Parents should also instruct children not to respond to messages that make them feel uncomfortable, including those that are bullying, suggestive, obscene, threatening, or otherwise inappropriate. Parents and/or children should immediately report such messages received while at the Library to a staff member.

APPENDIX B

PROCEDURES FOR USING
HARDWIRED, INTERNET ACCESSIBLE COMPUTERS
IN THE ADULT SERVICES AREA

1. Internet access is available to Shelter Rock Public Library patrons as well as non- residents.
2. Card holders from other Nassau County libraries may use their library cards to access the Internet.
3. Guest passes are available for users residing outside of Nassau County.
4. Eligible users must register for Internet access at the Circulation Desk.
5. Parents or legal guardians of minors under 18 must sign in person giving permission for their child to access the Internet.
6. Registered users will have a computer sticker placed on their library card and will receive a copy of the Library’s Internet / Wireless Policy.
7. Patrons must present their Library card at the Reference Desk each time they wish to use an Internet access computer.
8. A maximum of two users may use a computer at one time. Each user must have a card with a computer sticker.
9. Internet access sessions are limited to 60 minutes, but may be extended if no one is waiting.
10. Shelter Rock Public Library card holders will be given preference.
11. Failure to comply with the Library’s Internet / Wireless Policy will result in the suspension of the user’s Internet access privileges.
12. The Administration, Reference Librarians and/or Information Technology Specialist will evaluate all reports of inappropriate and illegal use of the Library’s networks. The report will be validated and if the Librarian thinks it is warranted, the user will be given a copy of the Library’s policy and asked to discontinue the inappropriate or illegal use.
13. Illegal use of the Library’s networks will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
14. The staff cannot provide extensive assistance or instruction. Librarians will try to assist you by recommending search techniques.
15. Patrons are permitted to store to disk and have access to the floppy drive, the zip disk drive and the USB Port. Floppy disks may be purchased at the Circulation Desk.
16. Access to the CD Rom Drive is not available.
17. Printing is available. The first 5 pages are free, a charge of 10 cents per each additional page is payable at the Circulation Desk  

NOTE: MICROSOFT WORD, POWERPOINT AND EXCEL ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON NON-INTERNET ACCESSIBLE COMPUTERS WITH LESS RESTRICTIVE REQUIREMENTS.

APPENDIX C

 PROCEDURES FOR ACCESSING
THE SHELTER ROCK PUBLIC LIBRARY’S
WIRELESS NETWORK

WHERE YOU CAN CONNECT

Most of the Library is wireless, but signal strength varies throughout the building. Adults who are not accompanied by a child are not permitted to sit in the Children’s Department.

WHAT YOU NEED TO CONNECT

1. A laptop with WiFi 802.11b capability and a charged battery.

2. Compatible headphones if you plan to use audio files.

HOW TO ACCESS THE WIRELESS NETWORK USING THE MICROSOFT WIRELESS NETWORK CLIENT

Patrons who would like to use the Library’s Wireless Network must register at the Circulation Desk. Registration requires the user to provide his/her Mac Address.

HOW TO LOCATE YOUR LAPTOP’S MAC ADDRESS

At your Desktop:

Click on Start (Note: Vista users click on the Windows Orb)

Click on Run

Type: cmd or command

This brings you to a DOS screen.

Where the cursor is blinking, type: ipconfig /all (Note: There is a space between ipconfig and the slash)

Press the Enter key

A list will appear. Look for the line that says: “WIRELESS ETHERNET ADAPTER CONNECTION”

Then look for the line that says “Physical Address…”

The 12 character/digit number on that line is your MAC Address.

Make a note of it so you can register for Wireless access.

__ __ - __ __ - __ __ - __ __ - __ __ - __ __

Where the cursor is blinking, type: exit

Press the Enter key.

APPLE COMPUTER USERS:

From the dock, select “System Preferences”

Select the “Network” Pane [In late 2008 MacBooks, next Select “Advanced”]

With the AIRPORT tab selected, the number next to AIRPORT ID is your MAC address

[In late 2008 MacBooks, AIRPORT ID is at the bottom of the screen.]

REMINDERS :

1. WIRELESS USERS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO CONNECT TO THE LIBRARY’S NETWORK, SCANNER(S), COPIERS OR PRINTERS
2. ELECTRICAL OUTLETS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC USE.
3. THE STAFF CANNOT ASSIST YOU WITH YOUR LAPTOP, CARD OR CONFIGURATION. THE LIBRARY WILL NOT ACCEPT THE LIABILITY FOR HANDLING YOUR DEVICES.
4. ON OCCASION WE MAY HAVE TO REBOOT THE MODEM. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE.

NOTE: PROCEDURES IN APPENDIX A, B AND C MAY BE CHANGED WITHOUT NOTICE .

HOW TO LOGON TO THE LIBRARY’S WIRELESS NETWORK

1. Your wireless Network Card must be set to receive IP addresses from DHCP.

2. On your Desktop, click on the Internet Explorer icon.

You should be at the User Login Page. However, if you are at a page that says, “There is a problem with this website’s security certificate” (Figure 1) click on

“Continue to this website (not recommended).”

Even though it says “not recommended”, this is the correct procedure.

3. When you are at the User Login Page (Figure 2) enter your user name (your first name) and password (your last name). Use all lower case letters. Click the “Submit” button.

4. A login verification box will appear displayed over the SRPL home page. (Figure 3) Minimize this box while you search the Internet.

5. To logout, maximize the verification box and click on the “Logout” button. A dialog box will open asking if it is OK to logoff. Click “OK”. A logoff verification message will appear saying, “This mac does not login”. (Figure 4) You are now logged off the wireless network.

REMINDERS:

• WIRELESS USERS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO CONNECT TO THE LIBRARY’S NETWORK, SCANNER(S), COPIERS OR PRINTERS.
• ELECTRICAL OUTLETS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC USE.
• THE STAFF CANNOT ASSIST YOU WITH YOUR LAPTOP, CARD OR CONFIGURATION. THE LIBRARY WILL NOT ACCEPT LIABILITY FOR HANDLING YOUR DEVICES.
• ON OCCASION, WE MAY HAVE TO REBOOT THE WIRELESS MODEM. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE.

NOTE: PROCEDURES IN APPENDIX A, B AND C MAY BE CHANGED WITHOUT NOTICE.