Computers

Access is available for patrons with their own laptops, smartphones, tablets, or other devices. Wireless printing is available (please ask a Reference Librarian if you would like assistance or visit our Mobile Printing Page).

Computer Help with James Chapin:

James Chapin is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-1pm. Appointments are walk-in and available on a first-come-first-serve basis. See here for a list of dates and more information.

Reference Technology Assistance:

Did you know that the Reference Department offers assistance with mobile devices, downloading our e-resources, and more? If you have a simple question, stop by the Reference Desk more than an hour before we close and we can assist you. Like other Reference Questions, you may have to wait for a Reference Librarian to be available.

If your question is more in-depth or you're not sure how long it will take, call the Reference Department at 203-262-0626 ext. 130 to inquire about making an appointment. Most of our assistance is related to answering questions about how to use a device, app, or website. We cannot touch your device directly, but instead we teach you how to do what you are looking for help with.

If you have a hardware question or very technical question, we recommend visiting James Chapin during his Technology Help on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00-1:00pm.

The Southbury Public Library is dedicated to being the preeminent source of free information and knowledge for the community, by educating, inspiring and connecting patrons to books, AV and technology including the Internet. The library provides public access computers through which its patrons may access the Internet.

The Internet is a global powerful tool providing a wealth of information beyond the library’s walls. The Internet is unregulated. Some information accessed through the Internet may be considered inaccurate, incomplete or dated and some material may be considered offensive, disturbing and/or illegal. The library cannot assume responsibility for content, accuracy, or completeness or the nature of information found on the Internet, or be responsible for the use of the Internet by its patrons.  

The Southbury Public Library disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through the Internet or any Library electronic system, and encompassing any activities by a patron found to be illegal, or any consequences thereof.

The Library assumes no responsibility for the security or privacy of online transactions.  Any patrons who release personal identifying information, credits or bank account numbers, do so at their own risk. Patrons are encouraged to LOG OUT of all e-mail sessions and websites.

In accordance with federal and state laws and regulations, patrons are not permitted to use library computers for an illegal or criminal purpose, including, but not limited to, accessing legally obscene materials, harassment or stalking, unauthorized access to computer systems, or in a manner disruptive to other people’s work. All patrons should act in a responsible manner consistent with the Behavior Policy of the library, and for children, consistent with parental or legal guardian’s guidance.

The library’s computers are in public areas. Therefore, all patrons should refrain from accessing potentially objectionable or offensive information or images.

Only Library provided software may be used on the Library’s computers. Computer patrons may not install or download software programs or files onto the library’s computer’s hard drive. Patrons may not intentionally remove, alter or damage hardware, software or data on the library’s computers or network.

As with print materials, information from the Internet may be subject to copyright laws that govern the making of reproductions of copyrighted works. Users must comply with U. S. Copyright law and other applicable legal principles. The Library is not responsible for any infringement by patrons of copyright or other intellectual property rights.

Children’s and Teen Department

These computers are principally for the use of children and their accompanying parent, guardian or other adult caregiver. Since the Southbury Public Library does not filter the content of the Internet. Parents/legal guardians of children under 18 are solely responsible for their children’s use of the Internet.

Failure to use the Internet appropriately and responsibly according to this policy may result in suspension of Internet use privileges.

This policy is subject to continuous review.

Adopted by Southbury Public Library Board of Directors November 2, 2005.

Revised and approved by Southbury Public Board of Directors March 10, 2021.

Reviewed by Town Attorney Jan./Feb./March 2021.

For a PDF version of this policy, see here.

Service

The Southbury Public Library offers free wireless Internet access.

Privacy

The library’s wireless network is NOT secure. Patrons use our wireless unsecured network at their own risk.

Responsibility

The Southbury Public Library staff cannot guarantee that your wireless device will work with the library’s network.

The Southbury Public Library is not responsible for any damage to personal equipment or software or loss of data from using your equipment on our unsecured wireless network.

Staff cannot provide technical support for patrons’ personal devices

Printing

Mobile wireless printing is available. For instructions, check the library’s website www.southburylibrary.org for mobile printing.  

Internet Policy

All patrons using the library’s wireless internet must follow the rules of the Internet Use Policy (see above or here)  To summarize this policy, the library staff reserves the right to ask any patron that is inappropriately using an electronic device to refrain from such use. Any misuse or abuse of any of the library’s electronic devices may result in the permanent suspension of Internet access privileges.

This policy is subject to continuous review by the Library Board of Directors.

Adopted by Library Board December 2005.

Revised and approved by Library Board of Directors September 2015

Revised and approved by Library Board of Directors June 9, 2021

For a downloadable PDF of this policy, see here.