Cambria County Library Computer Use

Public Computer Acceptable Use Policy

Purpose

Cambria County Library is committed to the promotion of lifelong learning. As part of that commitment,
the Library will provide free public access to the diverse and unique resources available on the
Internet.

General Information

1. Information available through the Internet may be protected by copyrights or trademarks. Transmission
of copyrighted or pornographic material in violation of any federal or state regulation is prohibited.
2. Patrons should be aware that the Internet contains offensive material. Library computers utilize filtering
software. The library can not warrant the effectiveness of Internet filtering.
3. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. The Cambria County
Library is not responsible for any information obtained on the Internet. Use is at the patron’s risk.
4. Since the library is a public forum, privacy while using the Internet cannot be guaranteed. Users are
also cautioned that all transactions and communication in an electronic environment are vulnerable to
unauthorized access.
5. Revealing personal information in open forums such as chat rooms and e-mail can be dangerous. Do
not reveal information about yourself or others in these open forums.
6. Parents and guardians may restrict their children from access to Internet resources available through
the library.
7. The library provides wireless Internet access on a limited support basis. For further information please
see the “Cambria County Library Acceptable Use Policy Statement: Public Wireless Access to the
Internet.”

Patron Responsibilities

1. Users must have a current Cambria County Library System card. Visitors (as determined by the library)
may use a proper form of ID, on a temporary basis. Users under the age of 18 must have
parent/guardian approval to use the Internet, which will require an in-person visit by the
parent/guardian. Approval is indicated on the minor’s library record.
2. Computers are signed out at the public service desks. The library has the right to assign computers and
impose time limits. Patrons may not change workstations unless a problem arises with the computer.
Please notify the staff if the computer is not working properly.
3. Users, or the person signing for the user, must read the library’s Internet Acceptable Use Policy. Any
person signing for a user is responsible for explaining this policy to the user.
4. It is a felony offense in the state of Pennsylvania “to display or cause to display any explicit
sexual material… on any… viewing screen in such manner that the display is visible… in any
establishment where minors, as part of the general public, may be exposed to view all or any
part of such materials.” Title 18 Penna. Crime Code – Sect. 5903) Therefore, viewing of such
material in the Library will not be permitted. Violation of this provision may result in the
immediate termination of Internet privileges.
5. Any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data is prohibited. This includes the uploading or creating of
computer viruses. Hardware and software may not be modified or destroyed. Users may not turn
equipment off, change settings or circumvent security.
6. Installing programs is prohibited.
7. Saving files to the hard drive is prohibited. Saving to, or accessing files from, removable media or
personal devices is permitted at the user’s own risk. The library cannot offer technical support when
problems occur with such devices.
8. Patrons may not use the Internet at the Library for any commercial or for-profit purposes.
9. Patrons may not use the network in a way that disrupts the use of the network by others. This includes
but is not limited to downloading large files and streaming audio or video.
10. Patrons are responsible for the cost of all of their printouts. Please pay at the Reference, Information, or
Circulation Desks.
11. Computer use must be completed 10 minutes before the library closes.

Use of the Internet by Children

1. Access to the Internet is offered in the Children’s Room for children through sixth grade. All patron
responsibilities apply. Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when
using the Internet. The library will offer Internet access to patrons 7th grade and up in the Adult
Department.

2. Parents or guardians, not the Library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected
and/or accessed by their children. Parents or guardians may restrict their children from access to
Internet resources available through the library. Parents or guardians are advised to supervise their
children’s Internet sessions.

Limitations

1. Personal e-mail accounts are available through websites such as Hotmail, Yahoo, etc.
2. Library staff is available for a limited amount of assistance in using the computers, but they cannot
provide in-depth training.
3. No more than two people may use an Internet workstation at one time. The patron who signed out the
computer is responsible for operating it.
4. Gambling and instant messaging sites are blocked. Some game sites are blocked.
5. Use of computers at the Library is a privilege, not a right. Any violation of the library’s acceptable use
policy may result in loss of library privileges and appropriate legal action.
6. This policy is subject to change without notice.

Policy adopted August 27, 1997 by the Cambria Library Association Board of Directors.
Revised September 29, 2009.