Lucy Robbins Welles Library
Internet Use Policy

In fulfilling its mission to provide information, education, and cultural enrichment for the Newington community through a commitment to excellence in library services, the Lucy Robbins Welles Library provides its patrons with the latest information technology.

Therefore, Internet access is available in both the Adult and Children’s departments. The Internet is a global and unregulated information network. As such, it allows patrons to access information and images beyond the scope of the Lucy Robbins Welles Library’s collection, selection criteria, and collection development policies. The Library cannot control the information accessible through the Internet and does not accept responsibility for its content.

As with other library materials, a child’s use of the Internet is solely the responsibility of the child’s parent or guardian. Parents are encouraged to provide guidance and explore the Internet with their children. For recommended sites for children, see the Children’s section of the library’s homepage.

The library’s Internet workstations are in public areas and are shared by patrons of all ages. Therefore, all patrons are asked to refrain from accessing potentially offensive information or images. Internet privileges will be suspended if the use of and behavior at the Internet workstations is not in keeping with this policy.

Adopted 9/13/99, Lucy Robbins Welles Library Board of Directors

A valid library card in good standing from any Connecticut public library is required in order to use the internet or wordprocessing computers. There is no advance sign up for the internet computers. They are available on a first come first serve basis. Everyone is limited to 1 hour a day on the internet stations.

There may be a maximum of two people at a workstation at a time, but if this becomes disruptive, staff may limit use to one per workstation.

Users may print out information using a centralized printer. B&W prints cost $0.15 and color prints cost $.50.

Users must have basic computer skills, including the ability to use Windows and a mouse. When finished using the Internet, please end your session and close out.

There are eleven computers in the Adult & Young Adult areas that may be used by patrons of all ages. 

The computers in the children's department are for the use of children in Grades 8 and under. During the school year, parents whose children are attending a preschool program may use the Children’s internets. At any other time, children’s internet use by teens or adults is at the discretion of library staff.

Recommended Sites and Search Engines

Lucy Robbins Welles Library
Wireless Internet Use Policy

Lucy Robbins Welles Library now offers wireless access to the library’s Internet service for properly equipped laptops and hand held computers. When you use the Internet in the library you are accepting the library’s Internet Acceptable Use Policy. Please note that you must abide by that portion of the policy that indicates you are using your device in a public area that is shared by patrons of all ages. All users are asked to refrain from accessing potentially offensive information or images. Internet privileges will be suspended if your use of the wireless network is not in keeping with this policy.

Security Concerns:

The Internet is a public communications network. There can be untrustworthy parties between you and anybody you communicate with. Wireless poses the same risks to your personal information that a wired network poses, as well as some new risks. Cautious and informed wireless users should choose not to transmit their credit card information and passwords while using any wireless “hot spot”. As with most public wireless “hot spots,” this connection is not secure. Potentially any information being sent or received could be intercepted by another wireless user. Please take appropriate precautions when using this service

Staff Assistance:

• You are responsible for setting up your own equipment.
• Library staff has prepared basic instructions for accessing the Internet via our wireless connection. Please see attached procedure sheet.
• Library staff cannot assist you with your laptop card or configuration.
• The library cannot accept the liability of handling your equipment.
• Printers are not available through our wireless connection. To print save to a floppy and use one of our public workstations.

Wireless Settings

Connectivity Settings

NOTE: The following instructions are general guidelines and require that you understand how to configure and restore the settings of your own computer. It is best to try to use the Internet before attempting any of the changes suggested on this page.

Wireless Card Settings:

Use the software that came with your wireless card or computer to configure the settings and to verify a connection to the library’s wireless network.

• SSID (network name) = "TON-WLAN-Guest" (without quotes)

Windows 98

Network Settings:

1. From Control Panel, select Network.
2. Locate the TCP/IP protocol and get into its Properties. If more than one TCP/IP protocol is listed, look for the one associated with your wireless adapter.
3. For IP Address, select "Obtain an IP address automatically."
4. For DNS, select “Disable DNS.”
5. For WINS, select “Use DHCP for WINS Resolution.”

