3.10 Technology
3.10.1 Public Access
In providing Public Computers, as well as Wired and Wireless (Wi-Fi) Internet access, the Springfield Town Library affirms and upholds the Library Bill of Rights and its interpretation on Access to Electronic Information, Services and Networks policy adopted by the American Library Association in 1996 and any subsequent amendments).
The Library provides public access to electronic resources, including computers, Wi-Fi, and the internet, as a public service to supplement its book, periodical, reference, and other collections.
Security
The Library does not monitor nor control information available through its connection to the Internet. Users may access materials they find offensive, or that is inaccurate, misleading, illegal, or fraudulent. Data sent over the library’s internal network or the Internet may not be secure. Patrons should, therefore, exercise caution in providing financial or other personal data over the Internet, including ensuring that any sites to which they provide such information are reputable and use appropriate security. Patrons engaging in financial transactions on the Library’s computers, or through its network, do so at their own risk; the Library will not be responsible for any losses that may result.
While staff will attempt to provide technical assistance to patrons who are filling out online financial or legal forms, staff cannot fill the forms out for the patron, or provide advice as to how (or whether) to fill the forms out. Staff are not trained (or qualified) to provide legal or financial advice.
Patrons bringing their own devices are responsible for connecting to the public Wi-FI on their own. Patrons are also responsible for the security of their own devices and data. Patrons should install antivirus and/or malware software and keep it up-to-date. Patrons should avoid leaving their devices unattended.
THE LIBRARY IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR STOLEN PROPERTY, FOR COMPUTER VIRUS INFECTION, COMPROMISED CREDIT CARDS, OR OTHER DAMAGE CAUSED BY USING THE LIBRARY’S NETWORK, OR USING PERSONALLY OWNED DEVICES WITHIN THE LIBRARY.
Who May Use The Library’s Public Computers?
Internet access in the Library is available to all patrons and guests in good standing. Children under 12 years of age must have permission from a parent or legal guardian before using the Library’s public computers. It is the responsibility of each user to determine what is appropriate for their own needs, and for parents to assume responsibility for and supervise their children's use of the internet at the Library. Parents are encouraged to come to the Library with their children and supervise Internet sessions.
Time Limits
Use of the library’s public computers is determined by the library director. There is no time limit for public Wi-Fi access. Patrons using the Wi-Fi from inside the building need to finish their Internet session prior to the library’s closing time. The Library's public Wi-Fi is not on a secure network. Sensitive or confidential transactions are discouraged.
Availability and Reliability
The Library strives to provide fast, reliable, wired and wireless Internet access. However, the Library cannot guarantee that the Internet (or individual sites on the Internet) will always be available and functioning properly.
Adherence to Terms of Use
Use of the Library's computers or network is conditioned on the user's compliance with the Library’s Internet and Computer Terms of Use (see Appendix V). Acceptable use must be legal, ethical and respectful of intellectual property and data ownership, system security and privacy rights. If use of the computers results in disruption of Library services or a user fails to comply with the Terms and Conditions of Use, the Library reserves the right to end the user's session and/or suspend or restrict indefinitely access to the Library's computers (or network). A patron denied access to the Library's computers or network may appeal that decision to the Library Board of Trustees.
When the Library’s WiFi signal is used from outside the building, it shall still be done in accordance with the Terms of Use. Patrons using devices outside the building, shall do so in a manner that does not interfere with other patrons’ entry and exit from the building or otherwise causes disruption.
This policy merges two former policies: Internet Policy Adopted 1/10/2006; revised 9/13/2010, 8/20/2012, 4/16/19
Wireless Internet Access Policy adopted 10/10/2005
Initial Adoption Date: Combined policy - March 9, 2021
Modified Date: August 14, 2024: Changed title; updated age in accordance with VT law (Act 150); clarified language regarding public Wi-Fi use.
3.10.2 Social Media Policy
Summary: The Springfield Town Library participates in and uses social media in different forms. Library staff will maintain and edit the content of Library-hosted sites to comply with all Library Policies.
Definition of Social Media: Social media is defined as any web application, site, or account created and maintained by the Springfield Town Library that supports the Springfield Town Library social media purpose statement. These include, but are not limited to, library blog(s) and social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).
Social Media Purpose Statement
In keeping with the Springfield Town Library’s vision to be a community hub for growth, connection, and discovery, the overarching purpose of social media employed by the Library is to deepen our connections with Springfield Town Library users and the wider Springfield community. The Library considers information and interactions generated on social media channels to be equal to other information resources at the library, and is meant to encourage conversations with staff and other library users.
Primarily, the purpose of social media at STL is to disseminate information about, and promote the Library’s services and resources. This may include, and is not limited to,
promotion of programs and events, readers’ advisory initiatives, general library news, projects, volunteer opportunities, and ongoing activities to all members of the Springfield community.
promotion of ideals from the Strategic Plan.
providing a forum for Library staff and Library users to share opinions and information about Library-related topics and issues.
occasionally sharing news from nonprofit Springfield organizations and government agencies which library staff feel meet the needs and interests of its social network audience, in order to contribute toward the building of partnerships with local organizations.
Usage Rules
The Springfield Town Library welcomes comments and messages from the community on library social media platforms, and recognizes and respects differences in opinion. However, all comments, posts, and messages are subject to review, and the Springfield Town Library reserves the right to, but is not required to, remove any comment or message that it deems inappropriate.
Content containing any of the following will be removed immediately from any Springfield Town Library social media forum:
Obscene comments or hate speech
Personal attacks, insults, or threatening language
Private or personal information, including phone numbers and addresses, or requests for personal information
Potentially libelous statements
False representation of identity
Copyrighted, trademarked, or plagiarized material
Posts in violation of laws or library policies
Comments, links, or information unrelated to the purpose of the forum
Duplicated posts by an individual user
Spam, or other commercial, partisan, or proselytizing messages.
Any content that remains are the sole opinions of their owners and do not reflect the official views or policies of Springfield Town Library. The Library is not responsible for, or liable for, any content posted by any participant in a Library social media forum who is not a member of the Library’s staff.
Initial Adoption Date: June 9, 2020
Modified Date: August 14, 2024 - Changed name of Twitter, added promotion of Strategic Plan goals; corrected grammar