The Putnam County Library System recognizes that access to the Internet is an important resource for gaining information by our patrons. The Library System makes the Internet available to our patrons at public workstations (computers) and via a wireless signal (WiFi) because it is consistent with our mission, roles, and goals. Consistent with the Library Bill of Rights, this Library System believes that access to information should not be restricted by artificial barriers; however, due to the implementation of CIPA (Children Internet Protection Act), all library computers will be equipped with a filtering device to comply with the
law. Use of public workstations still must be consistent with the mission, roles, and goals of the Library System.

Internet Policy:

1. The Internet is a global electronic network. Library staff cannot control the availability of information links, which often change rapidly and unpredictably. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. Users need to carefully evaluate information.
2. The number of computer workstations which are available to access the Internet are limited. Users must sign up for these terminals. Sessions will be limited to 30 minutes. If no one is waiting to use a terminal, additional sessions will be available.
3. The Library System cannot guarantee availability of the Internet. Terminals may not be available due to maintenance or other hardware, software, network, or telecommunications problems. At the request of Library System staff, users must terminate sessions immediately.
4. The Internet and its available resources may contain material of a controversial nature. The Library System cannot monitor access to material nor guarantee to protect users from offensive information even when the filters are in use. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet through the Library System’s connection. In compliance with CIPA, access to the Internet through any Library System Internet terminal will be controlled through the use of a filtering device.
5. Users have had long standing guarantees to free access to information as well as confidentiality and privacy in library transactions. The Library System upholds these rights by policy, procedure, and practice. Transactions of an electronic nature are no different and fall under these protections. Users should be aware however, that because security is technically difficult to achieve and their work occurs where it may be observed by others, absolute privacy and confidentiality are difficult to ensure.
6. Use of library Internet access terminals to display or disseminate sexually explicit or sexually suggestive material for patently prurient interests is outside the mission, roles, and goals of the Library System and breaches Code of Patron Conduct.
7. Use of the library Internet terminals to engage in activities that are illegal under city, county, state, or federal laws are prohibited. The use of library Internet access terminals to hack into, attempt to access restricted areas on other systems, or disseminate disruptive programs is prohibed.
8. Failure to comply with the Library Internet rules will result in progressive penalties:
   1. First warning will be given by staff that the site or activity is inappropriate and patron must vacate site or cease the activity.
   2. Second warning: the patron will be asked to vacate computers and their session will be terminated.
   3. Third warning is written as an Incident Report and copies will be filed in Library records. Patron wil also be banned from use of computers for a period of two weeks throughout the library system.
   4. Any further incidents will result in permanent loss of internet privileges throughout the library system.
   5. Law enforcement may be involved in any case where the manager deems it appropriate.

Disclaimers: THERE IS NO GUARANTEE that you will be able to make a wireless connection. Staff may try to assist with setting up a connection on your computer or device; however, you are ultimately responsible for setting up your own equipment. The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment, or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library’s Public WiFi Network.

The Library’s network is not secure. Information sent from or to your laptop or device can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software (within three hundred feet). We do not provide anti-virus protection. Make sure yours is up-to-date.

Certain websites are blocked so that we may comply with current laws and regulations.

Printers are not available via the wireless connection; if you need to print, use one of our public workstations.

Approved by Library Board 2/15/99 and the Board of County Commissioners 3/10/99. Revised 9/22/03 by the Library Board. Version 10/22/16. This policy is subject to change without notice. Patrons will be required to agree to our Terms of Service before they log on to a public workstation or the Library’s Public WiFi network. If you have questions or concerns, please speak to the Electronic Support Services Lead, a branch manager, or the Library Director.

For a copy of this policy, download the Internet Policy Brochure.