Windows 2000 & XP

Network Settings:

1. From Control Panel, select "Network and Dial-up Connections" or "Network and Internet Connections > Internet Connections."
2. Right-click on “Wireless Network Connection” or “Local Area Connection” and click Properties.
3. Locate the Internet TCP/IP protocol and get into its Properties. If more than one TCP/IP protocol is listed, look for the one associated with your wireless adapter.
4. Select "Obtain an IP address automatically" and “Obtain DNS server address automatically."
5. For XP, right click on “Wireless Network Connection” and select “View Available Wireless Networks.” Select the name of the wireless network available at the library and click “Connect.” Please ask library staff for network name.

Windows NT

Network Settings:

1. From Control Panel, select Network.
2. Locate the TCP/IP protocol and get into its Properties. If more than one TCP/IP protocol is listed, look for the one associated with your wireless adapter.
3. Select "Obtain an IP address from a DHCP server" and click OK.

Windows Vista

Network Settings:

1. From Control Panel, under “Network and Internet”, select “View network status and tasks.”
2. From the left column under “Tasks”, select “Manage network connections.”
3. Right click on “Wireless Network Connections” or connection to be used then select “Properties.”
4. Highlight “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/1PV4), click on “Properties”. Select “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically.” Click OK and close out back to the desktop.
5. From Control Panel, under “Network and Internet,” select “View network status and tasks.”
6. From left column, under “Tasks”, select “Connect to a network.” Select the name of the wireless network available at the library and click “Connect.” Please ask library staff for network name.

Internet Explorer Tips:

Please note that depending on your version of software, there may be variations in the procedures.

1. From Control Panel, select Internet Options > Connections tab.
2. If you also have a dial-up connection, it should not be set to "Always dial my default connection."
3. LAN Settings should be "Automatically detect settings" and leave the Proxy server settings blank.

Macintosh

Network Settings (OS 8 & 9):

1. Select: Apple Menu > Control Panel > TCP/IP.
2. Connect via "AirPort" or other wireless (WiFi) ethernet.
3. Configure "Using DHCP Server."
4. Leave Name Server and Additional Search domains blank.

Network Settings (OS X):

1. Select: Apple Menu > System Preferences > Network button.
2. Select TCP/IP tab and Configure "Using DHCP."
3. Above the TCP/IP tab, you may need to Configure via "AirPort" or other wireless (WiFi) Ethernet.
4. Leave Domain Name Servers and Search Domains blank.

Inspection and Monitoring

The Town of Newington’s Information Systems and Technology Department maintains the right to inspect all network traffic for improper use of computer or network resources. In addition, Information Systems and Technology may also authorize general inspection and monitoring to assure the security and stability of the network and systems connected to it. This may include, but is not limited to, monitoring and inspection to support activities such as:

Assuring adequate quality of service for critical applications
Detecting unauthorized use of the network
Preventing or investigating system problems or efficiencies
Assessing security vulnerabilities of computers connected to the network
Preventing or investigating improper or illegal activities
Compiling usage statistics

Falsified Message Sources

Disguising or falsifying sources of electronic mail and other electronic communications with the intent of misleading, defrauding or harassing others is prohibited.

Unauthorized or Destructive Programs

Users must not intentionally develop or use programs that disrupt others use of computers and networks, provide unauthorized access to private or restricted information, or damage software or hardware belonging to others.

Usage

Users must respect the rights of others. Attempts to circumvent these mechanisms in order to gain unauthorized access to the system or to another person’s information are a violation of Town of Newington policy and may violate applicable law. System administrators will report suspected unlawful or improper activities to the proper authorities.

Unlawful Messages

Use of electronic communication facilities (such as e-mail, instant messaging, talk, chat rooms, threaded discussions or systems with similar functions) to send fraudulent, harassing, obscene, threatening, or other messages that are a violation of applicable federal, state or other law is prohibited.

Spam

Use of the Town of Newington-Lucy Robbins Welles Library wireless network to send "spam" email is prohibited. Spam email has the following characteristics:

Identical or nearly identical messages are sent to a large number of recipients (typically 25 or more, often thousands).
The recipients have not granted deliberate, explicit, and still-revocable permission for the messages to be sent.
The transmission and reception of the messages appear to the recipients to give a disproportionate benefit to the sender.