IRVINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY INTERNET USE AND ACCESS POLICY
The Irvington Public Library strives to be the gateway to the global network of recorded thought and information. We are committed to providing superior services to our diverse communities as well as employing state-of-the-art technology to improve access to global resources. As part of our mission to meet informational, educational, and recreational needs of the public, the Library makes available free access to the Internet for those with a valid Irvington or Newark library card.
The following American Library Association statement guide the Irvington Public Library on access to information: The Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read statement, Freedom to view statement, and Access to Electronic Information Services and Resources.
The Library does not endorse the viewpoints or vouch for accuracy, timeless, content or authenticity of materials accessed via the Internet. It is left to each user to determine what material is appropriate. The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to the Internet. The Library makes no guarantee, either expressed or implied, with respect to the quality or content of the information available on the Internet. Because the Internet is a vast and unregulated information network, it enables access to ideas, information, images and commentary beyond the confines of the Library’s collection, mission, selection criteria and collection development policies. Because of this, and the fact that access points on the Internet can and do change often, rapidly and unpredictably, the Library cannot protect individuals from information and images, which they may find offensive or disturbing.
Users normally have the right of confidentiality in all their activities with resources and services provided by the Library. The Library supports the user’s right to privacy, however, users are advised that because security is technically difficult to achieve, electronic communications and files could become public.
The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session at any time if there is a violation of or conflict with established rules and regulations for the standard operation of the Library.
FILTERING:
In 2000, Congress enacted the Children’s Internet Protection Act (“CIPA”), Pub. L. No. 106-554, Div. B, Tit. XVII, 114 Stat. 2763A-335, to address concerns about children’s access to obscene or harmful content over the internet. In order to remain eligible for certain federal funding under CIPA, the Library has implemented software filtering on all of its Internet-accessible computer terminals. The software installed on Internet-accessible computers at the Library protects against access to visual depictions of obscenity, child pornography, and, in the case of persons under the age of 17 years, materials that are "harmful to minors.
Parents or guardians of minors using the Internet are responsible for providing guidance to children under their care. Children under the 9th grade will be required to have parental/guardian permission to access the Internet on terminals located in the adult section and the child must be accompanied by the parent/guardian.
Adult users may temporarily disable the filtering software in order to obtain unfiltered internet access for genuine research or other lawful purpose by following the instructions provided on the computer screen or such instructions as the Library shall otherwise provide.
INTERNET USE
The Irvington Free public Library is proud to be able to provide the residents of Irvington Township with access to the Internet. The Internet connection allows the Library to further fulfill its continuing mission of meeting the informational needs of the diverse population of Irvington Township. The Internet Connection is a free service available to all patrons with a valid Irvington or Newark library card. The Library has established the following guidelines for the use of the Internet.
DISCLAIMER: The Library has no control over materials available on the Internet, and can in no way be held responsible for its content. The availability of networked information available through the Irvington Free Public Library does not constitute any endorsement or ratification of that information. The use of the Internet to engage in any activity, which constitutes violation of local, state and /or federal laws, is strictly prohibited.
All users of this service agree to hold the Irvington Free Public Library harmless from any and all claims, loses, damages, obligations or liabilities, directly relating to the use of the Internet, caused thereby or arising therefrom. In no event shall the Irvington Free Public Library have any liability for lost profits or for indirect, special, punitive or consequential damages or liability of any third party, even if the Irvington Free Public Library is advised of the possibility to such damages.
LIBRARY STAFF ASSISTANCE: Staff does not provide instructional support. We offer free computer classes to all patrons. A staff may however, assist with technical troubleshooting issues. The majority of the responsibility for learning how to navigate the Internet and the computer will be the patron’s.
RULES AND REGULATIONS: Internet use is on a first come first serve basis. Patrons with a valid Irvington or Newark library card will be allowed two (2) one hour sessions per day. All others will be required to obtain a guest pass from the circulation desk. If there is no one waiting a user may resign for a second one (1) hour session.
An Express computer is available for a one time session of 15 minutes for patrons with a valid Irvington and Newark library card.
We cannot accept telephone or Internet reservations. Once a patron is assigned to a computer, they will have 5 minutes to login or they will loose their appointment and will need to sign up again.
There shall only be one person per computer between the hours of 2pm and 5pm unless the library staff gives prior approval.
The cost of printing is .15 cents per page. The copies are to be picked up at the circulation desk. The patron is responsible for every copy printed regardless if a mistake is made. Failure to pay for copies may result in forfeiture of Internet privileges.
The cost of a 2GB Flash Drive is $10.00. They are available at the circulation desk.
The computers are normally available during the hours the Library is open until 15 minutes before closing.
The transmission of credit card, banking information or other commerce is strongly discouraged. The Library accepts no responsibility for any fraud or losses that may follow such transmissions.
The use of the library computers to perpetrate hacking, spamming, harassment, threats or other malicious mischief is strictly prohibited.
Changing desktop or other settings is prohibited. The computers in the Library are not any individual’s personal property and it is inappropriate to treat them as such. Files saved to the Library’s computers shall be deleted. Any destruction or misuse of library computers is prohibited. If a user is found harming the equipment, the user is held liable for the damage. The user’s computer privileges shall be revoked as well.
Computer users shall close all windows when their session is over.
Copyrighted materials may not be copied without proper authorization.
The user must refrain from the deliberate propagation of computer worms or viruses.
Computer users are to comply with the directions from the Library staff. If a computer user feels he/she has been dealt with unfairly, he/she may lodge a complaint with the Director or her/his designee.
Approved by the Irvington Public Library Board of Trustees on 10/18/2000
Modification approved by the Library Board of Trustees on 10/16/2008
Updated and Approved by the Board of Trustees – September 2013
Updated and Approved by the Board of Trustees – September 2017
