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Purpose

The library's mission statement guides the selection of materials, as it does the development of services and the allocation of resources.  By offering Internet access to the public, the library ensures that all citizens have free and open access to information and impartial environment in which to explore the universe of ideas.  Integrating electronic resources from outside networks with the library's many other resources allows access to ideas, information, and commentary from around the world and demonstrates what the age of electronic information and communication can mean to all citizens.

The Internet

The Internet is an ever-changing global electronic network of computers with a highly diverse user population.  The Internet and its available resources contain a wide variety of material and opinions.

No single central authority oversees this collection of computer networks.  Consequently, the library cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information found.  The Library accepts no liability for the content, accuracy, or currency of information found on the Internet. Users should question the validity of information they find.

Many Internet resources contain material of a controversial nature.  Sexually explicit material and other information resources may be offensive or inappropriate from an individual user's point of view.  As the Library is a public building for the use of all, users are asked to be considerate of others. 

E Mail

All Internet users must have their own Internet based email account in order to use any type of email function. Patrons who choose to establish a free email account should be aware that they might receive unsolicited material that is considered distasteful or offensive.  This is so-called "Bulk Mail" and cannot be filtered.

Rules and Procedures for using the Internet

All users must read the library Internet Policy and the library's rules governing the use of its computers and the Internet. They must also sign a statement to go on file saying that they have done so.

Users less than 16 years of age must fill out a permission form co-signed with a parent. Children 12 and under must also be supervised by an adult.

All Wyoming County residents must have an up-to-date library card.

All users must register at the desk.  Users will be asked to leave their library cards at the desk. When finished, users must come to the desk to re-claim their cards. 

Any/all downloading of material must be completed within the 30-minute allotted time.

Users will be limited to 1/2 hour during busy times with a 3-hour maximum at other times. 

Users may reserve 1/2 hour time blocks in advance.

Only two people may be at the Internet computer at one time.

All printed pages must be paid for at a cost of $.25 (black) or $.50 (color) per page.  All copyright laws must be respected. 

Ethical Use of the Internet

In accordance with current state and federal laws, all library computers that connect to the Internet must use a technology protection measure to filter and block access to images that are obscene, pornographic, or harmful to minors.

               Tunkhannock Public Library staff members have the authority to end an
               Internet session when they determine that a user is abusing his privileges.

Filters are not 100% effective and may not filter images that should be blocked, and, conversely, may block images that should not be blocked. 

For your own protection always sign out of any personal accounts and close all open windows before you leave.

Illegal acts involving the library's computers may also be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.

Confidentiality

Users are entitled to confidentiality in all of their activities with electronic resources and services provided by the library.  The library shall ensure that this confidentiality is maintained as set forth in the library's policy on confidentiality of library records.

Access to the Internet for Minor Children

Children less than 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian sign the Library permission form before they can access the Internet.  Children under 18 may not use computers designated for adults only. Parents or guardians, not the library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children.  Parents are advised to monitor and supervise their children's Internet sessions.

Staff Assistance

Library staff may assist patrons as time permits.  The Staff cannot offer personal instruction. Searching for specific materials and information is the user's responsibility.