The Chelmsford Public Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services that meet the diverse cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of the Chelmsford community. Access to the Internet and its many resources is one of these services the Library is making available to the public in response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community. By providing access to the Internet, the Library is opening a gateway to information broader than its traditional practice of selecting materials and specific services. Information on the Internet is created by governments, corporations, universities, organizations, and individuals throughout the world. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information.

The Chelmsford Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and is not responsible for its content. As a result, to offer a choice in access, filtering software has been installed on computers in the children's areas and on other designated workstations.

Staff cannot monitor, control, or restrict anyone's access to the range of information available. Parents are advised to supervise their children's Internet sessions. The Library does not have the authority or the responsibility to act in the place of the parent.

It is the Library's responsibility to maximize availability of this resource and to ensure fair accessibility for all. It is the patron's responsibility to exhibit respect and consideration for staff and other users and to follow library guidelines for use, as well as:

• Limit your Internet searching to one hour at a time. Others may be waiting.

• Printing is available at 15 cents per page.

• FTP (File Transfer Protocol), Usenet, downloading, and email are not supported.

• Internet access will be available during regular Library hours.

Failure to abide by Library guidelines may lead to revocation of Internet or Library privileges.

Approved, Library Board of Trustees
August 9, 2000

American Library Association Positions
Online Safety Rules and Suggestions
Statement on Library use of Filtering Software
Resolution on Opposition to Federally Mandated Internet Filtering