The Internet and You

Tameside Libraries: Acceptable Use Policy

We consider that it is in the interests of library users and the free flow of information that we manage web provision with the minimum of filtering software. However, users should be aware that Tameside MBC monitors Internet use and some sites will be blocked.

Who can use the Internet?

• Anybody can use the Internet*, but it is cheaper if you are a library member.
• Each time you use a computer you accept our Acceptable Use Policy, ask the staff if you wish to read the full version.
• A parent or guardian of children aged 15 or under must agree that their child can use the Internet by signing the declaration on the membership application form.
• The responsibility for overseeing the material accessed by a child, as with all other library material, remains with the parent or guardian.
  An adult must be with children under 9.

What Internet services do we provide?

• We provide access to the World Wide Web but do not allow access to personalised software such as Yahoo Messenger, Internet Messenger or other dedicated chat software.
• Users can set up their own web based e-mail account but we do not provide server based e-mail facilities.
• Library buildings are not licensed for the reception of live television broadcasts, you can however watch archived television programmes

How much does it cost?

• Use of the Internet is free for the first hour. Each half hour thereafter costs 55p.
• Non members are charged £1.20 per half hour
• Floppy disks cost £1.00
• Printouts cost 10p for A4 black and white and 50p for colour.

Downloading Information

• Users can download information on to a floppy disk, which is stored securely in the library. Only paper and disks provided by the library staff can be used. To prevent the downloading of viruses on to the network, users cannot reuse disks once they have been taken out of the library.
• Because our PCs are on the Council network we have to abide by our IT Security Policy which means that we cannot allow users to download on to a CD Rom or a memory stick. We recommend that you use services such as Yahoo Briefcase.
• We do not have facilities for downloading freeware or shareware via FTP servers.
• Staff remove all files stored on the computer hard disk or desktop daily.

Help, Support and Advice

• Use of the Internet is on a self-help basis although staff may be able to provide limited assistance, or offer you a crib sheet.
• The library does not accept any responsibility for slow response times or the unavailability of any website, but please tell us if you think the system is very slow so we can check our connections.
• We advise users not to send personal information such as bank details and addresses to websites as the computers are in a public area.
• Users should remember the Internet is unregulated and information may be inaccurate, misleading or out of date. The library accepts no responsibility for the nature of, or the accuracy of the information accessed or retrieved.

Users agree that they will not…

• View sites of a pornographic, violent, racist or offensive nature. Please remember this is a facility for all members of the community.
• Breach the Obscene Publications Act (1984) and the Telecommunications Act (1984), which state that it is an offence to publish an obscene article and to transmit a message or any other matter that is grossly offensive or indecent, obscene or menacing over the telephone lines in England or Wales.
• Contravene the laws of copyright and must ensure they have the necessary permission to copy material printed from the Internet. If in doubt, please check with the source of the information.
• Attempt to damage the computer hardware or software.
• Try to alter software configuration, install or delete software.
• Use a computer to gain unauthorised access to any computer network or system.

What happens if I do not abide by the Acceptable Use Policy?

We will ask you to comply with the rules. If you continue then we will ask you to exit from the web, this will be your first verbal warning and will be recorded on your membership record. A further offence will result in you being prevented from using the Internet at any Tameside Library until a decision is made by senior managers of the library service as to whether you receive a warning letter or an out right ban. This letter will state that any further infringement of our policy will result in you being prevented from using the Internet in any Tameside Library for a period of twelve months. Any further incidents and the ban will come into force and be confirmed in writing.

*Customers who owe £5.00 or more or have had an invoice for non return of books which is still outstanding will not have access to the Internet service.

We provide access to the Internet in keeping with our role as a provider of informational, educational, recreational and cultural enrichment opportunities for our users.