INTERNET AND COMPUTER USE POLICY
Introduction

Washington County Public Library provides access to a broad range of information resources, including free access to the Internet.
The Internet is a global electronic network of computers created and used by governments, businesses, organizations, educators, and individuals.   The library does not endorse the viewpoints or vouch for the accuracy of information obtained through the Internet.  The Internet is not subject to regulations that assure the content or accuracy of information. Users should critically evaluate sources for accuracy, completeness, and currency.

Disclaimer

The Internet is a global entity with no control of users or content.  Therefore, available resources may contain material of a controversial nature.  The library does not monitor information accessed through the Internet.  Library patrons use the Internet at their own risk.
There are information resources, which are inappropriate to a library setting.  Because the library is a public place, anyone displaying such information will be asked to stop.
As with other library materials, restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian.  Parents and children are encouraged to read My Rules for Online Safety available from the Seattle Public Library Home Page. This document is provided at every public access computer and is attached at the end of this document.
Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information.  Users need to be good information consumers, questioning the validity of the information.
The microcomputer user should be aware of computer viruses and other destructive computer programs, and take steps to avoid being a victim or unwitting distributor of these processes.
Ultimate responsibility for resolution of problems related to the invasion of user’s privacy or loss of data rests with the user.  The library assumes no liability for loss or damage or for any damage or injury arising from invasion of the user’s privacy.

Patron Rights and Responsibilities

Persons wishing to use Internet workstations MUST have WCPL library cards.  Visitors to the community may be able to use a “guest card” to check out a computer.  Patrons must be in good standing with WCPL  (NO overdue materials and NO fines) in order to use library computers.

WCPL Internet workstations are provided for informational and educational use.

Walk-in access to Internet workstations is available on a first come, first served basis.  However, patrons may reserve workstations for one session.  Reservations must be made on the same day the computer is to be used.

Patron use is limited to sixty (60) minutes per session (including training time).  Patrons must check-out computers and sign in with their library card before using an Internet workstation.  Library card must be in good standing with no fines or overdue materials.

Extensions of a work session will be accommodated if no one else is waiting or scheduled for the computer.  Patrons will be limited to no more than two (2) one-hour sessions each day, as availability of resources permits.

Reservations will be held for ten (10) minutes past the scheduled start time.  After that, the reserved time will be considered forfeited.

Patrons are responsible for their own training.  Because of library scheduling, Internet-trained staff may not always be available.  The library staff’s availability to help users with basic computer use or with Internet access is limited.  Users must have basic computer skills, including the ability to use a mouse.

Children under age eighteen must have a permission form signed by a parent or legal guardian.   Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet, and are encouraged to supervise their children’s sessions. If a child is not accompanied by a parent or guardian and has no permission to use the computer, that child will be denied access to the internet. Child may use the computer to type a report or other non-internet uses.

Each page printed will cost fifteen (15) cents.  Particularly long print jobs may have to be paid for in advance.

No more than two (2) persons at a time may be at a single workstation.  This may be waived by special permission of the library staff person on duty.

To avoid damage from viruses and other destructive computer programs, an anti-virus program may be run on every diskette (or other re-usable media) used in a computer.  Diskettes and other re-usable media can be purchased from the library on a cost recovery basis to download materials or save work.  Users should be aware that software downloaded from the Internet might contain a virus.

Patrons are responsible for abiding by U.S. copyright law Title 17, U.S. Code which governs copying, displaying, or distribution of copyrighted material, except by the concept of “fair use” Sect. 107.  For additional information on copyright, users can consult the following site:  Library of Congress Copyright Office, official copyright home page.

Patrons using WCPL Internet workstations may not . . .
save documents on the computer’s hard drive
access any materials prohibited by law in a public place
install or use their own software
attempt to alter software configurations
attempt to modify, abuse, or destroy the computer system in any way.
engage in uses that cause harm to others or damage to their property (i.e. defamation
(harming another’s reputation by lies); uploading a worm, virus, “trojan horse,” or other harmful form of programming or vandalism; participating in “hacking” activities or any form of unauthorized access to other computers, networks, or information systems)
·    engage in uses that compromise the safety and security of minors when using e-mail and other forms of direct electronic communications. For example,   Minors under age 18 should not give others private information about one’s self or others, including credit card numbers and social security numbers; they also should not arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone one has “met” on the computer network or Internet without a parent’s permission.
Any destruction or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the library or other users, or alteration of settings within the system will result in the loss of all library privileges and possible prosecution.

Patrons may not use WCPL Internet workstations to access or use information . . .
·    to harass or violate the privacy of others
·    for any illegal or criminal purpose
·    in violation of state obscenity and federal sexual harassment laws, which prohibit printing or display of sexually explicit materials in public areas
·    in violation of copyright laws and software licensing agreements

WCPL Rights and Responsibilities

WCPL assumes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of information on the Internet.

In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), WCPL employs filtering software on all library computers.  However, no filtering software is foolproof and WCPL is not responsible for content accessed by its patrons.

WCPL will provide access to the Internet during regular public service hours, network connections permitting.  Dial up access is not available. Wireless internet access is available if the patron chooses to bring a wireless-capable computer with them. The library assumes no responsibility for damage to patrons equipment. Even when using their own computer the person accessing the internet through the library’s wireless connection is responsible for following all of the above rules, including state and federal regulations governing display of materials in a public space.

Any use of library equipment assumes that the user has read and understood all applicable policies.  WCPL reserves the right to refuse access to patrons who do not accept and follow this Internet Public Access Policy. Use of the library’s wireless internet connection constitutes use of library equipment.

Sanctions

Users failing to comply with these guidelines will be restricted from using the library’s online services.  The library reserves the right to prohibit violators from future access or use of the online services.  Unlawful activities will be dealt with seriously, including prosecution by appropriate local, state, and federal authorities.

Approved 2/15/1999
Revised 6/17/2002
Revised 5/19/2003
Revised 4/2008
Revised 7/2009