Acceptable Use of the Internet

Acceptable Use of the Internet

The Austin Public Library is committed to providing free and open access to informational, educational, recreational, and cultural resources for library users of all ages and backgrounds. These provisions, in regard to electronic resources, are offered within local, state, and federal guidelines.

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 globe. While the Internet offers access to a wealth of material, it also enables access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing and/or illegal, inaccurate or incomplete. In compliance with state statutes and the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the library reserves the right to remove a person from the library if the person gains access or attempts to gain access to inappropriate materials in disregard of the library's acceptable use policy.

The library upholds and affirms the right of each individual to have access to constitutionally protected material. However, the library also affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their own children's use of library materials and resources.

Types of Computers

In order to make computer resources available to as many users as possible within the library’s guidelines, users must log onto the computers using their own library card and PIN. Use of the computers is allowed if the library card is in good standing and there are no blocks on the card (e.g., parental restrictions or fines over the limit). If you are found using another person's library card number, your computer privileges may be suspended. All computers have access to the Internet and Microsoft Office programs. Maximum usage per day is 90 minutes. Visitors with identification who do not have a SELCO library card may also use the computers up to 90 minutes per day. Exceptions to the time limit may be made by the librarian on duty at the Information Desk.

There are 16 computers in the Computer Lab, with a maximum session time of one hour, for ages 15 and up. Two Parent computers are located in the Children's Department, and are designated for patrons who are supervising children in the library. An Adaptive computer with a screen magnifier and adjustable table is available beside the Information Desk.

There are 12 computers with Internet and Open Office software in the Children's Department available for children 7-14 years old. Also available are six A.W.E. Early Learning Stations loaded with fun and educational software for young children. No library card is required, and there is no Internet access.

A computer with Open Office software for word processing, slide presentations, and spreadsheets is available by the Index Table. No library card is required, and direct printing is not available. For printing assistance, please see the librarian at the Information Desk.

Getting Help

Library staff may be available, as time allows, to assist with learning basic Internet skills. However, library staff are not familiar with all of the infinite web sites and applications available to a computer user. In association with Austin Community Education, the library offers instructional sessions throughout the year on basic Internet use.

Children and the Internet

Parents have an opportunity to disallow their children access to the computers by having a block placed on their child’s library card. When making this decision for their children, parents may want to consider that the library does not directly supervise computer usage.