Technology Policies

Internet Use Policy

Library internet is provided to all members of the public regardless of patron status or account standing. Library pornography policies are drafted in a separate policy. Use of the Library's public computers are subject to time limitations. Regardless of the means of utilization, all users agree to adhere to the library's Internet Agreement.

Purpose

The library endeavors to provide unfettered access to the internet within the limits allowed by law. As such, this service is not to be used for illegal activity (including, but not limited to, child pornography, data theft, spam, and any other abuse). Misuse of library services may be punishable with banning or suspension from the library, fine, and/or imprisonment.

Internet Agreement

In compliance with the "Children's Internet Protection Act" all web access in the library is filtered. Patrons 18 years old and older who wish to have unfiltered Internet access may request removal of the Internet software filter at a specific workstation. Patrons are advised that no filtering software system is foolproof; therefore, the library cannot guarantee the reliability of the filter software. Parents and guardians of minors using the Internet are responsible for providing guidance to those under their care.

Library patrons will be restricted to a 30 minute time limit on workstations during times of peak demand. If all workstations are filled, patrons can reserve time for the Internet workstations at a print release station or circulation desk.

The Library does not guarantee privacy of any Internet sessions, nor is it responsible for the security of information transmitted and received during any Internet sessions. Any injury or damages incurred by users of Library Internet stations or the Library's connection to the Internet are the sole responsibility of the user.

On Library workstations patrons are not permitted:

• To violate existing laws.
• To breach security of the Library's computers or any other private network.
• To alter or attempt to alter software in the Library's computers or in the County Library network.
• To make changes to the operating system of any of the Cape May County Library's computers.

Violation of the above restrictions could result in the loss of Internet privileges and possibly legal action.

Other Library computer restrictions:

• No more than two (2) patrons at any regular computer
• Privacy screens, where installed, are not to be removed, except by Library staff.
• Minors may not use Internet workstations equipped with privacy screens.
• Adult patrons are asked to consider the public nature of the Library environment and avoid pornographic or excessively violent material. Such material, while constitutionally protected for adult patrons, may not be suitable for the public nature of the Library. To the extent that an adult patron judges it necessary to access such material, he or she may do so only at workstations equipped with privacy screens.

By clicking "Continue" a patron agrees to this Internet policy.

All Public Access Computers will be shut down ten (10) minutes prior to closing.

Library Internet Policies - Public Computers

• Wireless internet users agree to the Internet Agreement listed above.
• Virus protection and security is the responsibility of the patron. The Library connection is an unsecured, open, public access network with minimal firewall protection. Users must have approved, up-to-date, antivirus software (Windows Defender or equivalent) installed before using Library Wi-Fi.
• The device owners are responsible for setting up their own equipment to access the Cape May County Library wireless network. Library staff are not permitted to configure patrons' laptops, nor can they provide assistance in getting connected to the wireless network other than providing basic information needed for authentication.
• Content filtering and Internet access is determined by the Cape May County Library's firewall.
• The Library will not assume responsibility for the safety of the user's equipment. This includes device configurations and security, as well as identity theft or loss of data files resulting from connecting to, or attempting to connect to, the Library's wireless service or any other service.
• Anyone may use the service after reading and agreeing to this document.

By accessing and using the Library service, you are agreeing to the Cape May County Wireless Internet Policy.