INTERNET USE POLICY
The Sturm Memorial Library provides access to the Internet through two 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 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.

• 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 up to ½ hour per day.
• Patrons using the computer must sign up at the front desk and provide their first name.
• 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. 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.

Please direct any questions or comments about this policy to the Library Director.