Purpose

The Wilson County Public Library offers access to computers, the Internet, mobile devices, and other electronic resources to provide users with informational, educational, recreational, and cultural resources in the Library’s print collection. The purpose of the Computer/ Internet Policy is to establish regulations regarding both computer use and Internet access at the Wilson County Public Libraries.

Policy Statement

Computer Use Guidelines

• Customers may sign in to public workstations with a Wilson County Public Library card and PIN or a staff-issued guest pass.
• Downloading files to personal storage media, such as a USB Drive or portable hard drive, is permitted.
• Customers are responsible for all printing costs. Black & white prints are 20 cents per page and color prints are 50 cents per page.
• Computers automatically log off 20 minutes prior to closing.
• Customers are responsible for saving work before running out of time or in the event of a power outage.

Computer Use by Minors

• Parents/legal guardians are responsible for deciding which library resources are appropriate for children under age 18, including access to so-called “hacking” and other unlawful activities by minors. As with other library materials, restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian.
• Wilson County Public Library complies with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). All public workstations and mobile devices are equipped with filtering technology designed to prevent access to materials which might be reasonable construed as being either obscene or child pornography, or to materials which might otherwise be construed to be harmful to minors. The Wilson County Public Library cannot guarantee that all such material will always be blocked.

User Responsibilities

The Wilson County Public Library cannot assure privacy or security and assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, that may occur from the use of its electronic resources. Use of the Wilson County Public Library’s computers or WiFi for purposes contrary to state or federal laws or in a manner that violates Wilson County Public Library’s Customer Conduct Policy is prohibited. Such violations may include, but are not limited to:

• Intentionally displaying, sending, or receiving inappropriate materials in any format that may be reasonably construed as obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors (G.S. 14-190.1).
• Propagating malicious or harmful software.
• Unauthorized copying of copyrighted material.
• Attempting to access unauthorized files, systems, or user accounts.

Sites visited are automatically recorded by the server computer and may be traced by Library or County officials to determine if abuse of the Internet policy has occurred. Users may not visit obscene or illegal sites or display material from them, or visit sites that are a detriment to a welcoming environment to customers of all ages. Users must obey all state and federal legal restrictions.

Persons who do not comply with these conditions or otherwise abuse the privilege of Internet access may be denied further access to these computers. The person so denied may appeal to the Library Director and then to the Library Board of Trustees if desired. While a case is pending, that person does not have any right of Internet access at the Library.

Personal Mobile Devices

Wilson County Public Library staff is committed to providing excellent customer service and assisting our customers with using library resources and apps on their mobile devices. Library staff cannot assure privacy or security and assume no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, that may occur for the use of electronic resources or from assisting customers with their personal devices.

Applicable Personnel/Departments

• All Library Staff

Approval(s)

• Reviewed and approved by the Wilson County Public Library Management Team (04/04/2019)
• Reviewed and approved by the Wilson County Public Library Board of Trustees (05/16/2019)