Computer Courtesy

• Acceptable use means respecting the rights of others, and using equipment and software responsibly.
• Observe stated time limits. A patron can use one of the library computers for up to one hour, and if possible and at the discretion of library staff, may request an additional hour of use.  In special circumstances patrons can reserve larger blocks of time.
• Allow adequate time to print, save to a flash drive, and/or send attachment to your email of documents or projects.
• Respect the personal space of other patrons using computers.
• Leaving the terminal unattended before your session is completed is potentially unsafe. Please remember to log out of any accounts requiring login and/or passwords. Be aware that your session time will continue until you end your session.
• Users must inform the staff immediately of any apparent computer malfunction.
• Public library computers should be muted unless patron has headphones to listen to audio. The library sells headphones for $2.

Internet Use Policy

• In keeping with its mission and with advances in information technology, the Rowayton Library provides users with access to the Internet.The library provides these computers to support the education and information needs of the community. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information.  The library has no control over the information on the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content or quality.
• Patrons must sign into a computer session with their updated CT library card number.
• Computer guest passes are available upon request and are valid for 1 day. A photo ID must be provided in order to receive a guest pass.

Children and the Internet

Parents/guardians are responsible for the supervision of their child’s use of the Internet computers. Children 11 and under need to have an Internet Permission Form submitted by a parent or guardian on file in order to use the library computers. During school days, the library computers are not to be used for playing games between 3:30 and 5 p.m.

Acceptable Use

Online resources may be used by the staff and public for cultural, informational and research purposes and other lawful purposes only.

Unacceptable Use

Examples of unacceptable use, some of which may have legal consequences, include, but are not limited to the following:

• Use of the Internet to make unauthorized entry into other computational, informational or communication services or resources (i.e. hacking).
• Distribution of unsolicited or any form of advertising. Invasion of the privacy of others.
• Make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software.
• View, print, distribute, display and or receive materials that violate laws relating to child pornography.
• Disseminate, exhibit, display, send or receive materials that are harmful to minors.
• View, print, distribute, and send material that is “obscene” under the community standards of CT Public Act 04-139.
• Engage in any activity that is harassing or defamatory to library patrons and staff, including but not limited to such conduct that has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an employee’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment.
• Use of the Internet for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright laws or software licensing agreements.

Sanctions

Violators of Internet policies will lose their library privileges to use library computers including the immediate termination of their login session / and or suspension of Internet privileges as determined by the Library Director or designee(s).  Illegal acts involving library’s computer resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.