Jeannette Public Library Internet Access Policy

The Jeannette Public Library provides for personal enrichment, cultural programming, educational support, and lifelong learning for the citizens of this community and county.  That commitment includes free public access to computers and resources available on the internet. 

This policy addresses necessary issues of patron safety and the protection of our electronic resources.  Patrons who do not adhere to the policies listed here will be asked to terminate their usage and/or leave the library.

Guidelines for Internet and Public Computer Use

ACCESS AND USAGE

1.  Patrons with a library card must not owe any outstanding fees at any of the WLN libraries. 
2. Those wanting to use library computers without having a WLN card will be given a guest pass when providing a valid photo ID.
3. Library computers are intended for use by patrons who have basic computer skills and know how to use the internet and programs.
4. The library staff will provide limited technical support for library computers on an individual basis if time is possible.
5. Nothing can be saved to the public computer’s hard drive.  Files can be saved to a personal flashdrive or saved to the desktop during a user session.  These files will be deleted after the patron ends their session. All session history, logins, etc. will also be erased.
6. Wi-fi access is available on personal devices at no charge. Patrons may log on with their WLN ID & password. Those without cards may log on with a zip code. Wi-fi is available outside the library building 24/7.
7. Printouts are 25 cents a page. Printing is not available from wireless devices.
8. Food and drinks are prohibited in the computer area.

PATRON RESPONSIBILITY

1. Jeannette Public Library computers cannot be used for any fraudulent or unlawful  purpose, including any activities prohibited under any applicable federal, Pennsylvania, or local laws, including activities in violation of 18 Pa Cons. Stat. Sec. 5903, which prohibits certain acts of public indecency.
2. Patrons are prohibited from accessing sites that are obscene, harmful to minors, or contain pornography.

• Children twelve and under must be accompanied by an adult to use a computer or access the Internet.  Although the library provides Internet content filters, this does not replace the need for parent control.  Parents/Guardians are responsible for monitoring their children’s activities.
• Since computers are located in public areas, it is important to remember that privacy cannot be guaranteed. 
• Patrons may not access the Internet for any unlawful purposes as defined under section 3933 of the Criminal Code of Pennsylvania.
• Patrons may not load software programs onto Library computers.

      LIBRARY RESPONSIBILITY

1.  The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) is the federal law that requires all computers in a public library to be filtered if that library accepts any federal funds for Internet access or computers used for Internet access.  The Jeannette Public Library complies with the requirements of (CIPA).
2. Computers are not to be used to access pornographic material, inappropriate text files, files dangerous to the integrity of the local area network, or for any illegal activity.
3. Jeannette Public Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of its computing resources.
4. The library reserves the right to terminate a patron’s use of the library equipment at any time, consistent with the library rules and procedures.
5. The Digitial Millenium Copyright Act (1998), states that using library computers to copy and distribute copyright protected works may be an infringement of the copyright law (Title 17 U.S. Code).