Library Policies

4/5/2012

ACCESS TO INTERNET RESOURCES

Case-Halstead is committed to providing access to informational, educational, recreational and cultural resources for library users of all ages and backgrounds. Our library has made information available in a variety of formats, from print materials to audiovisual materials.  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 library strives to balance the rights of users to access information resources with the rights of users to work in a public environment free from sounds and images intended to harass other library users or library staff.

The library's goal in providing Internet access is to enhance its existing collection in size and depth and, as a public access agency, to give anyone who wishes to use the Internet the chance to do so.

Library staff will help you use the computers to find the information you need.  Library staff will also help you learn to use search tool on the Internet computers, although they cannot provide extensive one-on-one instruction.

Internet Filtering

The Internet offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages.  However, it also enables access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing, illegal, inaccurate or incomplete.  Users are encouraged to evaluate the validity and appropriateness of information accessed via the Internet.

Tests by the library and by independent agencies have shown that filtering software may help to block access to objectionable Internet sites, however, the software cannot block out all objectionable sites, and it does sometimes block useful material, including sites that are suitable for children, teens and adults. Our Internet computers are equipped with filtering software.

Children Computer

Our children's computer is a stand along and has educational software for children of all ages.

Time and other limits

To access the Internet a person must sign in at our front desk before using Internet computers.  Children under 12 years of age must have an adult with them when using the Internet computers. 

Each individual has an hour time limit for use of Internet computers.  However, if there is no one waiting for the computer, the time can be extended until another patron needs to use the computer.

The library's computers are set up for use by a single individual.  A maximum of two persons may sit/work together at any one computer, except in special cases.  Illegal activities or activities that interfere with or disrupt the network, users, services or equipment are prohibited and not protected by the library's privacy policy.  The library reserves the right to delete or disable any post or link that, in the judgment of library staff, violates copyright law. In accordance with 17 USC S 512 (i) (1) (A), the library may terminate a patron's access to the system or network for disrespect of the intellectual property rights of others.  Software and other files downloaded from the Internet may contain viruses or spyware that may infect other computers.