| About
Internet Use at the Whatcom County Library System |
The library will take practical and feasible steps to provide privacy for Internet users and to limit inadvertent viewing by other library patrons. However, the library cannot guarantee privacy and will not be responsible for inadvertent exposure to materials that may be offensive, nor for any unauthorized disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification.
The library is a public place. Be aware that what you are viewing may be seen by others.
The FBI may obtain user data by following the procedures of the USA PATRIOT ACT.
The library affirms the right of each individual to have access to constitutionally protected materials and the library affirms the right and responsibility of parents and guardians to determine and monitor their children’s use of the Internet.
Access to or use of or dissemination of constitutionally unprotected (illegal) materials is unacceptable in the library. Internet use in violation of this policy is the responsibility of the user, or in the case of minors is a joint responsibility of the user and the parent or guardian. Obscenity is not protected by the Constitution; such viewing is not protected by state privacy statute. Viewing child pornography is a felony according to RCW 9.68A.070. “A person who knowingly possesses visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct is guilt of a class C felony.”
Violation of the Internet Use Policy
Failure to use the Internet service according to the policy and rules may result in revocation of Internet use privileges, library privileges, and/or criminal prosecution.
The library reserves the right to set time limits on the use of Internet computers and to limit the number of people using a station at a given time.
The library reserves the right to charge for printing from the Internet. All reproductions must be in compliance with copyright laws.
A minor’s parent or legal guardian must sign a Whatcom County Library System’s Minor’s Registration Form, and the selection of filtering or no filtering indicated.
Some Internet sites are limited by content providers to usage by persons 18 or 21 years of age. Users shall comply with all age restrictions governing access to Internet sites.
Changes to the setup of configuration of the software or hardware are prohibited.
Internet use will be managed in a manner consistent with other Whatcom County Library System policies including the Conduct Policy.
All
users of the library’s Internet service
agree to hold the library harmless for any and all
claims,
losses, damages, obligations
or liabilities directly or indirectly relating to
the use of the Internet.
Frequently Asked Questions about Computer and Internet Use
Where
can I go to use a computer for Internet use?
Access
to the Internet is now available to the public at all library branches.
Do I
need a new card?
Yes. We are slowly implementing new software throughout the branches.
The new card has a chip that works with the computer to allow you
access. Remember to write your initials on your card.
How
long are the sessions?
At most branches, sessions are 30 minutes.
Can
I reserve a computer?
Yes – you can make an “ASAP” reservation
for the next available station, or you can make a reservation for
a particular
time (on the hour) for a day in the future.
How
long can I use the Internet each day?
One hour. We
have a one hour limit because we want to give all interested
people a
chance to use the Internet. This will not happen if all machines
are always busy.
I have
to take a test, and I’ll need longer than 30 minutes.
At most branches, when no one is waiting, you can
stay on for an hour. Sessions at the Lynden Library are 1 hour – call Lynden’s
Info Desk to ask about an extended session.
May
I use someone else’s card to get an internet session?
No – each person gets 1 hour total each day.
You can lose your internet privileges for abuse of the system.
Can
I download something off the internet?
Yes, as long as you save it to your own floppy disk, CD or Flash
Drive. We do not allow software to be downloaded onto our computers.
Can
I save my work on your computers?
No – our computers have software that erases
your work at the end of your session. You could e-mail your work
to yourself,
or save it on a floppy disk.
Can
I bring my own floppy disk?
Yes – some of our libraries also sell disks
for your use.
Can
I print out my work?
Yes – printouts are 10 cents each. Use Print
Preview to be sure you only print what you want to print. Ask how!
Can
I get a free e-mail account at the library?
Yes – there is free, web-based e-mail that
you can access through library computers. The library provides
access to the internet,
not e-mail accounts.
Does
the library have internet filters?
Yes – you can request internet filtering for yourself or for
your minor children’s internet access. This will not work
at Bellingham Public Library or the Fairhaven branch since BPL
does
not use filters. Please ask for more information.
page updated 4/27/06