Internet Use Policy
The library endorses the American Library Association's (ALA) Library Bill of Rights, ALA Freedom to Read Statement, and the ALA Freedom to View Statement.
The library does not have any statutory authority to assure that only constitutionally protected content is available on the Internet. The authority to determine what is illegal (obscene) and harmful to minors rests with the Massachusetts Attorney General (G.L. c.272 §§ 28 and 31).
Unacceptable Use
Patrons are expected to use computing resources for legal, ethical, and appropriate purposes. Unacceptable use includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Violating computer security and user privacy
- Destruction or damage to equipment, software, or data
- Misrepresentation of identity
- Copyright violations
- Unlawful speech, hate speech, and harassment
- Illegal activities
- Blatantly offensive visual images
- Sexual harassment
- Distributing unsolicited advertising
- Altering or attempting to alter the workstation's settings
Consequences of Unacceptable Use
If Library staff determines a patron is viewing inappropriate material they will send an Instant Message informing the patron that the material is inappropriate. If the patron persists in viewing similar materials they will lose their Internet privileges for one month. A second offense will result in a loss of Internet privileges for six months.
Internet Safety Policy
The Blackstone Public Library provides access to the Internet. The individual user is the ultimate judge of appropriateness, usefulness, and value of all information accessed via the Internet. The library does not control and does not monitor any information accessed through the Internet for either accuracy or content. Nor does the library have complete knowledge of what is on the Internet. Information on the Internet may be reliable and current or it may be inaccurate, out-of-date, or unavailable at times. The Blackstone Public Library cannot be held responsible for the content of the Internet. The Library seeks to provide equal access to information for persons of all ages, preserving minors status as full members of the Internet community. In the case of minors, responsibility rests with their parents or legal guardian. Library staff will answer basic questions about Internet use.