Adopted: March 8, 2007

The resources that are available via the Internet can expand the library’s information services well beyond its physical collections.
HSPLS’ objective is to maximize access to authoritative online resources and has developed guidelines to allow fair access to the many users who want to use these resources.  Anyone requiring special accommodations to use the Internet computers should ask a library staff member for help.

1. Library users must register and present their own valid HSPLS library card to use the Internet computers as well as to print from any public printer. A valid library card means an active library card below established thresholds for claims returned and fines, fees, and charges. No other forms of ID will be accepted.
Exception: An HSPLS Library card is not required to access Federal government information or publications at the dedicated Internet computers located at designated
Depository Public Libraries. See Guideline No. 17 below for more information.

2. Due to technical incompatibilities, network down times, or computer maintenance, HSPLS cannot guarantee access, and will not extend sessions or allow replacement reservations due to the following situations:

o Inability to connect to the Internet
o Inability to connect to specific Internet sites
o Inability to download or print files
o Connection speed
o Other unanticipated problems

3. In compliance with the Federal Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), filtering software has been installed on all HSPLS Internet computers. An adult, defined by CIPA as a person at least 17 years of age, may ask library staff to disable the filter.
 
4. Internet access is offered on a self-service basis. Customers shall assume full responsibility for learning to use the equipment and resources provided by HSPLS. If users encounter technical problems during their sessions, they should notify a staff member immediately, with a description of exactly where they were and what they were doing when the problem occurred. These problems will be addressed as staff time permits. Library staff do not have expertise with all Internet sites and resources and may not be able to assist with specific programs or problems. 

5. Reference staff will assist library users by recommending and explaining how to use HSPLS’ subscription databases, eBooks, and other digital collections as well as other authoritative web-based reference resources. Reference staff may assist library users who are searching for additional subject material on the Internet as time allows.
6. Only downloading to a personal portable storage device is allowed. *Warning*: Files downloaded from the Internet may contain viruses. HSPLS will not be responsible for any damage to users’ personal portable storage devices, computers and/or files resulting from their use of the Internet computers.

7. Normally Internet computers will be available during library business hours.  However, some library computers may not be available for general use but may be limited by library staff to meet reference service and other programming needs.

8. One 60 minute Internet session may be reserved per seven-day period, generally Sunday through Saturday. The limit of one reserved session per week applies to all Internet computers systemwide. Each 60 minute session may be reserved beginning on the hour or half-hour.
9. Some libraries may offer 15-minute express computers on a space available basis. Users must have their own valid HSPLS library card, and no reservations will be taken for these computers.

10. Walk-ins can be accommodated whenever an Internet computer is free and when there are no reservations. A walk-in will be limited to the amount of time remaining in the current session.

11. The last session of the day may be shorter than the normal session because of library closing procedures.
 

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