Policies

ABINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
INTERNET/COMPUTER USE POLICY

The Abington Public Library endeavors to develop collections, resources and services that meet the informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of the community. It is within this context that the Abington Public Library offers access to the Internet.

The Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for content or quality. As with other Library materials, restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian, not the Library staff. It is the policy of the Abington Public Library not to use filtering devices of any kind, except on the Internet workstation in the Children’s Room. Children may also use the unfiltered Internet workstations in the Reference area.

Patrons may use the Internet computers on a first-come-first-served basis. Computers may not be reserved in advance. Users agree to limit their time to one hour in one session per day.  The library staff will strictly enforce time limits.

Computer users must respect the privacy of library patrons around them. Disruptive behavior or behavior which is disturbing to other library patrons will be dealt with according to the Abington Public Library’s Code of Conduct.

All of the Library computer terminals are located in open areas of the building and sites accessed must be limited to those appropriate for viewing in a public space. All computer privileges will be revoked for those who do not comply.

Patrons are advised that they have no expectations of privacy in Library computers and, therefore any information or data stored on Library computers may be accessed. (see Abington Public Library Privacy Policy).

Any intentional attempt to add or alter files on a Library computer is considered destruction of property and will be subject to prosecution under Massachusetts law(M.G.L. Chapter 266, Sections 99 and 100). No disk or CD-ROM may be inserted, except on word processing stations. Unauthorized shut down of the computers is prohibited.

The Library does not provide Email or Chat Group services.

Printing from the Internet and computers is 10 cents a page on Library paper only.  Payment should be made at the circulation desk.

Computers will be shut down by the Library staff starting 15 minutes before the closing of the Library. Users must be ready to end their computer session at that time.

Modified policy approved by the Board of Library Trustees 5/5/03, Updated 11/3/04.

ABINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

WIRELESS INTERNET USE POLICY

The Abington Public Library provides free Internet access points for users with portable computers capable of receiving wireless signals, during normal library hours.  These access points will allow users to access the Internet from their laptop computers when sitting at tables in the main areas of the library within range of the access points.  Printers are not available via the wireless connection.

By choosing to use this free wireless service you agree to abide by the Abington Public Library's Internet use policy (see above).  Copies of this policy are available at the circulation desk.

All users are expected to use the library's wireless access in a legal and responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which it is provided.  Users should not violate federal, Massachusetts, or local laws, including the transmission or receiving of child pornography or harmful material, fraud, or downloading copyrighted material.

Any restriction or monitoring of a minor's access to the library's wireless network is the sole responsibility of the parent or guardian.

Users are responsible for making sure their computer has the correct settings and necessary hardware.  Library staff cannot assist users in configuring their equipment or troubleshooting problems.  Users should refer to their owners' manuals or other support services offered by their computer manufacturer.  The library cannot guarantee that a user's hardware will work with the library's wireless connection.

As with most public wireless access, the library's wireless connection is not secure.  There can be non-trustworthy third parties between the user and anybody with whom the user communicates.  Any information being sent or received could potentially be intercepted by another wireless user.  Cautious and informed wireless users should not transmit their credit card information, passwords or any other sensitive personal information while using any wireless "hot spots."

The library will not be responsible for any personal information (e.g. credit card) that is compromised, or for any damage caused to your hardware or software due to electrical surges, security issues or consequences caused by viruses or hacking.  All wireless access users should have up-to-date virus protection on their personal laptop computers or wireless devices.

Laptops and other devices should never be left unattended in the Library, even for brief periods of time.  The Library assumes no responsibility for damage, theft, or loss of any kind to a user's equipment, software, data files or other personal property brought into or used at the Library's facilities.

Policy approved by the Board of Library Trustees.  10/15/07

ABINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
GIFTS AND DONATIONS POLICY

The Abington Public Library welcomes gifts of library materials, money or real property. These gifts help enrich and improve public library resources. All gifts are tax deductible. Donations are accepted only if the Trustees and/or Library Director feel they can be utilized by the library.

The library will provide a statement for tax purposes, but does not place a financial value on donated items.

The library applies the same criteria to evaluating gift items as applies to purchased items. See Collection Development Policy for details. 

The library does not accept responsibility for notifying donors of withdrawal or replacement of gift items.

No gifts are accepted unless given to the library without restriction. All gifts may be utilized, sold or disposed of in the best interest of the library.

Monetary Contributions
Monetary contributions are added to the library's Trust and Gift Funds which are allocated by the Board of Library Trustees for the purchase of materials or programs too expensive or specialized for the regular budget.  Individually named Trust Funds may be established with a donation of $10,000.00 or more.  A plaque with the Trust Fund's name will then be placed on the Benefactor's Wall.  Other donations may be added to the Library's Gift Fund.  A single donation to the Library's Gift Fund in excess of $1000.00 or, donations made consistently over a period of time, or in memory of or in honor of an individual in excess of that amount will result in a plaque being placed on the Library's Benefactor's Wall.

Memorial Books or Other Materials
Memorial books or other library materials may be donated in memory of or in honor of a friend or relative, and are marked with a special bookplate. The donor has the option of requesting the subject area in which the donated item(s) should be purchased, but the final selection of the title(s) will be made by the library.

Book Donations
Your book donations are appreciated! Books will be considered for addition to the library's collections, but if we cannot use your books they will be donated to the Friends of the Library annual book sale to raise money for the library.   The library reserves the right to refuse to accept donated items due to space limitations and/or condition of the materials. Textbooks are not accepted.  The library only accepts books for the thirty days prior to the book sale due to storage limitations. 

Policy updated 3/13/06.

Policy approved by the Board of Library Trustees 11/3/04.