Wayne County Library Public Access Computer and Internet Policy

All computer users must read this policy before using a computer.

• To access the Internet or use the computer at the Wayne County Public Library a person must have a valid borrower card in good status or pay the current fee for non-patron access per session. Patrons with blocked status due to fines or overdue items are also blocked from using the library’s computers.
• Patrons age twelve (12) and older may use computers on their own and shall use the adult computers on the second floor. Patrons between the ages of 9 and 11 may use the computers in the children’s room without a parent or guardian; they may access the Internet on those computers (a) if accompanied by an adult or (b) if a parent or guardian signs, in the presence of a library staff person, an Internet access release form authorizing their child’s Internet use. Patrons aged 8 or younger shall use the computers in the children’s room only when attended by a parent or guardian. Parents are advised to supervise their children’s Internet sessions. While the library employs a content filter, no filter is failsafe. Information shall be provided to minors regarding online safety and security.
• Access by minors to the Internet and on-line sites that contain or make reference to explicit sexual materials as defined in Pennsylvania Code of Statutes 18 § 5903 (relating to obscene and other sexual materials and performances) or to racial or ethnic hate mail, or to other harmful or inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web is prohibited. Any minor accessing such sites or any adult allowing display of such sites shall be asked to terminate the session immediately and shall receive a single warning. Any further such instances shall result in loss of all Internet and computer privileges.
• There is a limit of one person to one computer at a time and a maximum of 1 hour per family per day.  From June 15th to August 31st, maximum time allowed is 30 minutes per day. 
• Patrons who wish to use a computer must be familiar with a keyboard, mouse, and Windows-based software.
• Patrons shall sign up for a computer station upon arrival and shall sign out with a staff member when they have completed their session.
• Patrons shall not store files or download information to the computer hard drive. Patrons may only download or save information to portable file storage units, which may be purchased from the library.
• Patrons must pay for all pages (up to a maximum of 20 pages per day) printed from a computer at the established and posted rate per page.
• Patrons wishing to send or receive e-mail may not use the library’s e-mail address but shall use Hotmail, Yahoo, Google, or any independent e-mail provider.

Patrons shall not:

• reboot or shut down computers.
• access MS-DOS or initiate programs that do not appear on the desktop.
• alter screen appearance by dragging icons, removing or adding icons, or changing default settings.

Unacceptable uses of the library’s computers or Internet connection include, but are not limited to:

• Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material.
• Unauthorized tampering with computer hardware or software.
• Attempts to alter software configurations or install software.
• Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the library.
• Violation of another user’s privacy including unauthorized disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information.
• Harassment of other Internet users whether at the library or at remote locations.
• Libel or slander of other users whether at the library or at remote locations.
• Activity which is disruptive to other library users.
• Any illegal activity or placing any materials on the Internet related to any illegal activity.
• Violation of federal, state, or local laws or regulations.

Such actions will result in revocation of the user’s Internet and computer privileges at the library. Violations will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner. Illegal acts involving the library’s computers may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities. Failure to abide by the Wayne County Public Library’s Internet policy may result in the termination of computer privileges, expulsion from library premises, or the prosecution of criminal charges.

Library patrons use the Internet at their own risk. The Wayne County Public Library staff neither monitors nor controls the information accessed via the Internet. The library accepts no liability for the content, accuracy, or currency of information found on the Internet. The library does not restrict access to materials or protect adults from information that the individual user may view as controversial, inappropriate, or offensive. Content filters are installed on all computers to protect minors; however, anyone age 17 or older may request the filter be disabled for their computer use. Minors may request that they access a particular site that may be wrongly filtered.