Internet Policy

The Paul Pratt Memorial Library provides public access to the Internet in keeping with its mission as a vibrant community hub that serves as an incubator of discovery and a catalyst for creative imagination and life -long learning for library users of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

The Internet is a valuable information resource for all. However, users should be aware that there is no central quality control of the Internet and that the Paul Pratt Memorial Library assumes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the information retrieved. While the library’s adult Internet workstations are not “filtered,” the workstations in the Children’s and Young Adult’s Room are. If it is determined that the filters are impeding research results, librarians assisting students will adjust filter settings in order to expand information retrieval.

As is the case with all other library materials, any restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the sole responsibility of the child’ s parent or legal guardian. However, as a guideline, we would recommend that children not yet in grade 6 be accompanied by a parent or guardian when using the Internet.

The library prohibits the transmission of any materials in violation of any federal or state regulation. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, pornographic material, or material protected by trade secret.

While the Library cannot guarantee the privacy of data or computer usage of the public access computers, it considers such privacy to be extremely important. The Library follows best practices to secure the network and its computers and to ensure that search histories are erased between computer sessions. The Library does not retain computer reservation records beyond one day. It is also clearly stated in this policy that infringement upon the rights and privacy of others is unacceptable use of these resources.

Adopted by the Trustees of the Paul Pratt Memorial Library, August 11, 1999; Revised August 13, 2015; & October 12, 2016