INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE STATEMENT

The Osterhout Free Library is committed to its mission of assuring public access to information and supporting lifelong learning for its users. Providing access to the Internet allows the library to greatly expand its role as information provider. However, before using the Internet at the Osterhout Free Library, you should be aware that:

Not all sources on the Internet provide information that is accurate, complete, current, legal or philosophically acceptable to all citizens. Internet users must evaluate the validity and/or appropriateness of information.
The Osterhout Free Library is unable to control or monitor the content of Internet sites, which change frequently and unpredictably.
Parents and guardians are the best and final judges of what is appropriate for their children and are responsible for their children's Internet use. Parents are advised to supervise their children's Internet sessions.
The Osterhout Free Library network and computers does not support certain file types available on the Internet, such as sound or moving images, IRC, instant messaging or chat rooms.
The Library expressly prohibits any use of library computers for illegal activities, or to access material that contains or makes reference to explicit sexual materials as defined in 18 Pa. C.S. 5903, is obscene, contains child pornography, or is harmful to minors.
Altering Osterhout Free Library computer settings, removing privacy screens and other activities, which disrupt the library or its network, are prohibited.
Users must have a valid Luzerne County Library System library card.
There is a limit of one session per day of up to 60 minutes duration per cardholder.
Users must type their Luzerne County Library System Library Card barcode number and last name at the “Reservation Station” computer. Users will be assigned a computer and starting time by the “Reservation Station” computer. Reservations are made on a first come basis. At the end of a 60 minute session, user is automatically logged off.
Since our space is limited and increased noise from group conversation is disruptive to others, only two users may gather at a workstation.
Staff assistance is limited. Staff can show a user where to type in an address (URL) and direct user where to initiate a search.
The Library does not provide email accounts and cannot assist with setting up an email account.
Users may not use their own software. Flash drives, writable CD’s and floppy discs must be scanned for computer virus at the Information Services desk before using. This will help prevent computer viruses, which are common on public computers.
The cost of printouts is 20 cents per page.
Failure to use the Internet computer appropriately and responsibly may result in revocation of Internet Use Privileges, Library Privileges and/or Criminal Prosecution.

USERS MAY NOT:

TREAT EQUIPMENT IN A ROUGH OR ABUSIVE MANNER.
ATTEMPT TO REBOOT/ FIX COMPUTERS.
USE THE TERMINAL TO GAIN UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO ANY OTHER NETWORK OR COMPUTER SYSTEM.
MAKE ANY ATTEMPT TO ALTER SOFTWARE CONFIGURATIONS OR INSTALL SOFTWARE.
INVADE THE PRIVACY OF OTHERS.
ENGAGE IN ANY ACTIVITY THAT IS HARASSING OR DEFAMATORY.
VIOLATE COPYRIGHT LAWS OR LICENSING AGREEMENTS.
VIOLATE LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL LAWS OR REGULATIONS.

As required by the Children's Internet Protection Act ("CIPA"), in order to remain eligible for certain federal funding, the Library has implemented software filtering on all of its Internet-accessible computer terminals. The software installed on Internet-accessible computers at the library protects against access to visual depictions of obscenity, child pornography, and, in the case of persons under the age of 17 years, materials that are "harmful to minors." Users should be aware, however, that all currently available filtering software results in a degree of both "under blocking" (i.e., permitting access to certain material that falls within the foregoing categories) and "over blocking" (i.e., denying access to certain constitutionally protected material that does not fall within the foregoing categories). The Library has attempted to select filtering software that best complies with CIPA while providing Library users with the broadest possible access to constitutionally protected speech and information. The Library cannot and does not guarantee that the filtering software will block all obscenity, child pornography, or materials that are harmful to minors. Nor can the Library guarantee that the filtering software will not restrict access to sites that may have legitimate research or other value.

Any adult (17 years of older, as defined by CIPA) may request that the filter or technology protection measure be disabled by an authorized Osterhout Free Library staff member without significant delay for the purpose of unfiltered Internet access for bona fide research or other lawful purpose.

An authorized Osterhout Free Library staff member may override the filter for a minor (age 16 years or younger, as defined by CIPA) in the event the filter wrongly blocks or filters Internet access to a site with legitimate information value.

The Osterhout Free Library cannot be responsible for any patron's unauthorized use of a computer with a disabled filter.

The Osterhout Free Library reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.

Revised by the Board of Directors May 21, 1999; October 15, 1999; June 22, 2001; March 22, 2005; November 2007.