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Internet Use Policy

Adopted 01-16-19

Access to Internet Resources
Witherle Memorial Library is committed to providing free and open access to informational, educational, recreational, and cultural resources for library users. The library makes information available in a variety of formats. The library’s computer system provides the opportunity to integrate electronic resources from information networks around the world with the library’s other resources.

The internet, as an information resource, enables the library to provide information beyond the confines of its own collection. It is an unregulated medium, and it is indifferent to the safety of children or the experiences, knowledge levels, and tastes of adults. While the internet offers access to a wealth of material that can be personally, professionally, and culturally enriching, it also enables access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing, illegal, inaccurate, and/or incomplete.

In addition, Youth Services has specific computer and internet use guidelines for patrons under the age of 18. The library cannot control or monitor any material that may be accessible from internet sources.

Internet Use Policy
The library upholds and affirms the Constitutional right of each individual to have access to library or online materials. The library also affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their own children’s use of library materials and resources.

Library staff can provide assistance for online searches using a public computer or personal device.

Patrons under the age of 18 must have a signed permission slip from a parent or guardian on file at the circulation desk in order to use the computers for either desktop programs or internet usage.

The library is not responsible for any internet user’s digital correspondence, social media accounts, digital downloads, gaming accounts, or cloud-based programs left open or not logged out. Users are responsible for logging out of all personal accounts. The library asks users to refrain from storing documents or personal log-in information on any library device or application.

Misuse of any computer using the library’s network will result in the loss of computer privileges, potential loss of library privileges, and possible prosecution. Such misuse includes, but is not limited to, using the computer for illegal activities; hacking into the library computer system or any other computer system; damaging or attempting to damage computer equipment or software; interfering with systems operations, integrity, or security; gaining unauthorized access to another person’s files; sending harassing messages to other computer users; altering or attempting to alter the settings on library computers; gambling; and violating copyright laws or software licensing agreements.