Overview
Public access to the Internet is available to all users of the Teaneck Public Library (the “Library”) on most Library-owned computers and via a wireless connection for laptop computers and other mobile devices. The Library provides internet access to support and expand the Library’s role in providing information and educational resources in many formats. Anyone using the Library’s Internet access is required to review and agree to the Library’s Internet Use Agreement before using the Internet at the Teaneck Public Library.
Internet Access
The Internet, a world-wide network of computer networks, is an essential medium for obtaining and transmitting information of all types. Therefore, public access to the Internet is germane to the Library’s mission. However, the Internet is an unregulated medium. It also provides access to information that is inaccurate, illegal, or that some may find offensive or disturbing.
The Library’s policies against discrimination and sexual and other types of harassment apply fully to Internet usage. Violations of those policies are not permitted and may result in disciplinary action pursuant to the Library’s Code of Conduct. Therefore, patrons are prohibited from displaying, transmitting and/or downloading sexually explicit images, messages, ethnic slurs, racial epithets or anything that could be construed as illegal harassment or as defamatory.
Parents or guardians are responsible for information selected and/or accessed by their children via the Internet. Because children who use the Internet unsupervised may be exposed to inappropriate information and images, parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss the use of the Internet in relation to family values and boundaries with their children, and to regulate and monitor their children’s use of the Internet.
Internet Use Agreement
Anyone making use of the Library’s Internet access is expected to use the Internet in a responsible and courteous manner, consistent with the purposes for which it is provided and to follow all rules, regulations and procedures established for its use.
Anyone who accesses the Library’s network must:
- Recognize that public workstations and laptops must be used in a manner that respects the rights of others and therefore should refrain from activity that prevents others from using the Internet at the Library.
- Not use the Internet for an illegal activity or purpose.
- Not violate copyright or any other law.
- Not damage or alter the setup or configuration of the equipment or software used to access the Internet at the Library.
- Refrain from the deliberate or reckless propagation of computer worms, malware or viruses.
- Refrain from the transmission of threatening, harassing, violent, obscene or abusive language or images using the Internet, mobile applications or email.
Users may not install or modify ANY hardware device, software application, program code, either active or passive, or a portion thereof, without the express written permission from the Library. Users may not upload, download, or otherwise transmit commercial software or any copyrighted materials belonging to parties outside of the Library, or licensed to the Library. Users shall observe the copyright and licensing restrictions of all software applications and shall not copy software from internal or external sources unless legally authorized.
In addition to these specific rules, general guidelines for the use of all public workstations and laptops govern the use of the Internet in the Library.
Staff Assistance with the Internet and Technology
Staff will offer assistance to Library users with use of the Internet and Library-supplied technology, including suggestions for effective search strategies. In addition, the Library offers technology-related training to further assist our patrons. Library staff will also provide general assistance with personal electronic devices, particularly those that are used to access library-supplied digital content.
Guidelines for Use of Public Access Workstations and Mobile Devices
The Library provides public workstations that can be used for Internet access or other software applications on a first-come, first-served basis. These rules govern the use of these shared resources.
- Cardholders can log onto Internet workstations using the barcode on their BCCLS library card. Library visitors with no access to a BCCLS library card may obtain a guest pass at the Reference Desk. Sessions are one hour in length and may be renewed as permitted by availability. Renewals are made at the discretion of the Library staff at the Reference desk.
- Users may not alter or attempt to alter the setup or configuration of Library computers (including software and peripherals).
- Users must supply their own electronic storage devices and assume the risks inherent in saving from a publicly-shared workstation.
Public workstations are available without charge but there is a cost associated with printing:
- $0.10 / page for black and white
- $0.50 / page for color
The Library is not responsible for any damage done to Library users’ data, hardware or software by any virus, malware or other harmful code that may have been contracted on or through Library equipment.
Misuse of public workstations, software, or the Internet will result in the suspension of the privilege to use them pursuant to the Library’s Code of Conduct Policy.
Wireless Network Access
The Teaneck Public Library offers free wireless access for use with laptop computers and other mobile devices. Use of this service is governed by the Internet Use Policy.
As with most public wireless networks, the Library’s wireless network is not secure. Any information transmitted to or from the Library can potentially be intercepted by others. The Library recommends using appropriate end-to-end encryption (such as TSL/SSL or HTTPs for web traffic) when transmitting personal information such as any credit card numbers, passwords, personally identifying information or any other sensitive information when using the Library’s wireless network.
Library staff can assist users with connecting a personal device to the wireless network but cannot troubleshoot problems related to a specific wireless device or assist in making changes to a device’s network settings and/or hardware configuration. The Library cannot guarantee that all devices will work with its wireless access points.
All wireless users should have up-to-date virus protection on their laptop computers and wireless devices. The Library is not responsible for information that is compromised, or for any damage caused to hardware or software.
All users are expected to use the Library’s wireless access in a legal and responsible manner, consistent with the education and information purposes for which it is provided.
Use of the Teaneck Public Library’s wireless network and its electronic devices are each at the risk of the user. The Library disclaims all liability for loss of confidential information or damages.
Enforcement
Violation of the policies and regulations that govern the use of the Library’s Internet resources may result in suspension or loss of the privilege to use the Library resources pursuant to the Library’s Code of Conduct and/or the Library’s Enforcement Policy and Procedure. Illegal activity involving the Library’s Internet resources may also be subject to prosecution by the appropriate authorities.
The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to the Internet. The Library makes no guarantee, either express or implied, with respect to the quality or content of the information available on the Internet.
The Library reserves the right to ask users to discontinue the display of information and images that cause a disruption or discomfort to others using the Library.
Users are cautioned that, because security in an electronic environment such as the Internet cannot be guaranteed, all transactions, files and communications are vulnerable to unauthorized access and use and, therefore, should be considered public.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees October 4, 2018