Computer Use Policy
The Washington County Public Library provides access to computer equipment, programs, databases, and the Internet, giving the opportunity to access the broadest range of information for a community of diverse individuals.
Because electronic networks and equipment encompass factors which may be beyond the Library’s control, Washington County Public Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of its web server or from its connections to the Internet services.
In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Washington County Public Library provides Internet workstations equipped with filtering/blocking technology intended to prevent juvenile access to inappropriate or harmful materials and to ensure juvenile security while using electronic communication, and to protect against personal identity theft or any other unlawful activities. However, filtering/blocking technology is not a completely reliable means of protection from materials that may be offensive, controversial or illegal.
Public computers are available at all libraries on a first-come, first-served basis. Washington County Public Library reserves the right to limit computer time to ensure fair and equitable access to library workstations. Washington County Public Library also provides WiFi access to the Internet that is available to guests inside and outside library buildings.
All users of the Library’s computer resources are expected to use the resources responsibly. Parents and legal guardians of minor children are responsible for their children’s use of computer resources including the Internet. Library staff is available to advise guests who request help in finding appropriate sites or designing search strategies to locate materials. The Washington County Public Library provides an Internet filtering tool on computers accessible to the public.
Computer resources may not be used for the following purposes:
• Violation of any applicable federal, state, or local laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations
• Viewing or possession of obscenity or child pornography
• For guests under the age of 18, viewing material that is harmful to juveniles
• Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library
• Gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access to any computing, information, or communications devices or resources
• Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications
• Unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted material or materials protected in other ways such as trademarks, licenses, or brand names
• Violation of any computer systems security
• Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others
• Violation of software license agreements
• Violation of another person’s or party’s privacy
• Any and all other matters which the Library, in its sole discretion and in consideration of the best interests of the public, determine to be unacceptable purposes
Failure to comply with this policy and these regulations may result in denial of access to the Library’s computers and/or the Library as follows:
• Initial warning
• Denial of access to computers
• Denial of access to the Library
APPROVED BY THE WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON: November 19, 2024