Bennington Free Library
Electronic Resources Policy
A. General Statement and Access to Terminal
As a part of the Bennington Free Library’s mission to develop resources to meet the diverse cultural, governmental,
educational and recreational needs of the communities we serve, electronic information resources are available to all
patrons regardless of age, educational level, financial status, physical ability or library card ownership. Access to the
Internet is compatible with the library’s endorsement of the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement and
other such statements of policy endorsed by the Bennington Free Library, as well as the policies, goals and objectives
of this library. The Internet allows users to connect to networks of resources outside the library, and it is intended that
such access is being made available for research and reference purposes only. The Bennington Free Library does not
warrant the information available through its Internet connection to be accurate, authoritative, factually timely or useful,
and does not endorse the content of the networked information available through its Internet connection. Library users
access the Internet at their own discretion. As with other library materials, the restriction of a child’s access to the Internet
is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. With regard to children and teenagers, we recommend that parents or
legal guardians take an active interest in and responsibility for their children’s online use. While young people need a certain
amount of privacy, they also need parental involvement and supervision in their daily lives. The same principles that apply to
daily life also apply while online.
Access to the terminal will be on a first come first served basis, and will be available only when a staff member is present to
supervise the equipment. If no other person is waiting to use the terminal, there is no time limit placed on the user, but when
another person wishes to use the terminal, the current user will be requested to complete his or her work within thirty minutes
and surrender the terminal to the next person in line. Use of web-based E-mail is restricted to one thirty minute session per
day. The library staff may, at their discretion, vary the time schedule for users of the Internet, and may take reasonable
measures to assure that patrons are not disturbed while using the Internet.
B. Security and Downloading
Use of the hard drive for storage of data or downloading of files is absolutely prohibited without the express written permission
of the Reference Librarian in advance. Patrons are prohibited from using floppy disks or CDs in the terminal, with the exception
of disks newly purchased from the library or CDs in the Library’s collection. Purchased disks may be used for downloading of files
from the Internet. This policy will be strictly enforced and is intended to prevent the introduction of computer viruses into our system.
When downloading, the user is solely responsible for ensuring his or her compliance with any federal patent or copyright laws.
C. Prohibited Activities
All users are prohibited from using the electronic resources for access for the following purposes:
1. Computer hacking, or other unauthorized forms of access to other computers, networks, or information, and/or interfering
with other users, services and equipment in a manner intended to cause harm to others or damage to their property including
propagation of a computer virus, trojan horse, worm, and/or time bomb, or other forms of harmful programming or vandalism;
2. Any use that would violate federal, state or local laws;
3. Distribution of commercial advertising;
4. Use of electronic messaging services other than e-mail, including but not limited to: bulletin boards, chat lines. Users are
prohibited from engaging in activities that compromise the safety and security of minors when using any direct form of
electronic communication. Users are prohibited from unauthorized disclosure or use of personal information regarding
minors via the Internet, or using the Library’s computers to arrange a face-to-face meeting with a minor met on the
computer network or Internet without the express permission of minor’s parent or guardian;
5 5. Accessing sexually explicit materials. Users under the age of 18 years of age are restricted to use of “age appropriate”
materials on the World Wide Web and Internet.
6. Use of interactive games or entertainment -- excluding programs and software provided by the Library within its network.
D. Sanctions
A violation of section B. or C. 1 through 4 will subject the user to an indefinate suspension from
electronic resources access and may subject the user to criminal prosecution.
A violation of Section C. 5 through 6 will subject the user to a five day suspension from electronic
resources for the first offense, a twenty day suspension of such access for the second offense, and an
indefinate suspension for the third or subsequent offense.
Suspensions may be imposed by the Reference Librarian, and any user aggrieved by a
suspension shall have the right to appeal the decision to the Director. Policy issues raised by
an appeal may be addressed by the Board of Directors.
E. Liability for Use of Electronic Services
The Bennington Free Library assumes no responsibility for any claims, liabilities, actions, or damages to
personal property arising from use of any library owned or leased electronic services, or resulting
from the use of data made available through electronic information services.
The Bennington Free Library believes this policy to be in compliance with the requirements of the
Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Pub. L, No.106-554, Subtitle C
(Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act)
Sections 1731-1732.
Amended and Approved 6/24/2002