COMPUTER USE POLICY

The Milton Public Library’s Trustees and library staff recognize the multiple roles technology plays in contemporary life. It is with this understanding that the Milton Public Library provides access to reliable and up-to-date computers as one of its core services to the public. 

The Internet is currently an unregulated medium. As such, while it offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, it also enables access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing, and/or illegal, inaccurate, or incomplete. Patrons are encouraged to be good information consumers by either evaluating the validity of information accessed via Internet or ask a librarian for guidance. 

While the Milton Public Library strives to protect user privacy, public access computers are located in high-traffic areas of the library. Complete privacy cannot be guaranteed. To maintain personal safety, patrons should be cautious when submitting any type of personal or private information over the Internet. No information sent or received over any computer in the Milton Public Library should be considered secure or private.  

POLICIES 

  • The library’s public computers and public Internet are free for everyone to use, regardless whether the person has a Milton Public Library card or not. 
  • When using the public computers and public Internet access, the person must abide by the library’s Behavior Policy. 
  • The library reserves the right to limit the use of public computers and Internet access. Limitations include but are not limited to: 
    • Restricting time on computers. 
    • Restricting access to websites. 
    • Charging fees for any equipment damaged by the patron. 
  • There is no food or drinks allowed while using the computers. 
  • The library staff is not responsible for any loss of work. 
  • The library staff’s technology assistance is limited and is for guidance only. Library staff are not to create or edit documents for the patrons. 
  • Any violation of the library’s policy and rules may result in the loss of public computer use and public Internet access privileges. 
  • Both library computers and public Internet access are filtered. Access to some websites may be restricted. 

        DISCLAIMER 

        • The library does not monitor and has no control over the information available through the Internet and specifically disclaims any warranty as to the information’s accuracy, authoritativeness, timeliness, usefulness or fitness for a particular purpose. 
        • The library assumes no liability for any direct, indirect or consequential damages arising from the use of its technology equipment, electronic resources, or connections to other internet resources. 
        • The library’s web filters are CIPA-compliant*.

        *As required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) display of materials deemed obscene, pornographic, or otherwise harmful to minors; (b) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and (c) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors. 

        Approved by the Milton Public Library Board of Trustees on October 11, 2023