The library staff will develop such rules and procedures as are necessary to ensure the fair and reasonable use of Internet access.

The library subscribes to and supports the Library Bill of Rights regarding access to electronic information, services, and networks.

In accordance with 1 V.S.A. $ 317 (A), the following are exempt from public inspection and copying: records relating to the identity of library patrons and the identity of library patrons in regard to the circulation and use of library materials.

Internet Access: The Internet is an essential medium for obtaining and transmitting information of all types; therefore, public access to the Internet is germane to the library's mission.

However, the Internet is an unregulated medium. It can provide access to information that is inaccurate, illegal, or that some may find offensive or disturbing. The library will identify specific Internet sites that have potential interest for library users, but the library cannot control a user's access to other Internet resources.

Responsibility of Library Staff and Users: Library staff will not monitor a user's Internet use, except for length of use to ensure equal opportunity of access for everyone. The user is responsible for his or her Internet session at all times.

The library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session that disrupts library services or that involves user behavior that violates the library's policies.

As with all library resources, the library affirms the right and responsibility of parents and guardians, not library staff, to determine and monitor their minor children's use of the Internet. Minors are defined in this policy as children and young people under the age of 18 years. Parents are responsible for their minor children's use of the library's resources and facilities. Parents who believe that their children cannot responsibly use the library's Internet access are requested to monitor their children's Internet use.

Disclaimers: While the library endeavors to provide access to information of the highest quality, the library disclaims any warrant as to the information's accuracy, timeliness, authoritativeness, usefulness, or fitness for a particular purpose.

The library will have no liability for direct, indirect, or consequential damages related to the use of information accessed through the library's Internet service.

Since software and information downloaded from any source, including the Internet, may contain computer viruses, users are advised to use virus-checking software on their home computers. The library is not responsible for damage to users' disks or computers or for any loss of data, or for any liability that may occur from use of the Library's computers.

Unacceptable Uses of Computers: Among the uses that are considered unacceptable and that constitute a violation of this policy are the following:

1. Uses that violate the law. Transmitting of offensive or harassing messages; offering for sale or use any substance the possession or use of which is prohibited by law; viewing, transmitting, or downloading illegal materials; downloading or transmitting confidential, trade-secret information, or copyrighted materials. Even if materials are not marked with the copyright symbol, users should assume that all materials are protected unless there is explicit permission within the materials to use them.

2. Uses that cause harm to others or damage to their properties. Engaging in defamation (harming another's reputation by lies); uploading a worm, virus, "trojan horse," "time bomb," or other harmful forms of programming or vandalism; participating in "hacking" activities or any form of unauthorized access to other computers, networks, or information systems.

3. Uses that jeopardize the ability to access information from the library's computer or from any other computer, and uses that jeopardize the security of those accessing the information, or that jeopardize the security of the information itself. Disclosing or sharing a user's password with others; impersonating another user; using one's own software programs on the library's computers; altering the library's computer settings; damaging or modifying computer equipment or software.

4. Uses that compromise the safety and security of minors when using e-mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications.

Response to Violations: The user's access to the library's computer network and Internet is a privilege, not a right. A user violates the library's policy by his or her own action. Failure to comply with the policy and its procedures will result in the forfeiture of the user's computer access.