Policies

Computer and Internet Usage Policy	Computer and Internet Usage Rules
Children and Their Behavior in the Library	Children's Room Computers and Internet Rules
Meeting Room Policy

Computer and Internet Usage Policy

In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the library endeavors to develop collections, resources and services that meet the educational and informational needs of the community. It is within this context that the Woods Memorial Library offers access to computers and the Internet.

The library has no control over information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population. Library patrons must use it at their own discretion. Patrons should be aware that not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information.

Internet resources accessible through the library are provided equally to all library users. As with other library materials, restriction of a child's access to library computers and the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. Parents and guardians are encouraged to share appropriate resources available through the Internet with their children. It is recommended that families discuss what materials are inappropriate to access on the Internet.

Library patrons who access direct electronic communication on the Internet should not reveal private information about themselves or respond to enquiries from those they meet online.

Unethical and/or illegal use of library computers and/or the Internet will result in suspension of privileges and may result in prosecution by local, state, and federal authorities. This usage includes but is not limited to the following:

Harassment or threatening of others.
Destruction or damage to equipment, software, or data.
Unauthorized use of any computer accounts, access codes, or passwords.
"Hacking" or violation of computer system security.
Sending, downloading, or printing sexually explicit or obscene websites or email.
Conducting any illegal activities, including the violation of copyright laws.
Comprising the privacy of other users.

The public is encouraged to seek the assistance of a library staff member if enforcement of any of the above is necessary. Young people who encounter information on the Internet that makes them feel uncomfortable are encouraged to seek the help of a library staff member.

Computer and Internet Usage Rules

1. Signing up
Library patrons in good standing are welcome to use library computers and Internet terminals. Patrons must first read the library's Internet Policy and read and sign the Internet Usage Allowance form, available at the library.
:: Patrons will be asked to sign in and sign out for every Internet session.
:: Those age 12 and under must have a parent or guardian's signature.
:: Those age 8 and under must use the Internet with a parent or guardian.

2. Time Limits
The time limit for Internet use is one hour per day. This may be used in 2 half-hour sessions. The terminals are on a first-come, first-served basis, except for those with a reservation.

3. Reservations
Appointments may be made up to one week in advance. Reserved times will be held for ten minutes. Frequent disregard of reserve time without notifying the library may result in loss of this privilege.

4. Email
Checking personal email with an outside provider such as Hotmail or Yahoo is permitted. The library itself does not have an email address, so email cannot be sent from "the library." Certain Internet forms and features may not be accessible for this reason.

5. Printouts
Black & white and color printing is available for a fee. Black & white prints cost $.20 per page and color printouts are $1.00 per page. Color printing is limited to staff discretion. The library is not responsible for "accidental printing", and all pages must be paid for. Please ask for assistance before printing.

6. Staff Assistance
Staff will assist patrons with Internet use as time permits. Staff reserves the right to ask patrons without appointments to wait up to one hour if staff is conducting library business using the Internet, i.e. workshops, reference, cataloging, interlibrary loan, collection development, etc.

7. Suspension of privileges
Unethical and/or illegal use of the library computers and/or the Internet will result in suspension of privileges and may result in prosecution by local, state, and federal authorities. See Internet Policy for explanation of unethical and illegal usage. The Library has adopted a "zero-tolerance" policy against viewing pornography or obscene materials.

Go to the library and request an Internet Usage Allowance form which restates all the above rules and requires the user's signature, as well as a parent's or guardian's signature if the user is under 12 years of age, which, after being read and agreed to, by signature on the form, acknowledge that he/she has read and agreed to the terms of the Woods Memorial Library's rules for public use of library computers and the internet.

Children and Their Behavior in the Library

The library welcomes children of all ages to use and enjoy our facilities, collections and programs. While the library attempts to provide a safe environment, the library is not responsible for a child's personal safety while in or outside of the building. No public place can guarantee the safety of children, and the staff does not provide daycare or babysitting services. Therefore, this policy has been adopted for the protection of young library users.

