Worcester Public Library Internet Guidelines

All library users must observe the policies, rules, and procedures established by the Worcester Public Library.

Recognize that the Internet, like all of the Library's information sources, must be used in a manner that respects the rights of others and does not prevent others from using it.

Comply with intellectual property rights by making only authorized copies of copyrighted, licensed or otherwise controlled software or data transmitted via the Internet.

Respect the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself.

Refrain from modifying or gaining access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others and from "hacking" into any computer system.

Adhere to posted time limits and sign-in procedures.

Responsibility of Users:

All Internet users are expected to use this resource responsibly and courteously.

Users should be aware that they are working in a public environment shared by people of all ages and sensibilities.

Users should refrain from the use of Internet sounds and visuals that might be disruptive to others.

No person shall use a library workstation in a way that disrupts or interferes with users, employees, or the operations of the Library.

Only two people are allowed per computer.

Library computers may NOT be used for:

Any illegal activities including forgery, fraud, violation of copyright or the rights of third parties.

Display of material from sites that may be deemed obscene and/or unlawful under federal or state statutes. (Massachusetts General Laws 27:28 et seq.)

Users may NOT:

Damage equipment or alter the setup of computers, or degrade system performance.

Alter or damage software, software settings, or data stored on computers.

Install or run personal software.

Set any bookmarks, links, or shortcuts.

Make unauthorized copies of copyright protected materials.

Harass staff or other patrons, or engage in deliberately or maliciously offensive or defamatory activity.

Infringe on other patrons privacy or computer use.

Transmit threatening, harassing, or abusive language or images.

Deliberately propagate computer worms and/or viruses.

Obstruct the work of others by consuming large amounts of system resources, by deliberately crashing any library computer system or by making any attempt to degrade system performance.

Represent oneself as another person for purposes of fraud or other illegal activity.

Violations may result in loss of access.

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

The Worcester Public Library does NOT:

Guarantee privacy or confidentiality.

Guarantee access if connections fail or the computer "freezes".

Guarantee Internet information to be accurate, complete or current.

Reserve specific time slots for computers; however, users can use sign-up stations and should monitor their places in the queue.

Provide one-on-one patron assistance beyond a basic introduction.

Take responsibility for damage to personal disks or other computers.

Computer users may:

Print to a central printer (15 cents/black & white page and 30 cents/per color page to be paid before printing).

Use public access to the Internet, online databases, and MS Office suite for an unlimited 60-minute sessions.

Save documents to their own device.