The Salado Public Library offers free access to the Internet for research, browsing, and printing.  To maximize Internet availability and to insure fair accessibility for all, please follow the following procedures. 

1.      User Responsibilities

1.1   Users are expected to treat library materials and all equipment in a responsible manner which will help preserve the materials and to insure availability for other users.

1.2   Users are expected to obey library policies and procedures.  Failure to comply will result in the loss of Internet and/or library privileges.

1.3   When using the Internet computers, always close out each site and return to the home page before checking out.

1.4   Users are expected to use the Library’s Internet resource in a responsible, non-offensive way.

2.      Prohibited Use

2.1    Patrons may not unplug, remove, modify, or damage computer equipment.  Users may not attempt to reconfigure the system or to interfere with the current system set-up in any way.

2.2     Library users may not use the library’s Internet workstations for any illegal purpose or make unauthorized entry to other computer systems or databases accessible via the Internet.

2.3   The viewing of any obscene or pornographic material on the Library’s Internet computers is in violation of the Texas Penal Code and library policy and is not allowed.

2.4   Individuals who violate these restrictions will have their library privileges cancelled immediately.

3.      Reservations

3.1  Like other library materials Internet access is provided on a first come, first served basis. 
 

3.2   Use is limited to thirty minutes if other users are waiting to use the workstation.  Maximum daily usage is three hours enforced at the discretion of the Library Director or, in her absence, library staff.

3.3   The library will establish a waiting list if demand is heavy.

4.  Restrictions

4.1  Children under the age of 9 must have a parent/legal guardian/caretaker present at all times with them at the terminal when using any computer.

4.2  Children under the age of 14 may use only the computers in the children's room or library laptops, unless accompanied by an adult parent/legal guardian/caretaker.  Children's and laptop computers are equipped with an Internet content filtering program which restricts access to materials harmful to minors in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act.  Children's computers and laptops do not allow access to Internet chat rooms, instant messaging or other forms of direct Internet communication.  In addition all public computers are equipped with software that deletes any personal information when users log off.

4.3   Only one person per Internet computer is allowed.  The exception being a child under the age of 9 who may have a parent/legal guardian/caretaker present to assist them.

4.4   E-mail (electronic mail) is available at the library only through web sites.

5.      Failure to Connect

5.1   At times, users may be unable to access certain Internet sites.  Some reasons for this are:

• the database or resource is licensed to a particular institution, in which case you would need to be affiliated with the institution in order to get access.
• the library’s Internet connection may be periodically and temporarily inoperable due to technical difficulties.
• filtering software has been installed on computers set aside for use by children.  This software may have blocked some sites that may be inappropriate for children under the age of 14.

Users of all ages should be aware that the Internet contains materials that are controversial, offensive, obscene, inaccurate, or illegal.  The library cannot monitor Internet use nor can it control the content of materials that users find on the Internet.  Parents wishing to control the materials to which their children are exposed are expected to provide sufficient supervision of their children to accomplish this.