http://www.bernardslibrary.org

The Internet is an electronic network providing access to information via computers worldwide. Connections can be made to government agencies, private institutions, libraries, museums, universities, businesses and more throughout the world. The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national and international sources of information. Internet users need to keep in mind that some of the information found on the Internet may be inaccurate, incomplete, dated, or offensive. An information consumer must evaluate the validity and appropriateness of any information found. Patrons use the Internet at their own risk.

To fulfill our mission of providing open public access to information of all types in a wide range of formats for all users, the Bernards Township Library provides access to Internet resources. Unlike other library resources, the information and sources found on the Internet are not subject to the selection policies of the library. The library cannot control the information that is posted to the Internet worldwide, and assumes responsibility only for information and links provided on our home page. Parents or guardians, not the library or its staff, are responsible for information selected and/or accessed by their children. Supervision of minors' Internet sessions by parents or guardians is encouraged and advised.

The staff and Board of Trustees of the Bernards Township Library support the American Library Association's stand on intellectual freedom. See specifically the ALA's Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read statement, the Freedom to View statement, and the New Jersey Library Association's People's Rights to Libraries. In addition, we support the New Jersey Library Association's Public Access to the Internet - Basic Library Service resolution and Restriction of Internet Access and Use of Filtering Software in Libraries statement. Copies of these documents are available at the Reference Desk.

Viewing of certain materials in the public library and other uses of the Internet may be considered improper in time, place or manner. If patron behavior when using Internet resources becomes inappropriate for a library setting, the library reserves the right to end the session. 1.

Downloaded files, images and data from the Internet may contain viruses. The Bernards Township Library is not responsible for damage to a patron's disk or computer that may occur from use of the library's computers.

Sessions will be limited if patrons are waiting.

Help is available informally at the library, and training is offered at regularly scheduled sessions.

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1. See Standards of Acceptable Behavior
adopted by the Board of the Bernards Township Library 11/94

Adopted by the Board of the Bernards Township Library June 18, 1997. Revised September 16, 1998