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Internet Policy
7/19/07

The mission of the Erie County Public Library is to improve the quality of life of citizens by providing materials, services, and programs that promote education, cultural enrichment, and recreation. In support of this mission the Library provides access to the Internet as a source for current and historical information, communication and recreation.

By using the Library’s computers, users are agreeing to the Internet Policy, a copy of which is available at the Service Desk. All users must read the posted Internet Use Rules before using Internet computers.

General Rules

  • All users must register for use with their own Erie County Public Library card (or have their own Albion, Corry, McCord, Rice Avenue, Union City and Waterford Library card) or pay a $1.00 usage fee and show a valid identification. This fee entitles the user to one hour of computer time.
  • In order to ensure the opportunity for access to services for as many patrons as possible, time limits will be imposed. Such time limits and /or waiting periods between sessions will be posted. All Internet users will be required to sign in.
  • The Library may assign patrons to specific computer terminals. Patrons may not request the use of a specific computer or wait until a specific computer becomes available.
  • Children age 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while using the Internet. Computer terminals offering sole access to the Library’s catalog and the POWER Library are available for patrons 12 and under without a parent.
  • FTP, Telnet or similar communication functions are not permitted.
  • Patrons are not permitted to download, install and/or save any software or files on library computers. The Library accepts no responsibility for damage to any personal disks, data or computer equipment or software.
  • Cell phone use is prohibited in the Computer Lab.

    Internet sites provide additional sources of information that supplement print and other electronic sources available in the library. Please be advised, however, that the Internet is unregulated and may contain material that is incorrect, outdated or personally offensive. The Library assumes no responsibility for contents found on the Internet. The user is solely responsible for selection of access and assumes all risk related to or arising out of such use. The availability of information on the Internet does not constitute endorsement by the Erie County Public Library.

    Internet use is a privilege and carries with it the responsibility of using it in an appropriate manner. All patrons, including minors, must obey all Internet rules. Inappropriate behavior will result in termination of these privileges.

    Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to:

  • Violation of copyright or software license agreements
  • Viewing of texts, photos, movies or sound bites of an obscene or pornographic nature as defined in Pennsylvania Obscenity Statute – 18 Pa.C.S. 5903
  • Placing unlawful information on a system
  • Use which damages equipment and/or software
  • Any behavior that is disruptive to the operation of the Library

    The Library will report illegal use to the appropriate local, state or federal law enforcement agency and cooperate fully with those authorities.

    The Library reserves the right to use logging software to monitor use of library computers. Computer and Internet and/or other library privileges may be revoked for up to six months for inappropriate behavior or any policy violation.

    The Library reserves the right to use filtering and/or blocking software to enforce this policy and any other applicable laws.

    For legitimate research purposes, blocked web sites may be accessed upon the request of the patron provided the patron is over 17 years of age. Patrons are highly encouraged to try their research on our regular Internet PC's before requesting unblocked access. Unless the library has blocked a site in error, only sites that are pornographic will be inaccessible. A form to request access to a blocked web sight is available if a patron feels that the library has incorrectly blocked a site.

    Even though the Erie County Public Library employs a TPM or Technology Protective Measure, objectionable sites may slip through. No TPM is 100% effective. The Internet Use Policy was developed to prohibit the access to objectionable sites and to protect minors.

    The Erie County Public Library is in compliance with the federal Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the Pennsylvania Child Internet Protection Act.

    • reference@erielibrary.org
    A department of Erie County government.