The mission of the Walla Walla Public Library is “to serve the people of Walla Walla as a community information and lifelong learning center.   The Walla Walla Public Library acquires, organizes, provides, and promotes informational, educational, recreational, and cultural materials for people of all ages.”   Public access to the Internet at the Walla Walla Public Library helps fulfill this mission.   The Library provides access to the Internet because of its opportunities for giving library users access to information beyond the Library's physical collection.   Internet access is important to library users in conducting research, retrieving information, exploring ideas and facilitating communication. To assure fair access for all persons, the Library establishes rules and procedures that regulate the time, manner, and place of Internet access.

 

Since the Internet is an unregulated global computer network, the Library cannot control, monitor, or endorse the content of information, ideas, or opinions found within the medium.   Not all of the sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or up-to-date information.   The Internet also enables access to material that may be controversial and/ or offensive.  

Customers are expected to follow all rules.   The Library cannot guarantee privacy for individuals using Library computers.   Because the Library is a public place, with children present throughout, the Library does not allow the display of visual depictions that are defined by the Children's Internet Protection Act (Pub Law 106.55) as

 

(A) obscene, as that term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code;

(B) child pornography, as that term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code; or

(C) harmful to minors.

 

The Walla Walla Public Library defines minors as persons under 18 years of age. The Walla Walla Public Library recognizes the rights of minors to equal Internet access insofar as is compatible with laws protecting minors. Minors are also equally subject to all Library Rules of Conduct.

 

Given the nature of the Internet, the Library encourages parents and minor children to read and discuss “Child Safety on the Information Highway ,” which can be found under “Kid's Corner” on our home page, along with many good sites for youth.   The Library directs all users to the many other links on our home page to pre-selected and recommended sites.

 

All Internet terminals include technology protection measures that are intended to block obscene materials, pornography, and materials harmful to minors.  Internet filtering software is an imperfect technology which can filter out harmless material as well as fail to filter material which may be harmful. Parents must be aware of  Internet limitations and monitor their own children's use of the technology, as well as all Library resources. The Library encourages  parents to exercise this right and responsibility. Library staff will gladly help users of all ages, as time allows. 

 

The Library assumes no liability for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of the Library's computing resources.   This includes damage or injury sustained from invasions of a library customer's or other person's privacy, loss or damage to users' data or disks, or damage to non-Library software or hardware resulting from viruses downloaded via the Library's Internet services.   Library customers will be personally responsible for the costs of any materials ordered via the Internet.

 

In accordance with RCW 27.12.290, the Library reserves the right to suspend an Internet use session or revoke Internet access privileges as well as restrict Library use for those who are in violation of: the Internet Policy, the Code of Conduct, and/or the Internet Use Rules. “Violation” includes but is not limited to: hacking, accessing illegal sites or accessing chat rooms, damaging computer equipment or software, interfering with systems operations integrity or security, gaining unauthorized access to another person's files, displaying of material which most people would find offensive, performing any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating or a hostile environment, violating copyright laws or software agreements.

 

Violations may lead to revocation of Library privileges, including the right to visit the buildings and grounds.  

 

Offenders ordered from the premises who do not comply may be subject to arrest and prosecution for trespassing.

 

Adopted November 17, 2004