Cumberland County Library System

Public Computer & Internet Use Policy

(Creation & revision: 4/21/97; 8/18/97; 2/15/99; 8/16/99; 1/24/2000; 9/18/2002; 7/21/03; 7/1/2004; 7/19/2004; 6/18/07; 6/20/2011; 9/15/2014; 9/15/2025)

Purpose

The Cumberland County Library System’s primary focus is meeting the cultural, educational, and informational needs of library users and community residents.   To that end, the Library System affirms that public access to the Internet is part of the Library’s mission.

Computer Catalog & Internet Services

The following computer services are available at Cumberland County Library System libraries:

1. Computer Catalogs — Library catalog and restricted Internet access to web sites listed in the catalog and selected library Internet reference databases.
2. Internet Computers — Library catalog and filtered Internet access.  As necessary for bona fide research or other lawful purposes, people age 17 and older may have filtering disabled by a library staff member.  Computers located in children’s library areas cannot be unfiltered.
3. Wireless Internet Service — Filtered Internet access on a public network.

Who Can Use Computer and Internet Services?

Internet computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis for any library card holder. (Guest cards may be available for adults or children who are accompanied by a guardian.)  To make Internet computers available to as many people as possible, library customers are generally limited to one-hour sessions.

Wireless Internet service is availableat all CCLS member libraries. The wireless service is not password-protected or encrypted. General information on connecting devices to the library’s wireless service is available from library staff.

Printing & Downloading:

Printing is available from library computers or wirelessly from personal devices. Printing costs are consistent across libraries as determined by the library system. Some types of data may be downloaded and uploaded from designated computers.   

User Responsibilities:

The Library System expressly prohibits any use of library computers or its wireless services for illegal activities, or to access material that  violates 18 PA. C.S. 5903, Obscene and Other Sexual Materials and Performance.  This includes using library computers to access material that is obscene, contains or makes reference to explicit sexual materials, contains child pornography and/or child sexual abuse material, or is harmful to minors.  Customers should not access sites that are inappropriate for viewing within a public setting.  Customers are responsible for complying with copyright laws and licensing agreements, for paying any fee-based service charges, and for securing wireless devices from physical or digital theft.

Internet Filtering:

To comply with Federal laws requiring that Internet access be filtered for children age 16 and younger, the Library System filters all of its Internet services.  Federal law also requires filtering when a child is accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Web sites are filtered to prevent minors from viewing material that 1) is obscene, 2) contains child pornography or 3) is harmful to minors as defined by the Communications Act of 1934 (47 USC Section 254 [h] [7

As necessary for bona fide research or other lawful purposes, people age 17 and older may have filtering disabled on library computers by a library staff member.  Computers located in children’s library areas or those using the wireless Internet service cannot be unfiltered.

Children’s Use (Age 16 and Younger):

The Library System complies with Federal laws requiring Internet access to be filtered for all minors age 16 and younger.  Federal law also requires Internet filtering even if a child is accompanied by a parent or guardian. If a site is inappropriately blocked, staff have authority to unblock websites.

Parents and guardians have the option of blocking their child’s library card from using Internet computers.  (Note: Children with blocked Internet access may still use the library’s Computer Catalogs.  These computers have restricted access to web sites listed in the library’s catalog and reference databases purchased by the library system.)

Disclaimers:

The Library System will have no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of information or services accessed through the library’s computer equipment or wireless Internet service or for any loss, damage, or liability that may occur as a result of library computer equipment or wireless Internet service use.

The Library System, having installed and enforced the operation of filtering software in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, will have no liability for damages related to the operation of, or failure of, the filtering technology, or for its possible circumvention by users.   Only parents and guardians can guide their children’s use of the library and its resources.

Penalties for Misuse:

Any misuse of computer equipment, attempts to harm data or networks, inappropriate sharing of account information or passwords, or other irresponsible usage will result in the immediate suspension of user privileges and, where applicable, criminal prosecution.  The user or parent/guardian of children age 16 and younger will be responsible for any misuse and/or monetary damages resulting from such acts. 

Policy Notice

This policy is subject to change at any time without notice.  Updates to the policy may be obtained from the Library System.