Home > Services
and Library Information > Internet Policy
Internet Policy
The
Santa Clara County Library's information resources include
access to the World Wide Web. This supports the Library's
mission to provide an open forum for knowledge, ideas,
and cultural enrichment through free access to information,
educational, and recreational materials and services.
The
Internet offers access to millions of valuable sites, but
some may be inaccurate, incomplete, dated or personally
offensive. The Library does offer the option of computers
with filtering software in the Children's Room. However,
the Library's Material Selection Policy states, "The
public, regardless of age, has free access to all library
materials." As with other library materials, guidance
in the use of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility
of the parent or legal guardian.
Responsible
Use of the Internet
- Each
individual is responsible for evaluating and determining
the worth of information retrieved from any source, including
the Internet. Parents are responsible for deciding which
sites they and their children select.
- Children
who use the Internet without parental guidance may encounter
material which is beyond their maturity level or otherwise
unsuitable. The Library strongly urges parents to discuss
the use of this new medium with their children
Library
Resources to Help Individuals and Families Use the Internet
- The
Library provides a bookmark page with many subjects to
help individuals launch their search on the Internet.
- The
Library's home page links to sites selected specifically
for children and teens.
- Librarians
offer individual assistance.
- Libraries
offer training sessions in Internet use for families
and individuals.
- The
Library equips monitors with screens to help protect
the privacy of library users.
- The
Library provides informational manuals, books, magazines,
and videos to assist Internet users
Courteous
Behavior at the Computers
- Individuals
are expected to use library PCs in a responsible and
courteous manner.
- Attempts
to show material displayed to passersby are not permitted.
- Passersby
must respect the privacy of those using computers.
- The
Library may limit the number of people using the computers,
the number waiting nearby, or the amount of time per
day an individual may use the Internet.
- To
ensure courtesy and fair access, the Library may set
and enforce other behavior standards.
Adopted
by the Santa Clara County Library Joint
Powers Authority June
1998 |
