Seymour Library
Internet Access Policy

As a general rule, library patrons should use courtesy and common sense at all times - towards fellow library patrons and library staff alike. The use of the Internet or of the Seymour Library’s computer equipment by any individual to engage in illegal activity or criminal behavior is strictly prohibited. The Seymour Library reserves the right to end an Internet session if it is disruptive or inappropriate.

General Use of the Internet

• You are in a public place and must respect the rights of others by not displaying on the monitor sexually explicit material and images that are likely to prove objectionable to those around you. The Seymour Library staff reserves the right to remove such images from the monitor and ask you to leave.

• You shall not engage in ‘hacking’ or attempts to otherwise compromise system security.

• You shall not engage in any illegal activities on the Internet.

Minor Use of the Internet

• Minors shall not access material that is obscene, pornographic, "harmful to minors", or otherwise inappropriate for educational uses.

• Minors should use caution in their use of electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communication.

• Minors should never disclose personal information, such as name, school, address, and telephone number to strangers on the Internet.

• The Seymour Library and its staff are not responsible for the information selected and/or accessed by children. As with all library materials, parents, guardians and/or caregivers are responsible for their children’s use of the Internet.

• Any restriction of a minor’s access to the Internet is the sole responsibility of the parent, guardian and/or caregiver.

• Any violation of Seymour Library policy and rules may result in loss of library-provided access to the Internet.

• Additional disciplinary action may be determined if in violation of the Seymour Library Patron Code of Conduct. When and where applicable, law enforcement agencies may become involved.

Adult Use of the Internet

• Adults shall not access material that is obscene or is child pornography.

• Any violation of Seymour Library policy and rules may result in loss of library-provided access to the Internet.

• Additional disciplinary action may be determined if in violation of the Seymour Library Patron Code of Conduct. When and where applicable, law enforcement agencies may become involved.

Internet Access Procedure

• To be in compliance with CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act ), the Seymour Library uses a technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet access to obscene and pornography Internet sites that are not in accordance with the policy of the Seymour Library.

• For more information about CIPA, see http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c106:S.97.IS.

• If requested, a Seymour Library staff member may override the technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet access for an adult if needed for bona fide research purposes.

• If requested, a Seymour Library staff member may override the technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet access for a minor if the technology protection measure wrongly blocks or filters Internet access.

• Seymour Library staff will help patrons access electronic resources, but cannot provide in depth training.

• Anyone who violates the Seymour Library Internet Access policy will be so informed by library staff and asked to stop the offensive conduct and/or leave.

• If further action is needed, staff will inform the Library Director who will talk to the patron directly. In the absence of the Director, staff shall follow the Chain of Command document found in the Seymour Library Policy and Procedure Manual.

• Staff shall fill out a Seymour Library Incident Report Form and bring it to the attention of the Library Director.

• If more serious action is needed, the Library Director/designee shall call 911. Prompt emergency services (Police, Fire Department, ambulance) will be received from this phone number.

• If a patron is found to have engaged in unacceptable behavior on library property, suspension of library privileges for a determinate or indeterminate period of time may occur. The suspension period will be determined by the Library Director and the Seymour Library Board of Trustees.

• Notice of suspension will be mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the last known address of the patron or, in the case of a minor child, his parents or guardian.

• Appeal of the suspension may be made, in writing, to the Seymour Library Board of Trustees, 161 East Avenue, Brockport, New York 14420, within ten (10) days of receipt of notice of suspension. The patron, or in the case of a minor child, the parents or guardian, will be notified by the Board of the date and time of the hearing on the notice of appeal.

Disclaimer: The Seymour Library cannot control the information available over the Internet nor is it responsible for its content.

Approved by the Seymour Library Board: May 21, 1997
Revised by the Seymour Library Board: May 19, 2004