INTERNET ACCESS

POLICY NO. 16

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.”  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.

The Library cannot control, monitor, or endorse the content of information, ideas, or opinions found through the Internet.  

Customers are expected to follow all Library 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 106.554) 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.  

All Internet terminals include technology protection measures that are intended to block obscene materials, pornography, and materials harmful to minors.  The Library expects parents to monitor their own children’s use of the technology, as well as all Library resources.  

The Library assumes no liability for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of the Library’s computing resources including wireless access.  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, 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:  September 11, 1996

Revised:  November 17, 2004

Revised:  July 21, 2010