Personal Computers
 | Public access to the Internet on six personal computers |
| Instructional CD-ROMs on various topics |
| Microsoft Office available for word processing |
| 44 Library Databases supported through SEMLS |
| Access to iBistro from SAILS Library Network on four personal computers |
Internet Use Policy
The WBPL welcomes patrons to the Internet. Sometimes referred to as the "Information Superhighway", the Internet is a global collection of computer networks capable of communicating with each other to provide information and resources to users around the world.
The Internet and its available resources may contain materials of a controversial nature. In offering Internet access, library staff cannot control access points which often change rapidly and unpredictably. Users are hereby reminded that the information they find is their responsibility. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children's use of the Internet through the library's connection. Public Library workstations are not private or secure.
The Library does not provide filters for the Internet computer stations. For those parents seeking a secure internet environment for their children, the SAILS Network System provides librarian-selected popular topic web sites updated monthly by contact on its iBistro interface.
Legal and Ethical Use:
| Legal Use |
Computing resources may only be used for legal purposes. Examples of unacceptable purposes include, but are not limited to, the following:
* harassment of others, * libeling or slandering other users, * destruction of or damage to equipment, software or data belonging to the library or other users, * disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications, * unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material.
| Ethical Use |
Computing resources should be used in accordance with the ethical standards of the library. Examples of unacceptable use include, but are not limited to, the following:
* violation of computer system security, * violation of guidelines of the networks traversed, * unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others, * installation, downloading, or modification of software, * use of computer communications facilities in ways that unnecessarily impede the computing activities of others, * violation of software license agreements, * violation of network usage policies and regulations, * violation of another user's privacy, * viewing pornography on public computers.
Rules for Computer Use:
|
Computer Use: First time users must sign the computer use agreement and complete a brief orientation. Users under 18 years of age must have the agreement signed by a parent or legal guardian and returned to the circulation desk by the parent or guardian. Children age 8 or under must be accompanied by an adult while on the computers. No more than two people may use the same computer at one time. |
The library staff is available for basic guidance on the Internet and with the library databases but cannot offer in-depth instruction in the use of specific software. The library staff reserves the right to terminate service to anyone who does not use the computer in a responsible manner. Such people must reapply on another day before using the computer again.
| Reserving the Computer: Users must sign the reservation schedule located at the circulation desk before each use. If two people plan to use the computer together, both must sign at the time of use. Computer reservations may be made up to seven days in advance in person or by telephone. Only two one half hour periods per person per week may be reserved in advance. Walk-in use is encouraged. Time allowed on the computers will depend on the reservation schedule. |
| Termination or Prohibition of User Access: Violators of computing resources use policy may lose computer privileges. Violations of the policies described above for legal and ethical use will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner. Illegal acts involving library computing resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities. Parents or guardians of children under the age of 18 will be notified in writing. A course of action will be decided. Disagreement with said process should be expressed in a letter to the Library Director. If further action is needed, the matter will be referred to the Library Board of Trustees. |
