The Atlantic County Library System offers Internet access as an important resource in meeting the informational, cultural, recreational, and educational needs of Atlantic County's diverse community.

A computer reservation system is available in all branches.

The Internet may contain material that is inappropriate for viewing or that may be found objectionable by some users. Library users, whether children and their parents or adults, are the final selectors in using the Internet and are responsible for their individual choices and decisions. 

Definitions

Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act.
The library upholds and affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine their children's use of all library materials and resources.

Parents should inform their child of materials they do not want the child to use and should supervise their child's Internet sessions.

Affirming the user's right to confidentiality and privacy, users are advised that total security is technically difficult to achieve. Electronic communications and file transfers could become public during your sessions.

Personal Electronic Device and Network Policy

The Atlantic County Library System has a hands-off policy regarding electronic devices belonging to the public. Staff should not handle or configure patrons’ electronic property in any way, but may offer technical tips related to using library services. Patrons requesting staff to interact with their device, do so at their own risk. The library cannot be responsible for any loss of integrity to laptops, e-readers, tablets or other wireless devices and their subsequent configurations, security, files or data of any kind resulting from connection to the library's wireless network or from direct or indirect interaction from staff.

Time Limits

Time limitations are in place to maximize computer access and may be modified based upon demand levels. Library computer users may typically use up to 180 minutes per day.

Services

World Wide Web access is provided. Users may not use their own software in library computers. Software is limited to that which is installed on the individual computer.

CIPA Compliant Web Filtering

The Atlantic County Library System provides filtered internet access on all of its computers and the Public WiFi. The filtering is provided by industry recognized services such as OpenDNS, one of the world’s leading providers of DNS and security services. Filters such as OpenDNS provide protection from phishing scams, botnets and malware as well as blocking pornography, malicious and inappropriate content. While this service is fast and reliable, the Library cannot guarantee its effectiveness. It is possible that individuals might access information they personally find disturbing or inappropriate.  If a user feels that a website is being blocked in error they may click on the link to contact the network administrator and the site will be reviewed.

Access to Inappropriate Material

To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, and access to inappropriate information.

Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed to be obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.

Inappropriate Network Usage

To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Library online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.

Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.

Education, Supervision and Monitoring

It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Library staff to educate, supervise and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.

Evaluating Information

The Internet provides vast access to information. However, some of that information is unverified and may be inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated. The Library does not endorse the viewpoints or vouch for the accuracy or authenticity of information accessed via the Internet. Consult with library staff for help in determining the validity of a website.

Responsibilities

It is the individual user's responsibility to demonstrate judgment, respect for others, and appropriate conduct while using library resources. Users are asked to respect the privacy of others. Since the library is an open public environment, the display or printing of graphic sexuality or violence is prohibited.

Use of the library's computers for the transmission, dissemination, or duplication of information is regulated under various state and federal laws. The Library expects all users to comply with such laws and regulations. Users should not damage/alter the setup of the library equipment nor damage/alter software or data residing on the Internet. Users who alter/damage or attempt to alter/damage the setup of library equipment may be asked to leave and may have their computer privileges suspended.

The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session if Internet searching results in the disruption of library services, or if behavior when using the Internet becomes inappropriate for a library setting, or to deal with technical problems. Failure to use the computers appropriately may result in loss of computer privileges.

Printing/Downloading

Users may bring their own media for downloading files. Most of the public computers allow the use of flash drives for this purpose. Downloading of executable files is prohibited. Printing is available. Users should consult the Library’s fee schedule for current charges.

Assistance

The Library provides a variety of training classes in the branches. Please ask the staff for the schedule of training and how to sign up.

Often, a book or other printed material may provide the answer to a specific question, so ask the library staff for help. Users who do not find what they need on the Internet within the time available are encouraged to leave their question with the library staff for a more extensive search.