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Policy Adopted by the Board of Trustees January 12, 1998
Policy revised November 12, 2002
Policy revised September 12, 2005
Bethlehem Public Library is dedicated to providing the community with the most current information available. Public access to the Internet is an extension of the library’s mission to provide equal and uncensored access to resources in a wide range of formats. The library provides public Internet access through library computers, as well as through dataports and wireless access points for patrons with their own Internet-ready devices.
Patrons use the Internet at their own discretion. The library does not monitor nor can it control the content of the Internet. Not all sites provide accurate, complete or current information. Some access points carry information that a user might find controversial or inappropriate.
As with any library resource, parents and guardians are responsible for supervising their children’s use of the Internet. Any restriction of a minor child’s access is the responsibility of the parent/guardian, not the library staff.
Library patrons are expected to act in a responsible and ethical manner consistent with all policies of the library. In accordance with federal and state laws and regulations, patrons are not permitted to access the Internet in the library for any illegal or criminal purpose, including, but not limited to:
- Unauthorized or illegal copying of copyright-protected material
- Displaying explicit sexual material
- Hacking and similar activities
- Violating the computer or network security system
- Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes or network identification numbers
- Violating software license agreements
- Harassment or stalking
Because of the limited number of public access computers, the library reserves the right to enforce rules to provide equitable Internet access for all patrons. See the librarian for current rules of use for public access computers and wireless access.