Internet, Public Access Computer & Electronic Devices Policy

The Amityville Public Library provides public access to computers, electronic devices, the Internet, and digital resources as part of its mission to offer equitable access to information, technology, and educational tools. These services are considered an extension of the Library’s traditional reference and informational services.

The Library does not monitor and has no control over information available on the Internet. It cannot guarantee the accuracy, quality, legality, or currency of online content. The Internet may contain materials that some users find controversial or inappropriate. Parents or legal guardians are solely responsible for supervising their children’s Internet use.

This policy applies to all individuals using Library computers, Library tablets, electronic devices, Library Wi-Fi, or personal devices connected to Library networks.

SECTION I — PUBLIC ACCESS COMPUTERS

1. Eligibility & Access

  1. Public Access Computers are available to all patrons.
  2. Patrons may request a Guest Pass at the front desk for public computer use if they do not have an active library card or have misplaced their card.
  3. Grade-level restrictions:
    • Children’s Department computers: for patrons 5th grade and younger (with a parent/guardian/caretaker/babysitter permitted to accompany them).
    • Adult/Young Adult Department computers: for patrons 6th grade and older.
  4. No more than two patrons may use a single computer at one time.
  5. Patrons will not be allowed public computer access within the final 10 minutes before closing.

2. Time Limits & Use Guidelines

  1. Use of Library computers is generally limited to one hour, with additional time permitted if computers are available.
  2. If demand is high or a waiting list forms, the Library may:
    • Limit session length, or
    • Require guests or users who have exceeded one hour to relinquish their workstation.
  3. Users must not save files or programs to Library computer hard drives.
  4. USB drives or storage devices may be available for purchase; availability is not guaranteed.
  5. Users must log out of all accounts and remove personal USB drives at the end of each session.
  6. The individual registered for the session is responsible for all actions taken on that computer.

3. Staff Assistance

  1. Library staff may provide basic assistance with:
    • Internet navigation
    • Locating templates (e.g., résumés, reports)
    • Printing
  2. Staff cannot:
    • Type documents for patrons
    • Provide in-depth computer instruction
    • Create or edit content on behalf of patrons
  3. Staff will provide brief instructions for library databases such as the online library catalog, Libby and other digital reference resources.

4. Internet Use & Legal Compliance

  1. The Library has no control over Internet content and assumes no responsibility for its accuracy or currency.
  2. Any use of Library computers or networks for unlawful purposes is prohibited.
    • Under NYS Penal Code §245.11, public display of certain offensive sexual material is unlawful.
  3. Attempts to degrade, disrupt, or damage Library systems, computers, networks, or software are prohibited.
    • This includes connecting personal devices to Library Ethernet ports or installing software.
  4. Public Access Computers may not be used for commercial/business purposes (offering or providing goods/services for a fee).
  5. Harassment of other users or interference with the work of others is prohibited.
  6. Copying commercial software or violating copyright law is prohibited.
  7. Users must conduct themselves in a lawful, respectful, and responsible manner at all times.

5. Maintenance & Availability

  1. Regular maintenance is required for proper functioning of the Library’s network and computers. The Library may limit or deny access during upgrades or repairs.
  2. Final interpretation and enforcement of this policy rests with the Library Director and/or Assistant Director.
  3. Failure to comply with this policy may result in suspension of computer privileges.

SECTION II — ELECTRONIC DEVICES (Smartphones, Tablets, etc.)

  1. Unless otherwise noted, all rules for listed above also apply to Library electronic devices.
  2. Electronic devices (such Library Tablets, Hotspots etc.) may be used with prior registration.
  3. Devices in:
    • Children’s Department: for patrons infant through 5th grade.
    • Adult Department: for patrons 6th grade and up.
    • Use is limited to one hour per day.
    • Personal belongings must not interfere with other patrons’ workspace.
    • Only one person may use each device at a time.
  4. Charging Station:
    • The Library provides a charging station for patrons’ personal electronic devices, free for all to use without registration.
    • Patrons should monitor their devices at all times.
    • The Library is not responsible for any theft or damage that may occur while using the charging station.
    • All devices must be removed from the charging station before the Library closes.

SECTION III — WIRELESS NETWORK & PERSONAL DEVICES

  1. The Library’s Wi-Fi is open and unsecured. Users assume all associated risks.
  2. The Library is not responsible for:
    • Malware
    • Damage to personal devices
    • Data loss
    • Compromised accounts
  3. Unauthorized equipment may not be connected to Library network ports or infrastructure.

SECTION IV — PRIVACY & SECURITY

  1. The Library does not guarantee the privacy or security of any online activity or personal information entered on Library networks or devices.
  2. Although public computers automatically clear user data upon logout, patrons should avoid saving passwords or files.
  3. Network traffic may be subject to external networks’ acceptable use policies.

SECTION V — CHILDREN & INTERNET SAFETY

  1. Parents/guardians—not Library staff—are responsible for monitoring children’s Internet use.
  2. The Library may use filtering software on select computers in compliance with CIPA, though filters are not guaranteed to block all inappropriate content.
  3. Parents are encouraged to discuss safe and responsible online behavior with their children.

SECTION VI — ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in:

  • Termination of a computer or device session
  • Temporary or permanent loss of computer, device, Internet, or Library privileges
  • Suspension of Library card privileges
  • Notification of law enforcement when appropriate

Library staff have the authority to interpret and enforce this policy. The Library Director and Assistant Library Director have final decision-making authority.

SECTION VII — LIABILITY

The Amityville Public Library assumes no responsibility for:

  • Loss of data
  • Service interruptions
  • Damage to personal devices
  • Unintended exposure to offensive content
  • Technical difficulties or system failures

Users access Library technology at their own discretion and risk. 

The Amityville Public Library may utilize filtering software or future technological tools to support its Mission and Roles. While the Library facilitates free and open access to information, it will not facilitate access to sites that are unlawful under the New York State Penal Code or other applicable legislation or policy.

Policy Adoption & Revision History

  • Adopted: 9/28/1995
  • Revisions: 6/19/2001; 6/23/2005; 9/20/2007 (effective 10/1/2007); 6/18/2009
  • Amendments: 6/23/2011; 6/21/2012; 9/17/2014; 9/17/2015; 9/15/2016
  • This policy was consolidated with the Internet Policy and the Public Access Computer and Electronic Devices Policy: November 19th, 2025