Erwin Library Internet Access Policy

The Erwin Library provides public access to the Internet in keeping with its role as a source of information, intellectual development, and enrichment for the community.  The Internet allows users to connect to networks of resources outside the library.  The Erwin Library has no control over the information accessed and cannot be held responsible for the content or quality of the information retrieved.  The Erwin Library has no control over these resources nor does the library have complete knowledge of what is on the Internet.  Information on the Internet may be inaccurate, out-of-date, or unavailable at times and some content may be offensive.  Library users access the Internet at their own discretion.  Staff will assist patrons with Internet use as the time permits but cannot offer personal instruction.  Formal instruction or  information on the Internet may be offered by the library at designated times.

As is the case with all other library materials, ultimate regulation of a child’s access to and use of the Internet is the responsibility of the child’s parent or legal guardian, and not the Erwin Library.  Therefore the Erwin Library will not restrict children’s access to the Internet, as by doing so it would be accepting a parental responsibility and usurping the rights of parents to govern their own child’s library use.  Just as staff of Erwin Library do not accompany children into the stacks to monitor their book selections, neither will they monitor children’s access to new information sources of the electronic information age.

Specific Regulation of Internet Access at Erwin Library

• Due to our limited resources, this Internet access is primarily for research and information sources only.  Individual sessions should be limited to 30 minutes.
• It is prohibited to use this access for any illegal or criminal purpose, including, but not limited to, violation of computer system security, unauthorized use of computer accounts or access codes, obstruction of disruption of other people’s work, and violation of copyright or software licensing restrictions.
• Users agree to not incur any costs to the Erwin Library though access to fee-for-service information providers.
• Use of Erwin Library Internet access stations to display or disseminate sexually explicit or sexually suggestive (obscene/pornographic) material is prohibited.  Violators of this policy will be removed from the Library building and will have their library privileges revoked.