Internet Use Policy

In accordance with its mission to support the cultural, educational and recreational needs of the community, the Hubbard Memorial Library (The Library) offers internet access to all patrons. A parent, guardian, or other responsible party must accompany users under age ten.

Consistent with our mission and the professional principles of public librarianship, this Internet Use Policy affirms intellectual freedom, equality of access, individual responsibility, confidentiality of information about users and their use of all Library resources including electronic resources, and safeguarding of First Amendment rights.

The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to the internet, such as exposure to malware or spying by third parties. The Library does not encrypt incoming or outgoing data. The Library takes precautions to ensure that access provided to patrons is safe and secure, but no computer network is infallible.

The Library can make no guarantees with respect to the quality or content of the information available on the internet. Not all of the information on the internet is accurate, current, or complete. Users are encouraged to be good information consumers by evaluating the validity of information accessed via the internet. Users are cautioned that ideas, points of view and images can be found on the internet which are controversial, divergent and inflammatory. 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.

The internet offers access to a wealth of information that can be personally, professionally and culturally enriching. Library staff has identified links for starting points in searches which are consistent with The Library’s mission. However, because the internet is a vast and unregulated informational network, it allows access to ideas, information, images, and commentary beyond the scope of the Library’s collection, selection criteria and collection development policy.

There are many sources (books, periodicals, databases, etc.) that have the information users need right in The Library. Users may save time by searching these sources before going online.

Disclaimer

Neither the Hubbard Memorial Library Board of Trustees, nor the Hubbard Memorial Library staff, nor the Town of Ludlow is liable for any negative consequences that may result from using the Hubbard Memorial Library’s computer services.

User Responsibilities

All users of The Library’s computers are expected to use these resources in a responsible and courteous way, consistent with the purposes for which it is provided, and follow all internet-related regulations and procedures.

  • Recognize that the internet, like all Library information resources, must be shared and used in a manner that respects the rights of others and refrains from activities that prevents others from using it.

  • Use the Library’s Internet resources for educational, informational and recreational purposes only.

  • Refrain from using the internet to conduct a business or commercial enterprise or to otherwise engage in commercial solicitation or advertisement.

  • Refrain from illegal or unethical use of the internet.

  • Respect intellectual property rights by making only authorized copies of copyrighted, licensed, or otherwise protected software or data.

  • Respect the privacy of others online by not representing oneself as another user for any purpose.

  • Respect fellow patrons’ right to use the library in your immediate area by using headphones to play audio.

  • Refrain from damaging hardware, software, or other computer equipment, or from altering the setup of computers used to access the internet.

  • Refrain from installing or running software.

  • Refrain from the transmission of threatening, harassing or abusive language and images.

  • Respect posted time limits and sign-in procedures.

Failure to abide by these policies may result in patrons being asked to immediately discontinue use of computers or in staff terminating the computer session. Continued refusal to abide by these policies may result in the patron being asked to leave the premises.

Access by Minors

Parents and/or legal guardians are responsible for the internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents and/or legal guardians should guide their children in the use of the internet and inform them about materials they should not use. The Library acknowledges the rights and responsibilities of parents and guardians to monitor and determine their children’s access to library materials and resources, including those available through the internet. The Library has taken certain measures designed to assist in the safe and effective use of these resources by all minors.

  • Develops and maintains resources for children and teens.

  • Encourages staff to guide minors away from materials that may be inappropriate.

  • Distributes several publications, Child Safety on the Information Highway published by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and The Internet, Your Child and You: What Every Parent Should Know published by the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General.

To address the issue of the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications, as well as the unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors, The Library urges minors to keep in mind the following safety guidelines:

  • Never give out identifying information such as home address, school name, or telephone number.
  • Let parents or guardians decide whether personal information such as age, marital status, or financial information should be revealed.
  • Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone via the computer without parent or guardians’ approval.
  • Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, threatening, or make you uncomfortable.
  • Have parents or guardians report any incident to the National Center for Missing And Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 if anyone becomes aware of the transmission of child pornography.
  • Remember that people online may not be who they say they are.
  • Remember that everything you read online may not be true.

Surf the web safely and responsibly, and thanks for using The Library!

Amended by the Library Board of Trustees 07/21.