The mission of the Welles-Turner Memorial Library is to make available by convenient and free access collections of expertly selected library materials to meet the public's informational needs, to promote the enjoyment of reading, to encourage life-long learning, and to provide an opportunity for cultural enrichment.

In addition to these traditional library resources, the Library offers access to the world of online information via the Internet. The Internet is filled with information and resources that can educate, entertain, and expand horizons. However, there is no single authority that controls the millions of contributors to the Internet and the Library cannot have complete knowledge of what is on the Internet. Some sites may carry information that a user finds controversial or inappropriate. The Library cannot monitor such material and library users access the Internet at their own discretion.

All patrons accessing the Internet computers are expected to have a working knowledge of computer operations. To aid patrons, the staff will use the Internet as a reference tool when appropriate to retrieve information for users. The Library's Internet Home Page offers specific starting points for searching the Internet, but the Library shall not be responsible for the web site selected by the patron from their starting points. Internet classes are offered throughout the year at various times. Current books and videos about the Internet are available in the Library's collection.

Library staff will not knowingly tolerate children under seventeen accessing sites containing obscene material, as defined by the CT State Statutes. (53a-193) However, as with other library materials, restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. The library accepts the ALA resolution on filtering which supports constitutionally protected free speech and does not support the use of blocking or filtering software.

All online resources at the Library are provided equally to all library users. With any public resource, availability may not always match demand. The Library may set use limits so that all patrons seeking Internet access will have an appropriate opportunity. The Library reserves the right to end an Internet session when time limits are exceeded and/or designate computer terminals for specific purposes. Users may not access pornographic materials or gamble. If Internet searching results in disruption of library services or if patron behavior when using the Internet becomes inappropriate for a library setting, the library reserves the right to end a patron's session.

Users may not install or download software programs onto the Library computer's hard drive. To download information, users may provide their own formatted discs or purchase them at the Reference Desk. Files downloaded from the Internet can contain viruses. The Library will in no way be responsible for any materials or information downloaded from the Internet.

Users shall not attempt to violate the computer security systems or attempt to access the hard drive, other files, networks, or computer systems of the Library.

Electronic communications and files could become public. The Library will not be responsible for loss or damage resulting to a user from such a breach of privacy or confidentiality. All users who release personal information, including personal identifying information, credit card, or bank account numbers etc. do so at their own risk.

Any user who is found to have violated this policy may be subject to having his or her computer privileges suspended or revoked. All users shall be required to compensate the Library or others for any and all damage caused by the violation of this policy.

The Welles-Turner Memorial Library reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.

Adopted by the Welles-Turner Memorial Library Board August 23, 1999.

The Internet computer is provided primarily as a homework and research tool. First time Internet users must read the Internet Use Policy in the presence of Library staff and agree to abide by it. The staff will then place an Internet sticker on the patron’s library card.

Parents and guardians are encouraged on their first Internet experience to connect and view FamiliesConnect, a web site created for parents and children to use together (http://www.ala.org/ICONN/familiesconnect.html). This experience will guide the users to a better understanding of how the Internet can provide important and exciting information.

Parents and guardians of children under 18 years of age are responsible for their children’s use of the Internet and are strongly advised to supervise their children’s Internet sessions. Children under grade 4 must have an adult with them while using the Internet. The Welles-Turner Memorial Library is not able to monitor or control the content of material available through the Internet. There is no substitute for parental supervision; if you have any concerns about your children’s use of the Internet, please supervise them.

Library staff will not knowingly tolerate children under seventeen accessing sites containing obscene material, as defined by the CT State Statutes. (53a-193) However, as with other library materials, restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. The library accepts the ALA resolution which supports constitutionally protected free speech and does not support the use of blocking or filtering software (see attached).

All patrons accessing the Internet computers are expected to have a working knowledge of computer operations. To aid patrons the staff will use the Internet as a reference tool when appropriate to retrieve information for users. The Library’s Internet Home Page offers specific starting points for searching the Internet, but the Library shall not be responsible for the web site selected by the patron from their starting points. Internet classes are offered throughout the year at various, designated times. Current books and videos about the Internet are available in the Library’s collection.

Users may not install or download software programs onto the Library computer’s hard drive. To download information, users may provide their own formatted discs or purchase them at the Children’s Desk. Files downloaded from the Internet can contain viruses. The Library will in no way be responsible for any materials or information downloaded from the Internet.

Users may not access pornographic materials or gamble.

Users shall not attempt to violate the computer security systems or attempt to access the hard drive, other files, networks, or computer systems of the Library.

The Library reserves the right to interrupt patrons if access is required due to Library business purposes, periodic maintenance, or technical difficulties.

Internet security is technically difficult to achieve, and electronic communications and files could become public. The Library will not be responsible for loss or damage resulting to a user from such a breach of privacy or confidentiality. All users who release their personal information, including personal identifying information, credit card or bank account numbers, etc. do so at their own risk.

Not all sources on the Internet provide information that is accurate, complete, current, or legal. The Welles-Turner Memorial Library staff is unable to monitor or control the content of materials on the Internet, which change rapidly and unpredictably.

Any user who is found to have violated this policy may be subject to having his or her computer privileges suspended or revoked. All users shall be required to compensate the Library or others for any and all damage caused by the violation of this policy.

Adopted by the Welles-Turner Memorial Library Board August 23, 1999

Updated November 26, 2001