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Port Library Internet Access

The purpose of the library is to select materials that explore the heritage of experience from both the past & present & the promise of the future & to make these easily available to people in our service area. Part of making materials available includes accessing them electronically. This gives patrons the means to search information not otherwise available in the Port Library. Thus the library offers access to the Internet.

Currently, the Internet is an unregulated medium. While it offers access to a wealth of materials that is enriching to individuals of all ages, it also allows access to materials that may be offensive, disturbing or illegal. Patrons use the Internet at their own risk. The Port Library cannot censor access to materials or protect users from materials they may find offensive. We do not monitor or control the information through the Internet and do not accept responsibility for its content. The library affirms the right & responsibility of parents to determine & monitor their children's use of the Internet.

Because the Port Library is public, we cannot guarantee users privacy while using the computers.

Staff will assist patrons with Internet use & searching as time & expertise permit. We cannot provide in-depth training or help with specific technical problems. There may not always be Internet-trained staff on duty.

Guidelines for Use:

1. Patron will have a current Internet Access Card.
2. Users under 18 will have parental/guardian signature on the Acceptable Use Agreement.
3. Users under 15 will be accompanied by parent/guardian when using the public access computers.
4. Internet workstations are exclusively for use with the available browser, & CD-ROM applications the library may install. It is not for playing recreational games, for loading & running personal software applications & such other operations as staff on duty may deem inappropriate.
5. The library does not provide users with electronic mailboxes; however, users may check their e-mail & compose outgoing mail.
6. Generally, a 25-minute time limit per session and 1 hour per day is allowed any one user. Any user, after an initial use period, may be asked to relinquish the workstation within 5 minutes if another patron is waiting.
7. Patrons may print materials in black & white @ 15 cents per page or in color @ 25 cents per page, with a limit of 15 pages printed per computer use session.
8. Misuse of the computer or Internet access will result in loss of compute privileges.
9. Illegal acts involving library resources may be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal officials.