New Jersey State Library

INTERNET SAFETY AND COMPUTER USE POLICY

The mission of the New Jersey State Library is to adapt quickly and effectively to the dynamics of the information age. As the New Jersey State Library is a gateway and guide to ideas, and information, the Library endeavors to develop collections, services and resources to fulfill this mission. One such resource is the Internet, to which the Library provides free access for all cardholders.

GUIDELINES

1. Computer users must be registered New Jersey State Library cardholders. New Jersey residents 17 years of age or older may register for a library card. Out-of-state customers who are at least 17 years of age may request access as a guest user.
2. Computers are available during normal hours of library operation – Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
3. Users are limited to two 30-minute sessions each day . Each session can be extended automatically in 15-minute increments for an additional 60 minutes, if no one is waiting .
4. Staff may end a user's session if the computer is being used inappropriately or the customer violates the visitor conduct policy.
5. Customers may not use their own software programs on the library's computers or alter the computer settings.
6. Customers may not download any files onto the hard drives of library computers. Downloads should be made directly onto a floppy disk, available for purchase from the Circulation desk on level 3, or the Reference desk on Level 4 for $1.50 each. Customers may use their own USB flash drive.
7. Print charges are 15 cents per page for the public. State employee s and TESC students and staff are not charged for prints upon presentation of their State or College ID. Uncollected print jobs will be automatically cancelled after three hours.
8. Library staff does not provide technical help or troubleshooting. Assistance is given in locating information or searching any of the Library's online databases.
9. The Library retains the right to reserve computers for special purposes.
10. Customers must respect the privacy of others during their computer sessions.

UNACCEPTABLE USES OF COMPUTERS:

1. Uses that violate the law or encourage others to 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 pornographic materials or materials that encourage others to violate the law; downloading or transmitting confidential, trade secret information or copyrighted materials. Even if materials on the networks are not marked with the copyright symbol, users should assume that all materials are protected unless there is explicit permission on the materials to use them.
2. Uses that cause harm to others or damage to their property . Engaging in defamation (harming another's reputation by lies); uploading a worm, virus, “Trojan horse,” “time bomb” or other harmful form 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 security of access of the computer network or other networks on the Internet. Disclosing or sharing the user's password with others; masquerading as 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; probing the security of other networks, logging into a server or account that the customer is not expressly authorized to access.
4. Uses that compromise the safety and security of minors .
5. Sending unsolicited e-mail messages is prohibited.
6. Allowing others to use your library barcode, or using someone else's library barcode, for access is prohibited.

Public access to the State Library computer network and the Internet is a privilege not a right. Failure to comply with this policy will result in the forfeiture of the user's right to use the Library's public computers.

WIRELESS:

The New Jersey State Library provides unfiltered wireless Internet access. Individuals utilizing the wireless connections agree to comply with all provisions of the current N.J. State Library Internet Safety and Computer Use Policy.

Individuals wishing to use the Library's wireless Internet access must have a portable computing device, (i.e. a laptop computer) with a standard wireless network interface card. The State Library does not provide portable computing devices for library visitors to use and does not provide technical assistance to individuals using their own portable computing device.

The Library's wireless Internet access is unencrypted and unfiltered. Use of the wireless connection is done at the individual's own risk. By using this connection, individuals acknowledge that security errors and hacking are an inherent risk associated with any wireless service. For that reason, individuals expressly agree that they knowingly assume such a risk, and further agree to hold the Library harmless from any claim or loss arising out of, or related to, any such instance of hacking or other unauthorized use of access into the individual's computer.

The New Jersey State Library accepts no responsibility for any software downloaded and/or installed, e-mail opened, or sites accessed while individuals are on the wireless Internet connection. Any damage done to the individual's equipment from viruses, identity theft, spyware, plug-ins, or other Internet-born programs is the sole responsibility of the individual; and the individual indemnifies and holds harmless the Library from any such damage.

The Library accepts no responsibility regarding the ability of the individual-owned equipment to connect to the wireless network. Library staff will not change settings on individual equipment.

Wireless network users will not be able to use the Library's printers. To print, it is necessary to log onto one of the Library's public use computers.

The New Jersey State Library is committed to providing an environment appropriate for its visitors and employees. Wireless Internet users are asked to refrain from displaying materials on individual computers that may be interpreted as part of an intimidating, hostile, offensive or inappropriate environment. Internet users should not display offensive material to passersby. Transmission, reception or display of any material or communications in violation of any U.S. or state regulation is prohibited, including but not limited to: the unauthorized duplication of copyrighted material, access or dissemination of threatening or obscene material, or of material protected by trade secrets.

DISCLAIMERS:

1. The Library makes no guarantees about and is not responsible for the security of information transmitted and received during your Internet sessions; therefore users should be aware that transactions and files could become public.
2. The Library understands that files downloaded from the Internet may contain viruses. Users are advised to utilize virus checking software on their own computers to check downloaded files. The New Jersey State Library is not responsible for damage to users' disks or computers, or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from use of the library's computers or its connection to the Internet.
3. The Library endeavors to provide access to information of the highest quality; however, it specifically disclaims any warrant as to the information's accuracy, timeliness, authoritativeness, usefulness or fitness for a particular purpose.
4. 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.
5. The Library, having installed and enforced the operation of filtering software in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act, will have no liability for damages related to the operation of, or failure of, the filtering software, or for its circumvention by users.

4-25-07
Revised 12-19-07