Internet Use Policy

View Board-Approved Policy (PDF)

This webpage has been formatted for easier online reading. The PDF is the official policy document approved by the Board of Trustees.

Statement of Purpose

The Hudson Library and Historical Society provides resources in a wide variety of formats to meet the ongoing cultural, informational, recreational and educational needs of our diverse community. The Internet is an integral part of the resources offered to our customers to help them find the information they need.

The Internet is a global electronic network. Therefore, the Hudson Library has no control over the information accessed through the Internet, and cannot be held accountable for its content. The Internet may contain material of a controversial nature. Therefore the Library encourages parents to have conversations with their minor children regarding its appropriate use. Parents wishing to restrict their children’s access will need to notify the Library’s Circulation Desk that their child does not have permission to use the Internet.

The Internet is a continually evolving resource with information and links that are frequently changing. Therefore, the Library cannot insure the accuracy or comprehensive nature of the information it provides. Users should carefully evaluate information to assess accuracy.

Guidelines for Use

To achieve an atmosphere which is conducive to the best use of its resources, the Hudson Library has developed a series of guidelines regarding the use of its public computers.

• Use of the Internet is governed by Library policies including but not limited to the following: Confidentiality of Records; Customer Service; Material Selection and Public Behavior.
• Library users may not use the Internet for any illegal activity or place any material on the Internet related to any illegal activity.
• Library users may not invade the privacy of others or engage in any activity that is harassing in nature, defamatory, threatening, or receive/display graphics which may be reasonably construed as obscene as defined by law.

By using a Hudson Library Internet Workstation you agree to the following:

Signing Up for Computer Use

• Customers must sign up using the Cassie Computer Reservation System before using an Internet computer. A valid library card is necessary for computer use.

Time/Limits

• Depending on the needs of the Hudson Library time limits on computer use may be instituted.

Unfiltered Access

• Library computers are unfiltered to provide broad research access
• Parents are encouraged to supervise their children’s Internet sessions

Customers May Not Do the Following

• Use Hudson Library workstations as a staging ground to attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Library’s networks or computer systems or any other network or computer system
• Obstruct the work of others by consuming large amounts of the systems resources or by deliberately crashing any Library computer system
• Make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software
• Make any attempt to alter in any way software configurations (whether malicious or not)
• Use any Library workstation for illegal or criminal purposes
• Display images, sounds or messages in a way that will negatively affect those around them
• Engage in any activity which is deliberately and/or maliciously offensive, libelous or slanderous
• Represent themselves as another customer for the purposes of perpetrating a fraud or other illegal action

All illegal actions involving the use of Library resources will be subject to further investigation and prosecution by local, state and/or federal officials.

The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session as well as withdraw future Internet privileges based on breach of this or any related policy or guideline.

Adopted 12/2013