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Policy: Internet & Computer Use

The mission of the Burlington County Library System is to adapt quickly and effectively to the dynamics of the information age. As the Burlington County Library System is a gateway and guide to ideas, information and entertainment, the Library endeavors to develop collections, services and resources to fulfill this mission. One such resource is the Internet, to which the Library provides free access for all cardholders in good standing.

The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population, and library customers use it at their own risk.  Internet users should be aware that not all sources on the internet provide accurate, complete or current information.  Provision of Internet service does not imply that the Burlington County Library System endorses or approves of any material accessed. 

The Burlington County Library System provides Internet access on PCs which are filtered appropriately for youth and adult areas of the library.  Each PC is labeled to indicate its level of filtering. Even with filtering, some Internet sites that are inappropriate in a library setting may be displayed. Because the library is a public place, library staff has the authority to end an Internet session when such material displays, at which time a warning message is sent electronically to the user. The second violation of this policy will result in the suspension of your computer use privileges for six months.

The Burlington County Library's Internet service does not include general chat.

Parents or guardians, not the library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Wireless service is not filtered. It is recommended that parents monitor their child's Internet use in the library, whether using the library's computers or their own laptops. Because there is no age requirement for using PCs in the adult area and because no filtering software is 100% effective, parents are advised that objectionable material could still be accessible. It is recommended that parents monitor their child's internet use in the library.

The Library's Youth Services web page provides links to many sites of interest to children. A pamphlet entitled "Child Safety on the Information Superhighway," published by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, is available online from the BCLS Kids site (parents page), and in printed form by request.

The library is not responsible for any damages resulting from use of the library's computers or the library's connection to the internet, nor can it guarantee privacy of any internet sessions.  If, during routine maintenance, it is perceived that a customer's usage has presented a threat to the security of the library's computer system, appropriate action will be taken.

The Burlington County Library System reserves the right to suspend a customer's privilege to use the Internet due to illegal or unethical use of the Internet or for any other violation of policy or guidelines, and also to modify this policy and the guidelines at any time.

Internet and Computer Use Guidelines

The following guidelines have been established to maximize fair usage of the Burlington County Library System's computer resources:

1. At the Headquarters Library, access to computers in the Youth Services area, including laptop use, is limited to students of high school age and younger and their accompanying caregivers.
2. Users need to be registered Burlington County Library System cardholders in good standing.
3. Computers are available during normal hours of library operation. Time limits apply. At most locations time limits are managed by Envisionware's PC Reservation. Each location provides several computers with various initial timeperiods, from 30 minutes to 2 hours. These limits will be extended automatically in 15 minute increments up to double the initial time period, if no one is waiting.
4. Customers may not use their own software programs on the library's computers.
5. Customers may not download any files onto the hard drives of library computers. Downloads should be made directly onto a floppy disk, available for purchase for $1.00 each. Customers may also bring in a USB flash drive.

   WARNING: Files downloaded from the Internet may contain a virus. When using the wireless service, customers should have virus checking software on their own computer to check downloaded files. The Burlington County Library is not responsible for damage to a customer's disk or computer, or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from use of the library's computers or its connection to the Internet.

6. Various printers are attached to the librarys' Internet PCs. Black and white printouts are available at 10¢ per page. Color printouts are 20¢. Regarding the wireless service, printers are not available for use with the customer's equipment. Documents that need to be printed should be saved to a floppy or flash drive and printed from the library's equipment.
7. Library staff cannot provide in-depth training or troubleshooting concerning the Internet, wireless Internet access, or the customer's equipment. However, introductory classes on computers, internet and library research databases are held regularly in the Technology Centers. Check for availability of classes at each library location.

WHILE EXPLORING THE INTERNET, PLEASE REMEMBER:

• Customers may not always be able to access all the sites they wish for various reasons: the host computer may be out of service or have changed its address, lines to the host computer may be congested, or the Library's connection may be temporarily down.
• Often the specific information customers need is available in the library's books, periodicals, and electronic databases.

USER RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Respect the privacy of other library customers during their computer sessions.
2. Illegal or unethical use of the Internet is prohibited. The library cooperates fully with authorities wishing to prosecute criminals.
3. Sending lewd or threatening e-mail messages is prohibited.
4. Sending unsolicited e-mail messages to large numbers of people is prohibited.
5. Damaging or altering computer hardware or software is illegal pursuant to NJ Statutes Annotated 2A:38A.
6. Customers may not attempt to circumvent or compromise the security of any host, network, or account. This includes but is not limited to probing the security of other networks, logging into a server or account that the customer is not expressly authorized to access, or masquerading as another person in order to obtain access to their account.
7. The Library makes no guarantees about and is not responsible for the security of information transmitted and received during your wireless Internet session. Wireless signals can be intercepted and cables can be tapped. Only connections to secure web sites are encrypted.
8. While using library computers, customers are expected to abide by policies regarding food, drink, and behavior, as outlined in the Burlington County Library System Customer Conduct Policy.