WAYNE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY INTERNET POLICY

I. MISSION STATEMENT
The Wayne County Public Library promptly and courteously provides library materials and information to the area's residents to meet their personal, professional and educational needs.

II. ELECTRONIC RESOURCES
In order to provide patrons with the best and most current information available, the Wayne County Public Library includes on-line electronic databases as a part of the services provided to patrons. These resources contain a wealth of valuable information; however, users should be aware that some information may be inaccurate, outdated or offensive. Use of these resources carries a responsibility to evaluate the quality of the information accessed. Parents and guardians, not the library, are responsible for the use of these resources by children in their custody.

 The Library resources and on-line catalog are available for public use via the library website (http://wcpl.lib.wv.us). The Library is not responsible for content accessed on a device outside a library building.

Library computers accessing the state-wide network are subject to an Internet filter. The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) is a federal law requiring all public library computers to be filtered. The filter blocks access to content that is considered inappropriate for viewing in public places.

The Library network provides access to a wireless network. The staff will provide a slip with a temporary user name and password for each wireless session. The wireless network is available during regular library hours and does not function outside the building. The library printers are not configured to work on a wireless network.

The Library is not responsible for damage to a patron’s USB or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from patron use. Files stored on a public computer hard drive are deleted when the computer is shut down.

The Library does not provide public e-mail accounts. Patrons may send and receive e-mail if they have an account from a provider accessible through the Internet. Staff members are not trained in creating emails, transcribing personal information or providing computer instruction to the public. The Library cannot be held responsible for content.

III. PROHIBITED USES
To assure appropriate use of library resources, electronic access and library equipment may not be used for the following purposes:

  • illegal, unauthorized, unethical or commercial purposes*
  • manipulation of internal hardware and/or software including uploading
  • transmission, uploading, downloading and/or viewing text or graphics which may be reasonably construed as obscene
  • downloading games or executing files or scripts to the computer
  • copying or downloading of any material in violation of copyright laws

*commercial purposes are defined as direct usage of WCPL resources to market, advertise, or sell goods and services.

Usage of electronic materials and library equipment is a privilege and should be treated as such by all users. The library and its staff reserve the right to determine the appropriateness of such usage and can at any time require a patron to leave the workstation. Prohibited uses will result in a loss of workstation privileges.

IV. LIMITATIONS
Internet computers are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are limited to a timed period of one half-hour if there are other patrons waiting. All usage must be concluded within five minutes of the library's closing time. Printing, where available, will be charged at the same rate as photocopying with other library resources, electronic or otherwise.

V. OTHER GUIDELINES
As the quality or accuracy of information obtained from electronic resources cannot be assured; the Wayne County Public Library assumes no liability or responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the usage of electronic resources.

Because library equipment to access electronic resources is located within plain sight and to assure the library's right to determine appropriateness of usage, patron confidentiality in accessing materials may be compromised.

Patrons using electronic resources, whether on-site or off-site, must abide by the "Rules and Regulations for Conduct in the Wayne County Public Library" and other regulations contained in the Western Regional Libraries policy manual. Perpetrators of willful or malicious damage or unauthorized access to the system will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Approved by the Wayne County Library Board

Revised 2015