CONDITIONS FOR PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE INTERNET

The Wyong Shire Library & Information Service aims to develop collections, resources and services that meet the cultural, educational, informational and recreational needs of Wyong Shire’s diverse community, and which respond to advances in technology.

With this goal in mind, and as part of its mission to meet the changing needs of the community, Wyong Shire Library & Information Service offers free public access to the Internet.

A worldwide network of computers, the Internet provides access to a wide range of educational, recreational and reference resources, many of which are not available in print, but there is no central control over its content or users.

The Internet also contains sexually explicit material and other information resources which users may consider objectionable or offensive.

The Library Service does not control the content of the information that resides on the Internet, nor does it monitor what Internet patrons choose to view.

In accordance with The Australian Library and Information Association’s (ALIA) Statement on Freedom To Read (www.alia.org.au/policies/freedom.to.read.html) Internet resources accessible through the Library are provided equally to all library users, regardless of age. As with other library materials, parents or guardians, not the library or its staff, are responsible for supervising their children’s selection of information on the Internet.

Parents -- and only parents -- may restrict their children -- and only their children -- from accessing Internet resources.

Parents concerned about types of materials available on the Internet should work with their children as they explore Internet sites and help them select resources consistent with their family’s values and boundaries.

The Library Service can only be held accountable for information that appears on the World Wide Web pages produced by the library. Like other information resources, not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Users need to keep this in mind and question the validity of the information they find.

Responsibilities of The Wyong Shire Library Service As a Provider Of Internet Access

As part of the maintenance of the computer system, the library regularly checks for viruses, however we cannot be held responsible for any loss of data or damage to disks, nor for any personal damage or injury incurred as a result of using the library’s computing resources.

Clients are reminded that electronic mail is not secure and networks are sometimes susceptible to outside interference.

Responsibilities of Users of The Wyong Shire Library & Information Service’s Internet Resources

Please limit your time on the Internet terminals to 1 hour per session and remember that you are responsible for legal and ethical use of all networked resources.

Inappropriate use includes, but is not limited to:

• Attempting to alter or damage computer equipment, software configurations or files belonging to the library, other users or external networks;

• Attempting unauthorised entry into the Library’s network or any other computer system;

• Libelling, slandering or otherwise harassing others;

• Distribution of unsolicited advertising or propagation of computer viruses;

• Violation of copyright, software license agreements or communications laws;

• Accessing sites which are deemed to be offensive to other library users (incl. staff);

• Persisting in exceeding allocated time;

• Harassing or disturbing other library users.

Libraries rely on the cooperation of their users in order to efficiently and effectively provide shared resources and ensure community access to a diversity of information.

The Wyong Shire Library Service strives to balance the rights of users to access a wide range of information resources with the rights of users to work in a public environment free from harassing sounds and visuals. We ask all our library users to remain sensitive to the fact that they are working in a public space, shared by people of all ages, with a variety of information interests and needs.

When informed of any violations to this procedure, The Wyong Shire Library Service will enforce the rules (Clause 17 of the Library Regulation 2005 under the Library Act, 1939) and responsibilities outlined above, and the right to use the Internet resource will be suspended for a period of up to six (6)  months. Individuals using library computing resources for illegal purposes may also be subject to prosecution.

The Wyong Shire Library Service will develop such rules and procedures as are necessary to ensure the fair and reasonable use of the Internet.

All questions relating to this Internet Procedure should be directed to Manager, Library Services. Telephone 02 43505230.

Conditions for use of public access computers  and the Internet

Personal computers are made available to the public under the following terms and conditions:

• Bookings are essential.

Bookings of up to 1 hour may be made (with a limit of 2 hours per day). If clients do not arrive within 10 minutes of the specified time, a booking may be cancelled.

• Clients are expected to be familiar with the use of the installed software.
  Staff can provide only limited assistance with basic startup and close down procedures.

• Disks and RW CDs  may be purchased from the circulation desk.

• Clients must not change settings and configurations and must not switch PCs on and off.

• Parents of children under 18 years must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet while at the library.

• Misuse of the computer or inappropriate use of the Internet will result in loss of your computer privileges.
  
  

Page last updated: 27/08/2006