All children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by a parent or mature caregiver (thirteen and over) who is responsible for the child, except during programs.
Children ages 9 to 12 may be left unattended for programs or for short periods of time (two hours or less). They should be able to contact a responsible adult if their time exceeds two hours or for any other reason.
Children and their caregivers should be aware of the closing times of the library. The staff will not give the child a ride home, or offer the child a seat in his or her vehicle. At closing, if a child has not been picked up by a parent or guardian, the staff will notify the police and wait for the officer to arrive.
Parents/Caregivers are responsible for their child's behavior. Disruptive behavior such as shouting, running, pushing, or abusing library materials will not be tolerated. After verbal warnings, we ask disruptive children to leave the building as their behavior could pose a safety hazard and/or disrupt the use of the library by others. If the child is unaccompanied and under the age of 13, the parent will be contacted.
Children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult on the elevator.
Children should not bring food or uncovered beverages into the library unless they have a medical condition or if the items are to be served as part of a library program.
Bicycles, skateboards and roller skates/blades are to be left outside the building. The library is not responsible for lost or stolen bikes, skates or other belongings.
Our internet policy states that children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by a parent/guardian when online. Children ages 9 to 12 may use the internet unattended, but must have a form on file upstairs which has been signed by a parent. The library is not responsible for the content of the internet. Please consult the internet policy for more guidelines.

Children's Room Computers and Internet Rules

The computers in this room are for use by children up to 12 years old. Older children and adults are to use the computers on the main floor of the library.

Parents may help their child with the computer but may not use them for their own purposes.
Playing games on the internet or going to MySpace is not allowed.
Students are welcome to use these computers for gathering information, for homework, personal enrichment and for word processing. Special learning software may also be used, if available.
Children ages 12 and under must have a parent's or guardian's signature to sign up to use the computers.
Those 8 years old and under must use the computers and internet with a parent or guardian.
Printouts are $.20 each. The printer is located on the main floor of the library. Please ask for help before printing to make certain that you are printing only what you need. Please pay for printing at the circulation desk on the main floor.

Meeting Room Policy

The library offers three rooms for use by community groups and associations. They are the Carroll-Healy Room (which holds 10 people maximum), the Multi-Purpose Room (which holds 25 people maximum) and Allen Hall (which holds 100 people maximum). The meeting rooms of the library are primarily for the use of the library and library-related groups. Otherwise, community organizations and groups are welcome to use the rooms subject to the following regulations:

Reservations for the Carroll-Healy Room, the Multi-Purpose Room or Allen Hall should be made with the Library Director at least two weeks prior to the program/meeting date. Decisions regarding use of the Allen Hall will be made by the directors of the Barre Library Association. A form must be completed and submitted by an adult who shall be personally responsible for the conduct of the meeting, adherence to regulations, and any damage to library property.
Rooms may be booked by non-profit groups holding public meetings at which all are welcome to attend. Meeting rooms are not for social gatherings or commercial enterprises. Meeting must not interfere with the regular operation of the library.
Meetings and programs will only be scheduled for times when the library is open. All use of the meeting rooms must begin after the library has opened to the public and cleared five minutes before scheduled closing time. A request to waiver this rule must be made in writing at least two weeks in advance to the Library Director. Requests will be granted for special events only and based on staff availability to monitor the building.
No admittance fee may be charged or contributions solicited. Goods or materials may not be sold or advertised without express permission of the Library Trustees.
All announcements, press releases, and/or flyers relating to meetings must clearly state the meeting is not sponsored by the Woods Memorial Library. The use of the library's meeting rooms does not constitute an endorsement of an organization's policies or beliefs.
Smoking and/or alcoholic beverages are not permitted on library property.
Light refreshments may be served, but groups must provide their own supplies and equipment. Tables must be covered to protect the furniture. Trash must be removed at the end of the meeting and disposed off library property.
Rooms must be left in orderly condition after the meeting. Furniture moved for the meeting must be put back in their original positions.
Any unusual expenses incurred by the library because of the meeting will be charged to the group.
The library will not be held responsible for the loss of or damage to personal property of group members, nor any personal injury that may occur while a meeting room is being used.
Meeting rooms will not be available when the library building is closed due to emergency conditions or inclement weather.
The library trustees and the directors of the Barre Library Association reserve the right to cancel or suspend any permission granted to any group or organization that violates these or other library regulations.
The library trustees and the directors of the Barre Library Association reserve the right to refuse the use of the library meeting rooms or cancel any reservation when they deem the action to be in the best interest of the Library and/or the town of Barre.

To request usage of a meeting room, you must print and complete an application, which you can then mail, drop off, or fax to the library. Complete application instructions can be found on the application.