Internet Use Policy

Amended by the Board of Trustees 10/16/2018
Internet Use Policy PDF

Access

Access to the Internet on Library computers is available for use by patrons. Usage is provided in set increments, which may be limited based on demand. There is no time limit for wireless users. To reserve and use a Library computer, patrons must have a UHLS library card in good standing, or a guest pass. Guest passes are only available to patrons who do not already have a UHLS library card. Wireless network users may access the Library’s public network during library hours. Library staff may assist users in connecting to the network, but the Library does not guarantee that all devices will work with the network.

Children’s Use

  • Just as libraries do not vouch for or endorse the viewpoints of written material in their collections, they do not do so for electronic information. Parents and guardians are responsible for monitoring their child’s use of the Internet. Any restriction of a child’s access is the responsibility of the parent/guardian, not the library staff.
  • Dissemination of information through the Internet is a joint responsibility of the child and the parent/guardian.

Responsibility of Users

  • Users are required to log in each time to use the Internet computers. A maximum of two users at the workstation at a time is allowed.  If the computer is shared, all users must agree to the library’s Internet policy.
  • Files may be saved to the library computer’s hard drive temporarily, but they will be erased at the end of the session. To save files beyond then, patrons may provide their own USB storage media or email documents to themselves.
  • Users requiring sound must use headphones.
  • Users are responsible for all printing fees.
  • Hardware and software on library computers may not be altered.
  • Library staff is available to assist users in their use of these resources, but may not be familiar with every application or device users wish to use. Due to scheduling constraints, there may not be an Internet trained librarian on duty at all times. Because of the many different Internet applications available, and the variety of devices users may bring into the Library, the Library cannot provide complete technical support.
  • Wireless connections less secure than wired connections. Users are advised use caution and take additional security measures when transmitting sensitive information using any of the Library’s public networks.
  • Library computers may not be used to attempt to gain unauthorized access to any data, computer or network.
  • The library does not permit violation of any U.S. or state law or regulation including, but not restricted to, acts of a threatening, harassing or obscene nature. Patrons must respect copyright laws and licensing agreements.
  • Any criminal or otherwise illegal conduct is prohibited, including the public display of offensive sexual materials as restricted by applicable NYS or Federal Penal Laws, when using a public PC.  The library reserves the right to limit access to pertinent web resources to maintain compliance with legislation.

Misuse of the computer by not complying with these procedures and policies will result in loss of privileges.

Disclaimers

While the library offers access and guidance to a wide array of useful and interesting Internet sites, some may contain inaccurate, controversial, and even offensive material. The library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be responsible for its content.

Use of the wireless network is entirely at the risk of the user.  The library disclaims any and all liability for lost or stolen hardware, loss of confidential information, or damages resulting from the use of the wireless network.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees 11/18/97, amended 8/17/99, 10/15/02, 10/21/03, 5/19/2009, 3/18/2014, 10/16/2018

Return to Policies
Subject East Greenbush Card UHLS Card UHLS MyCard
Library Card Registration Free to any individual who resides or pays taxes in the East Greenbush Community Library taxing district or Town of Schodack. Cards expire and must be renewed every three years.

Free to any individual who volunteers or works at the EGRN Library. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

Free to partner educational agencies with verified employment. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

Those that live outside the UHLS area may purchase a temporary card at the price established by our Table of Fines and Fees. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

All ages eligible. Youth under age 16 must have their application completed and signed by a parent or guardian, who provides acceptable identification for them.

Card blocked at $5 or more in replacement costs or fines/fees

Fines vary according to individual library rules and UHLS resource sharing rules. The EGRN Table of Fines and Fees are applicable for items which are checked out from the East Greenbush Community Library

 Free to residents residing in a community served by a UHLS library.

All ages eligible. Youth under age 16 must have their application completed and signed by a parent or guardian, who provides acceptable identification for them.

UHLS library cards expire and must be renewed every three years.

Card blocked at $5 or more in replacement costs or fines/fees

Fines vary according to individual library rules and UHLS resource sharing rules. The EGRN Table of Fines and Fees are applicable for items which are checked out from the East Greenbush Community Library

 The UHLS MyCard is a fine-free, limited-access library card for youth. It is intended to address multiple barriers to serving youth and families, including:

  • Barriers to access related to fines (e.g. computer access, checking out materials)
  • Parents not present for a child’s library card registration
  • Previous fines on a child’s card

Free for youth residing in a community served by a UHLS library.Applicants 18 and under who are applying for a limited use, UHLS Youth Only MyCard, need to provide name, address, and date of birth.UHLS library cards expire and must be renewed every three years.Youth ages birth to 18 can register unaccompanied, or with the help of a caregiver or relative who is not the child’s parent/guardian.This card may be used at all UHLS Libraries except for the Colonie Town Library.

Card blocked at $10 or more in replacement costs.

No fines for late items
Limits on # of Materials Borrowed Unlimited checkouts Unlimited checkouts Limited total items: Can only have 3 items checked out on their card at a time
Types of Items All eligible item types. All eligible item types except Museum Passes, ILL, and Hot off the Press. Active paid members of the Friends of the East Greenbush Community Library have access to all lending collections. Only items eligible to be borrowed are books (any age level), juvenile and young adult (teen) audiobooks, and juvenile and young adult (teen) DVDs.
Databases/Digital Content EGRN and UHLS subscription databases and digital content UHLS subscription databases and digital content Only items eligible to be borrowed are books (any age level), juvenile and young adult (teen) audiobooks, and juvenile and young adult (teen) DVDs.
Interlibrary Loan Nationwide UHLS Libraries UHLS Libraries
Program Registration Unlimited except by limited program capacity Preference given to resident cardholders Preference given to resident cardholders