Merrill Memorial Library’s Public Access Computers provide access to software, subscription resources, the library catalog, and the Internet in order to offer educational, recreational, and cultural enrichment beyond the confines of its own collection, in accordance with our mission. MML also provides free, unsecured, wireless Internet access for public use. MML aspires to make all constitutionally protected electronic resources readily and equitably accessible and free to all who use our computers, in compliance with the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights.
Some information accessed through the Internet may not be consistent with the library’s collection development policy, and the library cannot guarantee that information you find will be accurate, complete, or current. The provision of access does not imply sponsorship or endorsement. Librarians are available to help you locate good information and evaluate the validity and usefulness of the information available.
MML staff will help patrons utilize our computers and the network as time and ability permits, but cannot always provide Internet training, or help patrons set up, configure, or troubleshoot their own wireless hardware or software. We are happy to direct you to local resources where you can learn more about technology.
Patrons are prohibited from using Merrill Memorial Library’s computers or network for illegal activity, including but not limited to accessing, viewing, or displaying illegal or obscene materials, fraudulent activity, harassment and defamation, hateful speech, and infringement upon the rights and privacy of others. Merrill Memorial Library does not block or filter our network activity and it is the responsibility of the computer user to respect those around them and follow the state and federal laws. Parents and legal guardians should provide guidance to their own children in the use of electronic resources within the library. Librarians cannot act in the place of the parent or guardian (in loco parentis), but we are happy to help direct both adults and children to appropriate research sites.
Computers will be lent to anyone regardless of their cardholder status. No identification is required, and all computer use is confidential and private. While we do make use of software-based settings to limit retention of information between sessions, MML cannot guarantee the privacy or security of data on our public computers or over our open network. It is the responsibility of the patron to proactively safeguard their own information including by logging out of sites, using discretion while conducting transactions, and using antivirus software on personal devices accessing the wireless. Please be aware that data accessed and sent over the wireless network is not encrypted.
Patrons should check in at the circulation or reference desk in order to use a computer. Each computer user is granted an hour of uninterrupted time, and may be allowed to continue for longer under special circumstances or if there are no other patrons waiting to use a computer.
