Internet Safety and Acceptable Use Policy
Statement of Purpose
Watsonville Public Library provides access to and guidance for the use of a variety of information and materials of contemporary interest and permanent value for the needs of all of the community.
The resources the Library provides access to are both in print and non-print formats. The Internet has become an integral part of the way the library retrieves information for its clients. The library strives to provide a cross-section of materials that reflect human experience, technology and nature that make up our complex world. Librarians select materials from a variety of sources according to the library's collection development priorities and the expressed needs of the community.
Each individual is responsible for evaluating and determining the worth of information retrieved from any source, including the Internet. Parents are ultimately responsible for monitoring their children's use of any information source and determining its suitability. In order to help provide the kind of expertise and guidance that the public has come to expect from the Watsonville Public Library and its staff, the library provides a Children's Resource Page on the library's Web Page to provide appropriate links for parents and children.
The Watsonville Public Library respects the responsibility of all parents to guide their own children's use of the library, its resources and services. This library encourages effective and responsible use of the Internet through handouts, online guides, training sessions, and our own Web page that highlights library recommended sources.
Access to the Internet
Every person - adult or child - using the Internet must read and agree to follow the guidelines put forth in this Internet Policy. Children who are 13 years old or younger must have a parent or legal guardian give written permission for them to have unrestricted access to the Internet. Every person must also have a valid Watsonville Public Library card to use the Internet stations.
Adult Access to the Internet
An adult is granted access to the Internet provided that they (1) have a valid Watsonville Public Library card; (2) have the card with them; (3) agree to use the Internet for bona fide research or other lawful purposes; and (4) have read and indicate willingness to abide by the Internet Policy of the Watsonville Public Library.
Children's Access to the Internet
It is the library's mission to help parents and their children gain access to the kinds of information that they want and need.
The Watsonville Public Library provides access to the Internet. The Library does not control the content of the Internet. Some Internet content may be controversial. The library provides access to ideas and images that some patrons may find inappropriate for children. The Library is not responsible for the accidental or intentional access to such information.
The Internet provides access to a world of information that varies greatly in quality, content and reliability. In order to make this information available to all library users, and especially to children, Juvenile Work Stations are placed in the Children's area of the library for the benefit of children and their parents. A Children's Resource Page provides guidance to children's resources specifically created and chosen to fulfill the information needs and interests of children from the library Web site. Staff will be available to help children and to instruct them about safety on the Internet.
Parental Permission for Accessing the Internet
Children who are thirteen years old or younger are allowed access to the Internet when a parent/guardian signs a permission slip indicating their willingness to have their child use the Internet at the Watsonville Public Library. The child's library record will indicate her/his right of access to the Internet and s(he) will then be allowed to use an available Internet computer following the guidelines set forth in this Internet Policy.
Responsible Use Policies
Acceptable Use of the Internet
The Library provides Internet access for use specifically for bona fide research and other lawful purposes.
Time limits will be set to guarantee all patrons a chance to use the Internet resources.
Individuals are responsible for using the library's computers in a courteous manner.
Any use of the Internet that violates Federal, California or local laws is prohibited. Examples of such activities include the graphic display of obscenity, child pornography, or other materials deemed harmful to minors.
Users may not make changes to the library's software or hardware, change configurations, or attempt to access non-public accounts or files.
Attempts to show materials displayed to passersby are against library policy.
Failure to follow acceptable use policies may result in the loss of Internet privileges.
Policy on Sexual Harassment
The library seeks to provide an environment free from sexual harassment. Any active or repeated attempts to encourage others to view materials that might be considered objectionable may result in the loss of Internet privileges.