Computer Policy

 Computer and Internet Use Policy

The Internet, as an information resource, enables the Reardan Memorial Library to provide electronic access to materials held by the Library and to materials and information beyond the confines of the Library’s own collection. The Internet is an unregulated global medium serving a highly diverse user population.  As such, it offers access to a wealth of information that may be personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages.  However, it also offers access to materials that may be inaccurate, incomplete, offensive, disturbing, and/or illegal.  The Library offers technology protection measures focusing on blocking obscene graphic images, child pornography and images harmful to minors but does not guarantee their effectiveness.

 

Policy

Internet access at in-library computer workstations is provided equally to all registered Reardan Memorial Library customers in good standing. The main function of the library computers is to provide reference information to the library Patron. Patrons wanting to do word processing or other computer functions are welcome to use the computers if there are no other patrons waiting to use the computers. To provide access to the computers for all patrons, there is a thirty minute time limit per day

  • If a project will take more than 30 minutes, please let the librarian know in advance. Some changes may need to be made to accommodate this.
  • Nothing can be saved to the computers. Please bring in your own thumb drives for saving work.
  • Patrons are prohibited from changing in any way the hard drive, or reprogramming the computers. Patrons should not attempt to change program settings on the workstation, boot from a floppy, or try to run their own software.

The Library upholds and affirms the right of individuals to have access to constitutionally protected materials. The Library provides to adults a choice of filtered or unfiltered Internet access. Children under 18 years of age have filtered access to the Internet in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). All library owned computers with Internet access, including staff computers, will operate with filtering technology that, to the extent technically possible:

  • Prevents access to visual depictions that are obscene, and
  • Prevents access to child pornography, and
  • Prevents access to visual depictions that are harmful to minors.

Children will have unfiltered access only if authorized each usage by their parent or guardian.

All Library customers are expected to access the Internet in compliance with the Reardan Memorial Library Rules of Conduct, and within the boundaries of the law. Viewing illegal materials (obscenity, child pornography or materials harmful to minors) is prohibited. Violations may result in the loss of Internet privileges. Using the computer workstation constitutes an agreement by the user to these terms.

Wireless internet is available for patron use. The wireless internet access is filtered according to CIPA regulations. The library will not unblock the internet on personal computers.

The Library will follow all state and federal regulations applicable to use of public Internet workstations.

Copies of the Internet Use Policy, and other relevant documents, will be available to the Library’s customers in print format.

 

Adopted by the Board of Trustees on May 24, 2012

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Made possible with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Washington State Library, Office of the Secretary of State.