NINEVEH PUBLIC LIBRARY INTERNET POLICY
It is the intention of the Nineveh Public Library to provide Internet access to the public to greatly enlarge our available resources of information. The Internet provides vast amounts of information on a multitude of subjects that can be enriching to people of all ages.
INTERNET USAGE POLICY
The Nineveh Public Library provides access to the Internet in accordance with law, and within the types of services available through The Four County Library System.
Patrons should be aware of the fact that the information accessed on the Internet is not always accurate, reliable, complete or up to date, nor is it always appropriate for potentially vulnerable individuals (i.e. minors). Users, and in the case of vulnerable individuals, parents/guardians, are advised to carefully check information obtained over the Internet.
Nineveh Public Library assumes no responsibility for Internet content, its use, nor its effect. Sole responsibility rests with the patron and/or parent/guardian.
Internet services available at Nineveh Public Library comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and restrict access to online content that may be considered harmful to minors or offensive to adults by employing technology protection measures (filters). Filters may block access to some legitimate or constitutionally protected material found on the Internet (by law individuals who have attained the age of 17 years have the right to unfiltered Internet access). Patrons of at least 17 years of age may request unfiltered access in a manner consistent with this policy and its rules.
Patrons, parents/guardians are cautioned that any filter has technological limitations and is not foolproof.
Computer Use Assistance – the library staff is available to provide limited assistance in basic computer and internet use, such as logging on to the library’s catalog and databases and to the internet, and to give very general advice on searching methods but they CANNOT provide training. Library staff can provide general information for connecting your device (such as laptops or smartphones) to the wireless network but cannot troubleshoot problems related to your wireless device or assist in making changes to your device’s network settings andor hardware configuration. The library cannot guarantee that your device will work with the Library’s wireless access points.
Computer equipment will be turned off 15 minutes before the library closes to allow time for proper shutdown steps and regular cleaning procedures.
ACCESS BY MINORS
Parents or legal guardians are solely responsible for children or youth when using Library materials including the Internet resources. Parents or legal guardians should guide their children in the safe use of the Internet, and inform them about sites and materials they should or should not use. Restriction or use of any available Internet resource is the sole responsibility of the parent/guardian. The Library will not act in the role of the parent/guardian whether or not the parent/guardian is physically in attendance.
INTERNET RULES
• Children, aged 10 years and under, need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian while using the Internet. Legal proof of age may be requested.
• No information, material, text or graphics that may reasonably be interpreted as pornography or obscenity may be accessed, sent or printed.
• No user shall purposefully damage equipment, nor introduce any computer virus, nor disrupt the operation of the network within the Library or any network connected to the Internet.
• No activities which are illegal, defamatory or harassing will be permitted. There shall be no “hacking”.
• There shall be no use of these computers for advertising or commercial purposes.
• No user shall attempt to damage software/hardware or alter the computers’ configurations in any way.
• No user shall use copyrighted material without permission of the copyright owner. (is this for the library to enforce?)
• No user shall access or transmit information which promotes violence or destruction of Property, including, but not limited to, information concerning the manufacture of destructive devices such as explosives, fireworks, smoke bombs or incendiary devices or the like.
• No user shall download to the Library’s hard drive.
• Patrons using personal Internet access devices on Library property are subject to the same rules and policies.
• Library staff reserve the right to view screen content during patron Internet use and to revoke patron Internet privileges if staff believe there is just cause.
• Failure to follow Nineveh Library Internet Policy and Rules will result in the revoking of a patron’s Internet privilege. Serious infractions may result in legal action.
The Library is not responsible for failures, and/or resulting loss to users, in the operation or technical functioning of the computers or software used to access the Internet. The library assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage to user’s data, drives or disks, or for any personal damage or injury incurred as a result of using Nineveh Publi Library computing resources.
Patrons are cautioned to be aware of the fact that privacy cannot be guaranteed when using the Library’s Internet services. The Internet and the Library area where computers are available are not “secure” areas. For your safety, carefully determine your possible risk before giving your name (or your family’s name), address, telephone number, social security number, credit card information or any other personal information to a site on the Internet. Third parties may obtain information regarding user’s activities while on the Internet.
WIRELESS ACCESS
Nineveh Public Library provides free broadband wireless internet access twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to individuals. Users are expected to use the wireless network in a legal and responsible manner. Violation of federal, New York State or local laws–including but not limited to—the transmission of sexually graphic materials or harmful material, fraud, hacking, spamming and illegal downloading of copyrighted materials is prohibited. Wireless access at Nineveh Public Library is not filtered. However, by choosing to use this free wireless service, you agree to abide by the Nineveh Public Library Internet and Wireless Policy.
Copies of documents obtained via computer or wireless device use may be printed at the cost of twenty cents (.20) per page for black ink and one dollar (1.00) per page for color.
Nineveh Library reserves the right to amend or supplement this Internet Policy at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.
revised 7/3/2025