Internet Use Policy

The Wyckoff Free Public Library provides public access to the Internet on library computers in support of its role as a conduit to information and lifelong learning.

Consistent with our mission and the professional principles of public librarianship, this Internet Use Policy affirms the safeguarding of First Amendment rights, intellectual freedom, equality of access, confidentiality of information about users and their use of library resources. The library affirms the principles concerning Access to Digital Information, Services, and Networks as delineated within the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights.

The library makes no representations, either express or implied, with regard to the accuracy or reliability of the information obtained from the Internet. The library does not endorse or sanction the content or point of view of any information or commentary found on the Internet. Users are encouraged to be good information consumers by taking the time to evaluate the validity and reliability of the information they find. Library staff are happy to provide guidance if requested in finding useful and accurate web sites.

Parents or guardians assume all risk and responsibility for the Internet information accessed by their children. Children who use the Internet unsupervised may be exposed to inappropriate or disturbing information and images. Library staff cannot serve “in loco parentis” (in the place of a parent). To assure that parental standards are enforced, the library recommends that each parent accompany his or her child when the child is accessing the Internet in the library.

Users are cautioned that, because security on the Internet cannot be guaranteed, all transactions, files and communication are vulnerable to unauthorized access and therefore should be considered public. Downloading information onto the hard drive of library computers is prohibited. To keep any information, users must print it, email it to themselves, or save it onto any portable USB drive, which can be purchased at the circulation desk. Virus protection is provided on library computers, but the library cannot be held responsible for damage to personal data or equipment resulting from downloading or uploading on the Internet.

Since the library computers are located in public areas and shared by users of varying ages, backgrounds and sensibilities, individuals are asked to consider this when accessing potentially controversial information and images. Accessing material deemed harmful to minors or engaging in any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating or hostile environment is prohibited.

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution does not protect all Internet content. No Wyckoff Library computer may be used to view or display obscenity, child pornography or other illegal content. The legal status of any particular content can be determined only by a court of law with proper jurisdiction. The First Amendment does not protect acts that violate a criminal law.

Other prohibited behavior includes: gambling on the internet; unauthorized access, including hacking, spamming or other unlawful activities; invasion of other people’s privacy or intrusion upon their rights; viewing or transmitting threatening, obscene or harassing materials. Illegal acts involving library computers may be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

The library reserves the right to terminate any Internet session at any time if it is determined to violate any provision of or the spirit or intent of this policy. Violations of any portion of this policy may result in the suspension of Internet privileges.

Any patron whose Internet session is terminated by a library employee who feels aggrieved by such a decision may appeal the decision in writing to the Library Board of Trustees.

Adopted: August 20, 2012