Computer, Internet, and Wi-Fi Use

In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the Douglas Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services that meet the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of Hebron’s diverse community.

In compliance with the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the Douglas Library filters all its computers, and all access to the Internet through its network, to protect against access to obscene visual depictions, child pornography, and/or other material harmful to minors, as required by law.

The filter may unintentionally block sites that have legitimate research value and fail to block objectionable content. Users should be aware that Internet filtering software installed for CIPA compliance should not substitute for individual judgment and/or parental involvement and oversight. Library staff will disable filtered Internet access to persons 18 or older who request it for bona fide research or any other lawful purposes.

While restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is ultimately the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian, the Library strives to provide a safe and secure experience for minors using direct electronic communications (including e-mail, chat rooms, and instant messaging) by providing educational resources to parents and staff observation around its public computers.

Acceptable Use of Computers, Internet, and Wi-Fi

These resources are to be used in a responsible manner consistent with educational, professional, informational, and recreational purposes. Parents/guardians are encouraged to provide guidance to their children when using these resources. The Library does not assume liability for the reliability of the local network, the Internet, the content, or the accuracy of information found on the Internet.

Patrons must sign in at the Circulation Desk with their library card. The computer stations may be used in 60-minute increments. If no other patrons are waiting to use the computer station, the user may extend time on the computer. Those wishing to download information or store information must bring their own storage devices. Charge for printing from computer workstations or scanner is $.25 or $.50 for color per page.

As with other Library resources, staff will attempt to assist patrons with computer applications. However, due to time constraints, Library staff cannot provide in-depth instruction to users. A basic understanding of computers and the Internet is required of users.

Computers in the Children’s Library are intended for use by children age 12 and younger. Adults supervising children may use them as well, but children have first priority.

The Library’s computers may not be used for any activity in violation of federal, state, or local laws.

Unacceptable Use of Computers, Internet, and Wi-Fi

• Interference with or disruption of other computer users, computer services, or equipment
• Violating software license agreements and copyright laws
• Deliberately accessing or displaying obscene images or language
• Providing minors with access to materials that are harmful to them as defined by CIPA (Child Internet Protection Act). This includes:
  • Unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking,” and other unlawful activities by minors online
  • Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors
• Disclosing or sharing a user’s library card information with others or impersonating another user

Wireless access is provided as a free service to the public. The wireless Internet network is not secure and provides no data encryption between the access points and the patron’s device. The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library’s Wi-Fi network. Users must take appropriate precautions when using this service.

Failure to comply with this policy will result in loss of Computer, Internet, or Wi-Fi access privileges.