Computer Use Policy

General Guidelines:

• All patrons must sign the Wilmington Public Library Computer Use Registration and User Agreement prior to using the equipment and/or computers.
• All users must have a valid form of identification.
• The Wilmington Public Library reserves the right to limit, refuse, and/or ban any patron from using the library equipment and computers.
• A parent or guardian must assist anyone under the age of ten during the time s/he is using library equipment or computers.
• Copyright laws forbid duplication of copyrighted software. Library software shall not be copied and must be returned to the circulation desk before use of another software product.
• The Library prohibits the use of personal software on all library computers. Personal disks may be used on all public computers. Disks may be purchased from the library for $1.00 if necessary.
• There will be a per page charge of $.25 for printing from a library computer.
• All patrons shall check in at the desk prior to use.
• Violation of any aspect of this policy may result in the loss of library privileges.

Acceptable Guidelines

• The Wilmington Public Library District requires that library patrons using electronic information networks such as the Internet do so within the guidelines of acceptable use. The following activities are unacceptable:
  1. Use of electronic information networks for any purpose which results in the harassment of other users
  2. Destruction of, damage to, or unauthorized alteration of the library's computer equipment software, or network security procedures
  3. Use of electronic information networks in any way which violates a Federal or State law
  4. Use of electronic information networks in any way which violates licensing and payment agreements between the Wilmington Public Library District and network/database providers
  5. Unauthorized duplication of copy-protected software or violation of software license agreements
  6. Violation of system security
  7. Behaving in a manner that is disruptive to other users, including but not limited to overuse of computer equipment which serves to deny access to other users

Library Patron Rights

• Library patrons have certain rights with respect to use of electronic information networks such as the Internet. This library will work to preserve and protect these rights, subject to limitations imposed by licensing and payment agreements with database providers.
• Library patrons have the right to confidentiality and privacy in the use of electronic information networks to the extent possible given certain constraints such as proximity of other patrons and staff in public access settings.
• Library patrons have the right to equitable access to electronic information networks.
• Library patrons have the right to access and read all library service policies and discuss questions with appropriate library staff.

Time Restrictions

• When there is a waiting list for the computers, time will be limited to one hour.
• Usage is on a "first come, first served" basis.
• Computers designated as "Special Use" may or may not be time restricted.

Internet Usage:

• The library does not and can not control the information content available through global resources such as information obtained from outside sources via the Internet. Internet resources enhance and supplement resources that are available locally within a library. Library users must be aware that this library does not exercise control over information obtained via the Internet and must keep in mind the following points when evaluating information obtained via the Internet:
1. 1. Information may or may not be reliable or from a reliable source.
2. Information may or may not be accurate.
3. Information may or may not be current and up to date.
4. Certain information may be considered controversial/objectionable by some library patrons.
5. Links to information on the Internet may not always be valid, and particular information sites on the Internet may sometimes be unavailable and this unavailability often occurs unpredictably.
• The Wilmington Public Library District urges library patrons to be informed consumers and carefully evaluate information obtained via the Internet. Library staff may be available to assist patrons in making judgments about the reliability or currency of certain types of Internet information sources, but are unable to provide definitive analysis of particular sources due to the extremely large variety and volume of information available via the Internet.
• This library is not responsible for damages, indirect or direct, arising from a library patron's use of Internet information resources.

Patron Assistance and Instruction

• The Wilmington Public Library District's staff may provide assistance to patrons in the use of electronic information networks as time and staff knowledge permits.

Children's Access to Electronic Information Networks

• The Wilmington Public Library District supports the right of all library users to access information and will not deny access to electronic information networks based solely on age.
• This library recognizes that the electronic information networks such as the Internet may contain material that is inappropriate for children. Parents are expected to monitor and supervise their children's use of the Internet. Library staff is unable to monitor children's use. Parents are encouraged to discuss with their children issues of appropriate use and electronic information network safety.

Adopted 11/15/2004
Amended 11/21/2005