Internet & Computer Use Policy

I. Purpose

The Waunakee Public Library (WPL) provides access to a broad range of information resources through the Internet via public access PCs. We make this service available as part of our mission to fulfill individual informational needs for day-to-day living, cultural, educational and leisure pursuits. The library strives to serve people of all ages at all levels of need and considers its endorsement of the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read documents to apply to the use of electronic information.

II. Disclaimer 

1. The library does not monitor, has no control over, and does not accept responsibility for material on the Internet. The library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems, or any consequences thereof. The quality, accuracy and timeliness of information on the Internet varies from site to site, and sites may be controversial or of a mature nature.
2. The availability of networked information via library computers or wireless access does not constitute the library's endorsement of the content of that information. If any patron believes that information obtained via library computers is inaccurate or offensive, the patron should contact the original producer or distributor of the information.
3. Users access the library computer hardware, software and documentation at their own risk. WPL is not responsible for equipment malfunction, loss of data, any damages to the user's disks, data etc. or electronic transactions of any type which are related to the public use of library computer resources.

III. Eligible Computer Workstation Users

1. Individuals with a current South Central Library System (SCLS) library card may access the internet using their library card number.
2. Users must use their own personal library card or internet-use only card to access the Internet or ask for a guest pass.
3. Individuals who are ineligible for a SCLS library card due to lack of proof of address may apply for an internet-use card using a current photo ID. Waunakee School District students who are 16 and older may apply for an internet-use card using their school-issued photo ID. Internet-use cards are for computer workstation use only and cannot be used to check out library materials. Internet-use cards also allow users to access remotely all electronic resources available via WPL's website.
4. Children eight years or younger are required to be accompanied by parent/guardian or care taker to use a computer.
5. Patrons are limited to a maximum total of four hours per day of access to public computers. If a longer time period is required special arrangements may be made with the staff at the Service Desk.

IV. Responsibilities of Users 

1. Access, use, or dissemination of information via the Internet in the Library is the responsibility of the user. In the case of minors, it is a joint responsibility of the user and the parent or guardian. Because parents or guardians may feel that information available through the Internet is not suitable for viewing by children in their care, supervision is advised.
2. Users should be aware that they are working in a public environment shared by people of all ages and sensibilities. Users will refrain from the use of Internet sounds and visuals which might disrupt the ability of other library patrons to use the library and its resources.
3. Library staff reserve the right to end Internet sessions when sexually explicit or pornographic materials are displayed. (See also Illegal and Unacceptable Uses). The sites that users have accessed may be visually monitored to ensure the library's policy is followed.
4. Patrons are responsible for all printing and photocopying costs. Failure to pay for printing will result in loss of computer privileges. A charge of $.10 per page will be charged for black and white printouts, and a charge of $.25 per page will be charged for color printouts, payable at the service desk.
5. The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Patrons using library equipment and/or Internet are responsible for any infringement.
6. Storage devices are available for purchase at the Second Floor service desk.

V. Choosing and Evaluating Sources 

1. Users should evaluate Internet sources just as they do print materials, questioning the accuracy and completeness of information.
2. Users must use the Internet at their own risk realizing that beyond the Library's home page and supporting documents they may encounter materials they find offensive.

VI. Supervising Children's Use

The public library, unlike schools, does not serve in loco parentis (in place of a parent). Librarians cannot act in the place of parents in providing constant care and supervision of children as they explore the Internet. The Waunakee Public Library supports the right for each family to decide what appropriate Internet use is for their children. The responsibility for what minors read or view on public computers accessing the Internet rests with parents or guardians.

VII. Illegal and Unacceptable Uses of Library Internet: 

People may use the library computers only for legal purposes. Examples of unacceptable uses include but are not limited to the following:

1. Harassment of other users and/or violation of their privacy.
2. Any and all forms of bullying.
3. Libeling, slandering or maliciously offending other users.
4. Violating copyright laws or software licensing agreements.
5. Using another person's card or misrepresenting oneself as another user.
6. Obstructing other people's work by overuse of system resources.
7. Attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others.
8. Attempting to crash, degrade performance of or gain unauthorized access to the library's computer systems and networks.
9. Intentionally modifying or damaging equipment software or data belonging to the library or other users.
10. Sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics which are deemed inappropriate or harmful according to accepted community standards, or which disturb or disrupt the library use of other patrons.
11. Viewing or sending child pornography is a federal offense and the Village of Waunakee Police Department will be notified.
12. Exposing children to harmful materials as defined by Sec.948.11 of the Wisconsin Statutes.
13. These restrictions also apply in email and social networking environments accessed through the library computers and the library's wireless network.

VIII. Compliance

If an individual or group of Internet users creates a disturbance that limits the effective use of the library by others, they will be asked to correct their behavior and/or leave the building as appropriate.

Failure to comply with this policy or with library staff directions may result in restriction or termination of the user's library privileges and may result in prosecution under local, state or federal laws.

Any person who enters or remains on library premises after losing their library privileges will be reported to the Village of Waunakee Police Department for removal.

IX. Reevaluation of Waunakee Public Library Public Computer Use Policy and Guidelines

This policy will be reviewed and amended, if needed, on an annual basis.