Internet Use Policy
Revised and Approved October 1, 2007
In keeping with its mission to provide access to information in various media and to serve and be responsive to the community, the Kinderhook Memorial Library offers access to the Internet and its resources.
Choosing and Evaluating Sources
The Internet is a global electronic network that enhances the materials available at the Library. It offers access to many valuable local, national, and international sources of information. However, not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. Users should carefully judge the authority and accuracy of these sources of information as they would any other resource. Some sites may carry information that a user finds controversial or inappropriate. The Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and assumes responsibility only for the information provided on its home pages. In choosing sources to link to its home pages, the Library follows its materials selection guidelines. However, the Library cannot be responsible for changes in content of the sources to which its home pages link, or for the content of sources accessed through secondary links.
While it discourages users from retrieving or displaying graphics that may be construed as obscene, the Library is not responsible for what is displayed on computers connected to the Internet.
Access by Minors
Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding which library resources are appropriate for their own children. It is not possible for the library staff to control specific information children may locate on the Internet. As stated in the Computer Use policy, all children under the age of 10 must be supervised by a parent or designated adult while using the computers.
Public Users' Security
Because the Internet is not a secure medium, users should be aware that third parties might be able to obtain information regarding users' activities. However, the Library will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources by members of the public except as required by law or necessary for the proper operation of the library.
Internet Functions Supported
The Library does not directly provide electronic mail or access to news and discussion groups, in part because other resources on the Internet provide these services, as well as commercial vendors. Computer users may use the library’s Internet connection to access accounts obtained through these services as long as they do not require any alteration of the computer's resources or files.
