Internet Access and Use Policy The library makes the internet available to library cardholders in support of the library’s role as the community’s information center. Consistent with our mission, this internet policy affirms the safeguarding of First Amendment rights, intellectual freedom, equality of access, and confidentiality of user information and their use of library resources. However, the internet is an unregulated medium and may provide access to information that is inaccurate, illegal or that some may find offensive or disturbing. Disclaimers 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 will have no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of information accessed through the library’s internet service. Normally, the library will not monitor or supervise internet access, other than for length of use. However, if internet usage results in disruption of library services, or if patrons’ behavior when using internet resources becomes inappropriate for a library setting, the library reserves the right to ask individuals to discontinue the display of information, content, and/or images or to end the session. Additionally, the library reserves the right to discontinue a patron’s internet session in order to ensure equal opportunity of access for everyone. The library, having installed and enforced the operation of filtering software in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, will have no liability for damages related to the operation of, or failure of, the filtering software, or for its circumvention by users. Filtering software is not foolproof. It diminishes the likelihood that users will inadvertently retrieve text or images that may find offensive, but does not eliminate that possibility. Since software and information downloaded from any sources, including the internet, may contain computer viruses, users are advised to utilize virus checking software on their home computers. The library is not responsible for damage to users’ external storage devices or wireless devices or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from use of the library’s computers or Wi-Fi. Access According to N.J.A.C. 15.21-2.5, the “library shall provide the public free access to Internet all hours the library is open.” Adult patrons who qualify for a free Franklin Township Library card must use their own card to access library computers via the automated PC reservation system. Those adult patrons who do not qualify for a Franklin Township Library card are strongly encouraged to visit the library designated service area or home library in the LOGIN consortium to obtain a library card which can be used to access Franklin Township Library computers via the automated PC reservation system.
Adults without a free library card via a library in the LOGIN consortium may request a free guest pass after completing a guest application and providing identification each time they wish to access library computers or they may purchase a non-resident library card for an annual fee of $35 which also allows materials to be borrowed. Adults and minors are given equal access to designated computers. Minors are defined in this policy as children under the age of eighteen years. Parents or legal guardians must provide identification and complete and sign library card applications, internet permission slips, and guest applications for minors. Parents and guardians are responsible for supervising and restricting computer usage by their minors. The library does not assume liability. Restrictions on Internet Usage
Email, chat rooms, bulletin boards, games, and some other applications are not supported by the library computers or staff. Library staff is not obligated to provide instruction on any of the above activities.
Patrons are not permitted to conduct business or commercial enterprises including but not limited to the distribution of advertising.
Internet computers may not be used to provide any type of group training unless given by the library.
Time Limit on Library Computers Patrons must use our automated PC reservation system to use library computers. Patrons are eligible for a sixty minute session and may use consecutive sessions on a computer if they have used all sixty minutes of their session and the computer has not been reserved. Library computers automatically shut down one half hour before closing time. Use of Library Computer Hardware Patrons are prohibited for removing or re-purposing library hardware. Please see staff if you have an issue with library equipment. Wireless (Wi-Fi) Use and Access Patrons with wireless laptops and tablets may use the library’s wireless (Wi-Fi) Internet access free of charge. Wi-Fi users do not need a library card to access the Internet. Use of the library’s Wi-Fi access point is governed by the library’s Internet Use Policy, which prohibits inappropriate, abusive, or illegal activities. This access point is not to be used as a permanent connection. Misuse of Internet access can result in loss of library privileges.
The library does not offer printing capability for Wi-Fi Internet users. Wi-Fi users can connect to the library’s databases as remote users only. Responses to Violations of This Policy Patrons’ access to the library’s computer network and internet is a privilege, not a right. A user violates this policy by his or her own action or by failing to report any violations by other users that come to the attention of the user. Further, a user violates this policy if he or she permits another to use his or her account or password to access the computer network or internet. Failure to comply with this policy and its procedures will result in the forfeiture of the user’s right to access the library’s computers and/or library privileges.