What are the library’s rules for in-house use of the Internet?

Internet Use Policy

The Sturm Memorial Library provides access to the Internet through three public workstations. Internet access is provided through membership in OWLSnet, the computer network of the Outagamie Waupaca Library System.

The Internet, as an information resource, enables the Library to provide information beyond the confines of its own collection. It allows access to ideas, information and commentary from around the world.  Millions of people use and contribute to the Internet and while much of the information available is useful, much of it is not. Selection policies which serve to govern a library’s purchase of other materials cannot be applied to material accessed electronically. There is information on the Internet which may be personally offensive and controversial to the general public. The Internet also has content that is illegal and unethical. The Sturm Memorial Library cannot monitor or be held accountable for the material that is on the Internet.

The determination of what is an acceptable age to begin using the Internet cannot be made by library staff. Library staff cannot control the information/material youth may find on the Internet. For these reasons, the supervision of children using the Internet is inherently the responsibility of parents/guardians.  Library staff assumes that children and young adults under the age of 18 who are unattended in the library have parental permission to use the library resources, including the Internet.

No filtering software is used on the Internet workstations in this library. The Sturm Memorial Library (along with all other OWLSnet libraries) is not required to filter as stated in the Children’s Internet Protection Act. (CIPA) 

However, the Library requires that all users agree to:

• Use the Internet for educational, informational and recreational purposes that fall within the scope of acceptable use


• Not use any library computers to access material that is obscene, child pornography or “harmful to minors” (consistent with any applicable state and local law)


• Not send, receive or display text or graphics which may reasonably be considered offensive by library staff and others as offensive


• Obey all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations


• Not engage in any activities that might be disruptive to other library users


• Not alter computer settings, install software or do damage to the computers


• Respect international copyright laws and honor software licensing agreements

Library staff reserves the right to:

• Monitor Internet use and remove users from Internet workstations if any behavior is in conflict with this policy


• Permanently revoke Internet use privileges to those who violate the above provisions.

The Library is not allowed to let people plug into the OWLSnet network with personal laptop computers.

In addition, computers users at the Library will see this Policy statement every time they log on to the computers and will have to accept the terms before they can proceed. The wording is slightly different from the regular policy to accommodate space issues in the computer display.


The Sturm Memorial Library:

• Does not filter content or control information accessed through the Internet.


• Holds parents/guardians responsible for use of the Internet by their minor children.


• Will charge $0.10 cents per printed page.


• Prohibits the use of its computers and network for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.


• Prohibits use of its computers and network to access material that is obscene, creates a hostile working environment, contains child pornography, or is harmful to minors.


• Prohibits the misuse of copyrighted material as per state and federal law.


• Prohibits misrepresenting oneself for any purpose.


• Does not guarantee the security of its computers or network.

Conditions and Terms of Use for Computer Workstations

• The computers will be available on a first come first served basis.  People can get in line for a computer if they wait in the Library.


• Computers can be used for up to one hour per day. 


• A library card and an account in good standing in Infosoup are required to use the Internet stations. Visitors to the area may request a guest pass at the front desk if necessary. Visitor passes will not be issued for more than two consecutive weeks.


• Printing costs are 10 cents per copy.


• Instruction in using the Internet, online e-mail services or other computer software is not provided, however, if time allows library staff will get someone started on the Internet if necessary.


• No more than two people at a workstation at one time.


• No installation of software is allowed.


• All work or downloads must be saved to a floppy disk or flash drive.  Disks can be purchased at the desk for $1.00.  The Library is not responsible for any computer viruses, damage to disks, or loss of data from using the Library’s computers.


• Please report any problems to staff immediately.

Wireless Policy

Sturm Memorial Library will provide free Internet access points for users with portable computers or devices capable of receiving wireless signals during normal library business hours.  802.11b or 802.11g wireless networking is required. The Library cannot guarantee that your hardware will work with our wireless connection and the Library is not responsible for any changes you make to your computer’s settings. 

The Library’s wireless network is not secure.  Please take appropriate precautions when using this service.

Users of wireless services must abide by the Library’s Internet Acceptable Use Policy. The Library reserves the right to end wireless sessions of anyone in violation of the policy.

Library staff is not available to help anyone configure their laptop or PDA to access the wireless network or provide any technical assistance if difficulties occur. Staff will verify that the network is on and working.

The Library accepts no responsibility for damage caused to a person’s laptop, PDA or other peripheral devices. 

Printing is not available on the wireless connection but users may save their work to a disk or other peripheral device and use the wired public access computers as available to print.

Staff reserves the right to limit the amount of bandwidth in use by any user of the wireless network particularly if there are multiple users of wireless at the same time.

The Library reserves the right to revise this policy at any time.