The library makes available to registered library users, PCs with access to the Internet and word processing software.
The library offers orientation classes on use of the Internet. Please check with library staff for the current schedule of classes.
Richmond Memorial Library provides public access to information of all types in a wide range of formats to meet its mission of "providing quality services, resources, and lifelong learning opportunities to meet the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs and interests of the residents of Batavia and Genesee County, and through participation in the NIOGA Library System, of residents in Niagara and Orleans County." Electronic resources, including the Internet, are available as reference tools to supplement and complement the collections.
The Internet is a fundamental resource for a wide range of information which expands the scope of resources available to users. It is an unregulated medium that changes rapidly and unpredictably. Richmond Memorial Library cannot be held responsible for the content of sites on the Internet. Users are hereby notified they are responsible for the choice of sites they visit.
Since not all sites on the Internet are accurate, current or complete, users must exercise critical judgment in evaluating the validity and appropriateness of the information found. Users access the Internet at their own discretion and are responsible for following guidelines of all networks traversed.
In providing acdess to electronic resources, Richmond Memorial Library is guided by its mission statement and the following American Library Association statements on access to information:
Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights:
RIGHTS OF USERS
Richmond Memorial Library respects a patron's right to both
confidentiality and privacy. Patrons are cautioned the Internet
is not a secure medium and all transactions, files, and communications
may be subject to unauthorized access by third parties. The Library,
however, will not release information on the use of electronic
resources by members of the public except as required by law.
The Library seeks to provide an atmosphere conducive to the best use of its resources. To this end, it strives to balance the rights of users to access all types of information resources with the rights of users and staff to work in a public setting free from disruptive sounds and visuals. Patrons are reminded the Library's computer terminals are located in public areas which are shared with library users and staff of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities. Individuals are expected to consider this diversity and respect the sensibilities of others accessing potentially offensive information or images.
CHILDREN
Internet resources accessible through the Library are provided
equally to all users. Parents or legal guardians, not
the Library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet
information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents or legal guardians -- and
only parents or legal guardians -- may restrict their children--and only their children -- from
access to Internet resources through the Library. Parents/guardians are
advised to supervise their children's Internet session. While
the Library will make every effort to ensure the use of the
Internet is consistent with its mission statement, parents/guardians
are encouraged to work closely with their children in selecting
sites consistent with personal and family values and
boundaries. The library does have online and printed materials
about the Internet, including Child Safety on the Information
Highway.
Children under the age of 18 must have parental/guardian permission to use the Internet. Richmond Memorial Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by children. It is not possible for library staff to control specific information children and young adults may locate on the Internet. It is the responsibility of the user (in the case of children, the parent or legal guardian) to determine what is appropriate.
Computers in the Children's Room will be distinguished and equipped with a blocking software application that will limit exposure to websites known to contain information considered "harmful to minors". However, filtering software does not always block all objectionable sites. For parents/guardians not wishing to limit their child's access to the Internet, accessibility to computers in the Adult Services area will be permitted upon written agreement by parents or legal guardians.
RULES AND LIMITS
Use of the Internet for activities that violate local,
state or federal laws is prohibited. This includes activities
such as viewing child pornography, committing fraud, hacking
or spreading libel or slander.
It is the responsibility of all users of electronic resources at Richmond Memorial Library to respect intellectual property rights. Copyright restrictions mayi exist for individual electronic resources. Patrons may only make copies allowable by copyright laws or licensed software agreements.
Users of the Library's computers and related peripheral equipment are expected to abide by the rules of the Library, including its Rules of Conduct and Computer and Internet Use Policies and Rules. Copies of these rules are available upon request at the circulation and reference desks. Furthermore, users are expected to be aware of and abide by these rules in using the Library. In accordance with the authority of the Board of Trustees of Richmond Memorial Library, persons who do not abide by these rules may be barred from the Library, prohibited from using computers or other library equipment, and/or prosecuted for illegal activities.
Richmond Memorial Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic resources or any consequences thereof. Use of the Library's Internet connection is intended for private, noncommercial activities and does not permit unauthorized sales and marketing of goods and services.
Richmond Memorial Library staff cannot provide in-depth computer training but will answer questions and, as time allows, help users locate and use resources on the Internet or on other electronic tools in the Library.
RULES FOR ACCESSING COMPUTER TERMINALSBefore signing on to Internet workstations users must complete the "Use and Consent Form" at the circulation desk.
All users must use their own valid borrowers' card for use at Richmond Memorial Library.
Use of Internet workstations is limited to 60 minutes per session, including downloading and printing time. Computers are checked out by the patron with his/her valid library card, just as books and other library materials are checked out. Users must have their own library card. If a patron forgets his/her card, he/she will not be able to use the computer.
Users need to be aware of time for their Internet checkout sessions. If no one is waiting or has a hold on a computer, users may renew the computer (just as they do for books) for one additional 60-minute session.
In general, only one person may use a computer at a time except for an adult working with a child.
Cost of printing is 20 cents per page for black and white prints, and 50 cents per page for color prints and must be paid at the vending machine connected to the Library's copier/printer.
Patrons wishing to download information must purchase a virus-free, preformatted disk from the Circulation Desk or Children's Reference Desk for $1.00 or a CD for $2.00. No personal or pre-used disks may be used due to the risk of viruses.
Patrons agree to print or download to a disk in accordance with local, state or federal laws concerning pornography and copyright.
Use of commercial software CDs on library computers is prohibited.
Use of USB port is prohibited.
RULES FOR USING COMPUTER TERMINALSUsers of electronic information resources, including the Internet, are expected to use these resources in a responsible manner consistent with the educational and informtional purposes for which they are provided.
Users may not:
Failure to abide by these rules may result in the loss of computer privileges for up to one year's time.
Adopted by:
Richmond Memorial Library Board of Trustees
February 12, 1998
Revised:
June 11, 2001
June 13, 2005
Richmond Memorial Library * 19 Ross Street * Batavia, New York 14020