The Mission of St. Thomas Public Library:
“TO INFORM, EDUCATE, AND ENRICH OUR COMMUNITY.”
 

Purpose
To establish an internet use policy that identifies and defines the appropriate use and responsibility requirements for public users of computers in the Library.
 
Internet Access
Public Access workstations are provided on a first come, first served basis and only with a reservation. Residents must present their valid St. Thomas Public Library card, and visitors must present valid ID, in order to use the Public Internet Access workstations.
A valid St. Thomas Public Library card is defined as a current card that is not ‘blocked” due to materials assumed lost.
Reservations can be made with a library card at the ‘reservation stations’ or by phone. Public Internet workstations may be used for up to one-hour for one session per day.
Parents or guardians are responsible for their children’s use of the Internet.
 
Wireless Access
Wireless internet access is available during regular library hours. No reservation is required. The wireless access password and network name are posted at the Information Desks.
 
Other Public Computers
Some workstations, appropriately labeled, are for use strictly to search the Library catalogue. The computer in the George Thorman Room is for Genealogy and Local History use only.
The Early Literacy Computers in the Children’s and Teen’s Services area are intended for the use of children up to age 8.
 
General
St. Thomas Public Library is responsible only for its own website. Information and the user experience provided on other sites, whether linked to the St. Thomas Public Library site or not, are not the responsibility of St. Thomas Public Library.
Library staff will offer support only for Library provided hardware and software. Staff will assist only in as much as their knowledge, skills and time permit.
Software and hardware configurations are not to be changed, added or altered by anyone other than Library staff.
Any user violating this policy or rules of the Library is subject to loss of access privileges along with any other actions deemed appropriate, up to and including criminal charges.
 
Legal
The St. Thomas Public Library Public Access Internet Workstations are to be used in strict accordance with the rules herein and with all local, Provincial and Federal Acts, Statutes and Regulations.
Parents and caregivers are responsible for the actions of any children under their supervision. The staff of the Library does not monitor the use of our workstations or evaluate or censor the material that children access, or how they use it.
Use of Library resources for obscene, racist or illegal purposes may result in suspension of privileges along with any other actions deemed appropriate, up to and including criminal charges.
St. Thomas Public Library will accept no liability in relation to material gathered, material created, damage done, or information lost as a result of accessing the Internet or using Library technology resources.
St. Thomas Public Library will not be held responsible for copyright or intellectual property infringements by users of Public Internet workstations.
St. Thomas Public Library will not be held responsible for any use of materials or information accessed through our Public Internet workstations.
Attempts to compromise or circumvent Library or any other network(s), internal or external will not be permitted and such use will be reported to authorities.
St. Thomas Public Library, its employees, volunteer workers, board members or anyone else affiliated with the library’s operation are not responsible for any loss or damages incurred through the availability, operation or failed operation of our internet access.
 
Compliance with these rules is evaluated solely by St. Thomas Public Library.
Approved: November 18, 2009
Updated on Website: November 22, 2010