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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.
- The Electronic Library 24/7 provides subject guides to help individuals launch
searches on the Internet.
- Search Engines provides links to a list of search engines.
- 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.
- SafeKids.com provides basic
information and guidelines on online safety and civility.
- The Library equips monitors with screens to help protect
the privacy of user.
World
Wide Web Interfaces Provided In the Library
The
Library provides a graphical interface to access the World
Wide Web, using Internet Explorer 9.
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 M86 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 do not monitor the selection
of a computer. To report a site, contact M86 directly.
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.
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