As part of North Greenbush Public Library’s mission to meet the information needs of town residents, the library offers public access to the Internet. Access to the Internet enables patrons to explore a vast array of information beyond that contained in the library’s collections.

While the library offers guidance to a wide variety of useful and interesting Internet sites on the World Wide Web, some sites may contain inaccurate, controversial and even offensive material. The library does not monitor, and has no control over, the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be responsible for its content. Users are asked to remember that they are in a public building and to show consideration for others when viewing Internet sites.

Patrons and/or guardians are responsible for monitoring their child’s use of the Internet. Any restriction of the child’s access is the responsibility of the parent/guardian, not the library staff. PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 MUST HAVE SIGNED PARENTAL AUTHORIZATION TO USE THE INTERNET. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian over 18 at the Internet workstation at all times.

All Internet users MUST have a valid Upper Hudson Library System card. A VALID library card has no fines over $1.00 and no overdue books. Users are required to sign in each time to use the Internet workstation. Library cards will be held at the Main Desk while the Internet is being used. A maximum of two users at the workstation at a time is allowed. If the computer is shared, all users must agree to the library’s policy. Patrons are responsible to respect copyright laws and licensing agreements.

If Internet use is desired by a non-Upper Hudson Library System patron, the individual is required to sign the Internet Use Policy and MUST leave photo identification at the Main Desk while the Internet is used. This ID may be photocopied while at the desk if deemed necessary.

Access to the Internet workstation is limited to 1 hour per day, and there can only be one standing reservation to use the workstation at a time. Latecomers forfeit the unused portion of their reserved time. If someone is waiting to use the Internet, those more than 15 minutes late will lose their entire reserved time. All printing MUST be complete by the end of the appointment. The library reserves the right to cancel print jobs, or the loading of pages if they run over the appointed time.

Files MAY NOT be downloaded to the library’s computer’s hard drive. Patrons must save files by downloading to 3.5 inch formatted disk for an IBM compatible PC. Disks may be purchased at the Main Desk for $1.00 each. Hardware and software on the Internet computer may not be altered.

Misuse of the Internet computer by not complying with these procedures and policies will result in loss of Internet privileges. Internet sessions may be ended at the discretion of the library staff, if the staff deems the session disruptive to the library.

***Adopted by the Board of Trustees, December 3, 1998.
***Revised by the Board of Trustees, October 25, 2001.