Public Access Computers.             The Library has 5 Internet Access computers for patron use.

1. The Library has 1 children's computer that does not have Internet access
2. All the computers have Windows XP, and Microsoft Office 2003 and some with 2007
3. You may sign up for the computers for one hour (unless you are doing homework, job application,etc.)
4. Game playing is allowed on 3 of the 5 computers and only for one hour per day
5. You may sign up for a computer by walking in, calling, and one day in advance
6. If you are under 17 then you need a signed parent consent form - Parents must come into the library to sign this form
   

Pocahontas Public Library

Internet Safety Policy

In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the Pocahontas Public Library, herein after called the Library, endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of the library’s service area.  It is within this context that the Library offers access to the Internet.

The Library does have a content filtering program installed on its computers.  Patrons who are 17 years of age or older may request that the content filter be turned off for their computer session.  The filter will be restored to use immediately after that session.

All persons under 18 years of age must have their Parental/Guardianship Consent form signed by a parent or guardian.  Signing of the Parental/Guardianship Consent form must be witnessed by the Director or a member of the Library staff.  Parents or guardians, not the Library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children.  Parents are advised and encouraged to supervise their children’s Internet sessions.

To be more specific:

            *The Library does not censor adult access to materials or protect you from

            information you find offensive.  There is sexually explicit material and

            other information resources which you may personally find controversial or

            inappropriate.

            *Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current

            information.  You need to be a good information consumer, questioning the

            validity of the information you find.

            *The Internet computer is in public view of patrons of all ages.  All

            Internet users, adults as well as children, are asked to please use

            discretion when accessing Internet materials on the computer screen.

            Accessing obscene material in the Library is considered a misuse of the

            Internet.  The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session

            that disrupts library services or that involves user behavior that violates

            the Library’s policies.  If caught purposely browsing a pornographic site,

            individuals will be asked to immediately close the Internet and leave the

            workstation.  Computer privileges may be lost, at the discretion of the

            librarian on duty or the library director.

            *In using the Internet, do not reveal personal information such as your

            home address or telephone number.  Do not use your real last name or

            any other information which might allow a person to locate you.  Do

            not arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone you “meet” on the

            Internet without your parent’s permission (if you are under 18.)

            Regardless of your age, you should never agree to meet such a person

            in a secluded place or in a private setting.

            *Individuals may not modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data

            belonging to others.  Individuals may not seek unauthorized access to any

            computer system, damage, or alter software components of any network

            or database.

Staff Assistance

Library staff is on hand to provide suggestions in using the Internet, as time allows.  Use of the library’s Internet computers is expected to be primarily independent of library staff assistance.

Library staff will research the Internet for specific patron requests as time allows.  The Library staff will research SILO, First Search and EBSCO for specific library patron requests.