Computer Use

The Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) is committed to providing free and open access to informational, educational, recreational, and cultural resources for library users of all ages and backgrounds, including unfiltered access to the Internet. As a member of the Minuteman Library Network, the WFPL encourages lifelong learning, promotes literacy, and provides free and open access to library materials and information services.

The Internet is currently an unregulated medium. As such, while it offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, it also enables access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing, and/or illegal, inaccurate, or incomplete. Users are encouraged to be good information consumers by evaluating the validity of information accessed via the Internet.

In accordance with the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and a supplemental document entitled Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks, the Watertown Free Public Library does not control or monitor access to material which may be accessible on the Internet. Parents may find that some information on the Internet may be unsuitable for their children, or may not reflect their personal values. Parents and guardians, not the library or its staff, are responsible for the information selected and accessed by their children. Parents and guardians, not the library or its staff, are also responsible for information disseminated by minors through email, chat rooms, or other direct electronic communication. Parents are strongly encouraged to instruct children never to give out personal information online. For further information on children’s access to the Internet, parents are encouraged to read the brochure Child Safety on the Information Highway, produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and available at the library.

Users are required to abide by the following guidelines for Internet use. It is not acceptable to use computers at the Watertown Free Public Library for illegal or abusive purposes including, but not limited to, the following:

• unauthorized copying of copyright-protected materials in any format
• transmission of chain letters, broadcast letters, or any form of junk mail
• transmission of threatening, obscene, or harassing materials
• transmission of computer viruses
• unauthorized access to local and remote computer systems

The Watertown Free Public Library assumes no liability for any damage to user data or loss of user privacy sustained while using the library’s computer equipment.