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Internet Services

The Santa Clara County Library's information resources include access to the Internet and to the World Wide Web. Providing Internet access supports the Library's mission to provide an open forum for knowledge, ideas and cultural enrichment through free access to informational, educational and recreational materials and services

In response to community needs, Santa Clara County Library provides diverse resources with different viewpoints on a wide variety of subjects. Helping people use these resources effectively is part of our mission.

What kind of information is on the Internet?

The Internet offers access to millions of valuable sites that can be personally, professionally and culturally enriching. However, some sites may be inaccurate, incomplete, dated or personally offensive. The accuracy of information gathered through this source is the responsibility of each originator/producer of the information. The Internet is an unregulated network and the library neither monitors nor takes responsibility for its content. The Library provides assistance and training in using the Internet, but parents and guardians are responsible for setting guidelines and restrictions for their minor children.

Library Resources to Help Individuals and Families Use the World Wide Web

Education is the key to responsible, safe and intelligent Internet use. To help educate users, the library provides assistance, handouts and training in using the Internet. The Library recommends specific web sites suitable for different ages such as children or teens.

The Library has created a website which provides information about Santa Clara County Library and its Community Libraries.
Kids on the Web links to sites of special interest to children -- hobbies, homework, sports, places to go things to do -- chosen by the children's librarians.
The Library's Teen Services contains information and links to sites selected specifically for teens.
Adult Reference Web Sites is designed to help individuals launch searches on the Internet by organizing sites by subject and providing links to tutorials.
Search the Web provides links to search tools.
Books, magazines and videos about the Internet and the World Wide Web can be borrowed from the library.
Librarians are available to provide individual assistance.
The libraries offer training sessions in Internet use for families and individuals.
Libraries offer classes for parents and children on how to use the Internet wisely and safely.
Child Safety on the Information Highway provides basic information and guidelines. It is available either online or in a brochure at each library.
Santa Clara County children's librarians have produced two brochures, one addressing parents and one addressing children, which explain how children can safely use the County Library's Internet connection.
The Library equips monitors with screens to help protect the privacy of user.

World Wide Web Interfaces Provided In the Library

The Library provides graphical interface to access the World Wide Web, with a choice of two browsers: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Navigator, and Netscape Navigator.

Internet Access Using the Library's World Wide Web Connection

The Santa Clara County Library Joint Powers Authority has adopted an Internet Policy which also outlines responsible uses of the Internet, library resources to assist the public use the Internet, and courteous behavior at the Internet stations.

Children's computers have a commercially produced filter which attempts to block sites that might be considered objectionable. The filter is available as an option on computers in the adult rooms. Library staff does not monitor the selection of a computer.

Courteous Behavior

Individuals are expected to use library computers in a responsible and courteous manner.

Internet stations are equipped with privacy screens to enable users to access information independently and privately. Deliberately attempting to view what others are accessing without their permission is not allowed.
Disturbing others by showing displayed material to a passerby, who has not requested it, is not permitted.
In order to provide access to as many users as possible, the Library may limit the amount of time per day and the number of individuals using the computers.