INTERNET POLICY

The Whitefish Bay Public Library makes the Internet available to its patrons as part of its stated mission "...to serve the community as a center for reliable information..."

The Whitefish Bay Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content or accuracy. There are Internet sites that are inappropriate for viewing in public settings, and Internet users are required to respect the rights and sensibilities of all library users. The Whitefish Bay Public Library does not filter Internet computers.

Internet resources may only be used for legal purposes by the public and library staff. Examples of illegal or unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to:

- Display of sexually explicit or pornographic materials;

- Harassment of other users or violation of their privacy;

- Libeling or slandering other users;

- Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library;

- Unauthorized copying of copyrighted materials.

The Whitefish Bay Public Library does not act in place or in absence of the parent and is not responsible for enforcing any restrictions which a parent or guardian may place on a minor's use of this resource.

Access to the Internet is provided for educational and informational purposes and to enhance the existing collection. For your convenience several sites and search engines are accessible from the Library’s web site.

Failure to comply with this policy or with library staff directions will result in restriction or termination of the user's Internet and/or library privileges and may result in prosecution under local, state or federal laws.

RULES OF USE

Internet stations are available to patrons on a first come, first served basis with no more than two patrons per station at any time. Adult computers are for use by patrons 14 years and older. Youth computers are for use by patrons 13 years and younger. Children under the age of 7 must have a parent/guardian present to use the computers.

Librarians are available for basic assistance only.

Printing is available at 10 cents per page and must be pre-paid at the Circulation Desk.

Patrons may save files to diskette or flash drives. Downloading to any hard drive is prohibited.

Patrons must use their own valid library card in order to access a computer. If a registered patron does not have their library card, the library will accept an alternative form of ID (DL, Student ID, credit card, social security card) and a fee to manually look up the patron’s record.

Children’s computers may be accessed using a child or parent/guardian card when both the child and parent/guardian are present. Children may write their name, address and phone number and pay a fee to manually look up their record in the absence of a library card.

Non-residents must present a driver’s license and a $1 fee to use an Internet Computer.

TIME LIMITS

Adult computers may be used for a maximum time period of 2 hours.

Children’s computers may be used for a maximum time period of 1 hour.

All computers shut down 15 minutes prior to the Library’s closing.

LAPTOP RENTAL

Laptops may be rented for a fee and used until 15 minutes prior to the Library’s closing. Patrons must be 18 years or older and present a valid library card or driver’s license and fee to rent a laptop.

Laptops may be used in the Adult wing only.

All rules of use apply to laptop use.

Reviewed and approved by the Whitefish Bay Public Library Board of Trustees October 10, 2006.