Public Computer Policy

The Wasco County Library Service District offers Internet access in order to more effectively fulfill the educational and informational needs of the library’s patrons.

The Internet is an unregulated global information resource that offers access to many valuable sources of information but not all sites are accurate, complete, authentic, or current. The Wasco County Library Service District does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. There are sites and materials that are objectionable to some people and inappropriate for children. Patrons who find information or subject matter that is erroneous, out-of-date, illegal, offensive, and/or controversial should contact the original producer or distributor of that work directly.

The following are guidelines for Internet use at the library. Disregard of these guidelines can result in the user’s loss of Internet access:

1. Computers are available for one-hour time blocks, and are available for additional time blocks if computers are not in use.
2. Log on using your own library card or guest card number and promptly give up the computer when your time has elapsed or when requested by staff. Do not use another person’s identification or bar code number, with or without permission, to sign up or log on to a computer.
3. Complete the click-through agreement acknowledging the Internet use rules and agreeing to follow them.
4. Copies may be printed at a cost of 10 cents each.
5. You may download files although the library is not responsible for damage to your device or corruption of your data, including damage caused by mechanical malfunction or corruption caused by virus or spyware infection while using library computers.
6. Refrain from viewing pornographic visual materials or content that by contemporary community standards would be considered obscene.
7. Use headphones or ear buds when listening to audio content, and keep the volume low so you do not disturb others.
8. Do not gather around Internet stations when doing so may obstruct others or create noise that distracts others.
9. Misuse of the library’s computers by minors or adults may result in the loss of computer privileges, potential loss of library privileges, and possible criminal prosecution.  Loss of computer privileges will occur after one warning is given and the misuse behavior continues. The Library’s Behavior Policy describes the circumstances under which the loss of library privileges will also occur.

Misuse includes but is not limited to: a violation of the Library’s Behavior Policy, endangering or damaging computer equipment, hacking into any computer system, sending harassing messages, violating copyright laws or software licensing agreements, or using public computers or connections for illegal activities.

The following guidelines apply to Internet use by minors (under the age of 17):

1. Minors should never disclose any personal identification information over the Internet.
2. Minors should not agree to get together with someone they meet online.
3. As with other library materials, parents and/or guardians are responsible for monitoring the use or the Internet by their minor children.
4. Parents may request that their child not be allowed to log on to the library’s Internet computers.

ADOPTED by the Wasco County Library Service District Board of Directors