The library will close on Tuesday, December 24th at noon and stay closed through Wednesday, December 25th for Christmas

Memorial Hall Library

Internet Access and Computer Use

Memorial Hall Library is committed to serving as a center for information, learning, culture, and recreation by providing free access to the internet to all who visit. Public computers with internet access are in a variety of locations in the building and a robust wireless network is available throughout. Library staff can assist patrons in accessing the internet on our library owned computers and in using our Wi-Fi network. 

The Library supports access to information on subjects that serve the needs or interests of each user, and library staff continuously identify and update age-appropriate recommended sites that serve as starting points for searches. 

Filtering

Memorial Hall Library provides people of all ages equal access to materials, information, and technology. With regard to the internet, the library does not selectively choose (i.e. filter) which electronic resources to make available. It is the responsibility of parents and/or legal guardians to determine what their children may read, use or access on the internet. (See also our Statement on Filtering). 

Children’s Room Computer Use

The Children’s Room provides internet access to children through age 12. Adults and teens unaccompanied by children are not permitted to use the computers in the Children’s Room. The internet is an ever-changing source of information, not all sites are accurate or current, and many sites are inappropriate for children. It is the responsibility of parents and/or legal guardians to determine what their children may read, use or access on the internet.

Public Environment

Whether using a library computer or a personal device, patrons are expected to refrain from displaying or printing graphics which are inappropriate for public viewing, or playing audio that could disturb other patrons.

Monitoring

The library does not routinely monitor public computers, but reserves the right to do so when a violation of this policy or illegal activity is suspected. Illegal activities or activities that interfere with or disrupt the network, users, services or equipment are prohibited and not protected by the library’s privacy policy. Staff are authorized to take immediate action to protect the security of computers and the network. This includes confiscating any removable media, requiring a user to leave a computer or the premises, and contacting law enforcement. 

Copyright and Licensing

Patrons are responsible for complying with copyright law, licensing agreements, and the policies of individual websites that they view.

Saving Your Data and Files

If the library computer you are using powers off for any reason or when your session ends, any files that you have saved to the computer are immediately deleted, and cannot be recovered by library staff. We encourage you to save your data regularly using a removable storage device.

Privacy

Although we do not keep any permanent record of the sites you visit or the files you create, we caution that complete privacy on shared computers or public wi-fi networks is not a realistic expectation. We strongly suggest that you reboot the computer when you are finished. (See also: Your Privacy and Confidentiality on MHL Computers.) 

Additional Information

  • The computers in the Reference Area are available to patrons of all ages at all times.  The computers in the Teen Room are restricted to teens when school is not in session during the week, and 1-5 on Saturdays and Sundays.  The computers in the Children's Room are restricted to use by children through age 12 with a caregiver.
  • Users must cooperate with librarians as requested to insure equitable computer use and a safe computing environment. Failure to do so may result in loss of computer privileges.
  • Users may plug any appropriate device into the front ports on our computers, but may not remove anything from the back of the computers.
  • Altering computer operating systems, firmware, or tampering with security or session management software in any way is prohibited and may result in loss of computer privileges. 
  • Use headphones when listening to audio content, and keep volume low so as to not disturb others.
  • Do not gather around/stand behind computer users since doing so may obstruct or distract other patrons.

Approved by the Memorial Hall Library Board of Trustees, May 6, 1998.  Modified by the Trustees December 6, 2000; November 7, 2001; March 12, 2003; September 17, 2003, November 5, 2008, October 12, 2016, October 14, 2020.