WEST SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY COMPUTER USE AND INTERNET POLICY

 

The West Springfield Public Library (WSPL) is committed to free and open access to information. Materials are provided in a variety of formats and services to help people obtain information that meets their personal, education, cultural, and professional needs. The WSPL computer system provides an opportunity to integrate electronic sources with other information networks that are local, national, and international in scope.

 

Internet Usage:

The Internet is an unregulated medium, hence, WSPL cannot verify accuracy, timeliness, usefulness, validity of information, availability of sites, or content of information found on the Internet. Users are urged to carefully evaluate information gathered from the Internet.

The WSPL is not responsible for damage or any liability arising from access to or use of information obtained through our Internet computers. The WSPL neither censors access to materials nor protects users from information they may find offensive. Internet computers can only be used for legal, ethical purposes. The library reserves the right to terminate a computer session at any time.

 

Statement of Parental/Guardian Responsibility:

Parents or legal guardians are responsible for deciding what library resources are appropriate for their minor children. As with other library resources, supervision or restriction of a child’s access to the Internet remains the responsibility of a parent or guardian.

 

Wireless Internet Access:

The West Springfield Public Library also offers wireless access to the internet for laptops and mobile devices.  In order to gain access through the Library's hotspot, you must choose the LibraryPublicHotspot from the list of connections and accept the Library's Computer Use and Internet Policy.  

There is no password for the Library hotspot, however, it will not connect to the internet unless the Policy has been agreed to by the wireless user.  

The Library’s network is neither secure nor encrypted. Use of the West Springfield Public Library wireless network is at the user’s own risk. It is recommended that personal information such as Social Security account numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and other such information, not be transmitted using the wireless network.

 

Staff Assistance:

Staff will be glad to assist users as time and knowledge permit. However, staff is not available for extensive instruction. Library staff cannot guarantee expertise for every site, program, or problem encountered online. Because of the many applications available, staff may not always be familiar with specific programs users wish to use. In these cases, the users are responsible for learning the program. Circulating and reference books and manuals for self-instruction are available. Please ask a librarian.

 

Unacceptable Uses of the WSPL Computers: 

The following are not allowed:

  • Viewing legally obscene materials.
  • Violating state or federal laws regarding unauthorized use of computing resources or networks.
  • Interfering with the intended use of the information resources.
  • Attempting to alter, reconfigure, or damage computer software or hardware, including installing personal software on a library computer.

 

Approved by the Board of Trustees 11/24/98 Amended 5/25/99; 12/17/02; 07/26/22