The Red Bank Public Library is pleased to offer the public access to computers and laptops to enable informational, educational and recreational activities. Use of the Internet is a privilege and inappropriate use will result in suspension and eventual cancellation of this privilege.
LIBRARY COMPUTER WORKSTATIONS
Computer use is free to all Library patrons; guest passes are available for individuals without Library card.
Patrons who have fines or charges of more than $10 on their Library records will be denied access to the Internet until payment is made.
Public access to Internet workstations is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Due to the limited resources available for provision of public access to our computers, the Library reserves the right to limit the amount of time of computer usage. Internet sessions are one hour in length. Sessions will be renewed if computers are available. If no stations are available, there is a one hour wait between sessions.
The first 10 pages of black and white printing is free; additional black and white printouts cost $.15. Color copies are $.40 per page for color. No refunds will be provided.
The Library does not provide e-mail accounts. Patrons are welcome to use their own email accounts or establish accounts on any of the free email services. Library staff cannot set up email accounts for Library users.
Downloading is restricted to removable storage devices. Personal files or software downloaded or saved to computer hard drives will be removed. Flash drives may be purchased at the circulation desk.
The Red Bank Public Library is not responsible for damage done to private systems through downloads from Library computers.
Headphones must be worn when patrons are using audio while at the public computers. Earbuds are available upon request.
Food and drink are not allowed at the computer workstation. Please leave drinks at a nearby table.
Cell phones must be set to mute or vibrate, and all phone conversations should be conducted in the vestibule area in a low and muted tone.
Patrons are reminded that the Library's computers are located in public areas that are shared with people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs. Individuals are expected to consider this diversity and respect the rights of others when accessing potentially offensive information or images.
LIBRARY LAPTOPS
Laptop computers are available for patrons upon request.
Patrons may not load software on the laptop.
Periodic updates of the laptops are required – please notify the Reference Librarian if a laptop needs attention.
INTERNET ACCESS BY MINORS
Parents or guardians are solely responsible for the Internet information selected or accessed by their children. While some filtering software has been installed on Library computers, parents are cautioned that unsupervised children may see things the parent finds objectionable. Children should be accompanied by a parent/caregiver or should be provided with parental guidelines for Internet use. Library staff are not responsible for determining what is acceptable for children, but may intervene if a child violates general policies/procedures.
WIRELESS NETWORK
The Library’s wireless networks are open to all visitors – no password is required.
Wireless users agree to abide by the Red Bank Public Library Technology Policy.
The Library is not responsible for any hardware or software issues that may arise while connecting to the wireless network or while attempting to connect/disconnect to the network.
The Library wireless connection is not secure. The Library is not responsible for the privacy of information a patron may transfer over the Library’s network.
The Library assumes no responsibility for damage, theft, or loss of a patron’s equipment, software, data files or other personal property brought into or used at the Library.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND SECURITY
Patrons are responsible for the content that they access.
Parents are responsible for the safe use of Library computers by their children.
The Library upholds the right of patrons to use the Internet in a safe, confidential manner; however, the Internet is an unregulated medium. The Library cannot guarantee complete privacy and security for any user. Patrons should use caution, especially when accessing personal and financial information such as e-mail, bank accounts, credit card accounts, etc.
Patrons may not use the identity of another patron to gain access to Library computers.
UNACCEPTABLE USES OF LIBRARY COMPUTERS
The Library reserves the right to suspend the use of its computers, and/or the Library by anyone who uses Library computing equipment, electronic devices or a network for an illegal purpose or for a purpose in violation of the standards outlined in this and other Library policies.
All users shall specifically refrain from the following activities:
Using sounds and visuals which might disrupt the ability of other Library patrons to use the Library and its resources.
Downloading and/or installing executable files from any source.
Misrepresenting themselves on the Internet with the intention to commit harm, fraud or as a source of an electronic communication.
Displaying or disseminating images containing gratuitous violence or obscenity as defined by NJ State Law. (NJSA 2C § 34-2)
Criminal activity including but not limited to: hacking, uploading or downloading computer viruses, sexual exploitation of minors, online stalking, or harassment.
Altering settings, downloading software, or making permanent changes to the computer system.
Uses that cause damage to the system’s components, including damage to software, hardware, or data.
The Red Bank Public Library reserves the right to cancel any patron’s session or to deny access to computers by patrons who repeatedly violate Internet policy or the Library’s patron conduct policy for a period to be determined by the Library Director. In the case of serious, deliberate damage to Library computer systems, or other criminal activity, the Library reserves the right to contact law enforcement.