Statement Policy
The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national, and international sources of information, but not all sites provide accurate, complete, or current information. As with other materials, the library customer evaluates the validity of information found. Restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian; the library does not have the right or responsibility to act in loco parentis.
The San Benito County Free Library offers free computer and Internet access to our customers in the following ways:
- Children’s Computer Lab
- Internet Computer Lab
- Literacy Computer Lab
- Wireless Internet Access
Computer and Internet access is available to library customers during open hours, but computers automatically shut down 15 minutes prior to closing time.
Copyright Law
Materials obtained or copied on the Internet computer network may be subject to copyright laws which govern the making of reproductions of copyrighted works. COPYRIGHT LAW: Materials obtained or copied from the Internet may be subject to copyright laws, which govern the making or reproductions of copyrighted works: U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of “fair use.” Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs, or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user. The County of San Benito and the San Benito County Free Library expressly disclaim any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.
Guidelines for Computer Users
- Computer users must be registered San Benito County Free Library cardholders.
- Customers may use the computers daily up to 120 minutes, as the timer automatically logs off the workstation. To protect your privacy, please log off after your session is finished.
- Due to limited space only one customer is allowed at each Internet workstation unless the user is with another registered library card holder. The library respects and supports customer privacy. The library also attempts to maintain an appropriate noise level.
- Customers may not use or download personal software programs on library computers. This may cause computer crashes, file corruption, and viruses.
- To save files or documents, customers may use flash drives. Files may not be saved on the hard drive of library computers.
- Printing files or documents is available through a networked printer. The cost of printing is 15¢ per page for black and white copies, and 50¢ per page for color copies. If possible, please preview print jobs before printing. Customers may pick up and pay for their print jobs at the “pay for print” station. If needed, library staff can provide assistance for print jobs.
- Due to technical limitations, the library does not provide local email accounts; however, the use of free email sites (e.g. Hotmail, Yahoo, and Gmail) is allowed.
- Parents or legal guardians of children who use the computer and Internet resources at the library are responsible to guide their children’s usage of online resources and decide which resources are appropriate for their children.
- Patrons are reminded that the library’s computers are located in public areas that are shared with library users of all ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities. Individuals are expected to consider this diversity and respect the sensibilities of others when accessing potentially offensive information or images.
- The Internet workstations cannot be used for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose. This includes any activities prohibited under any applicable federal, California, or local laws.
- Library staff are available to assist with basic computer use such as printing, logging-on, computer crashes or freezes, and other minor troubleshooting. The library staff is unable to provide extended individual training or technical support.
- Wireless users assume all risks, as the library provides a free unsecured wireless network for Internet access. It is the sole responsibility of the wireless user to provide antivirus protection and appropriate security settings on their wireless devices within library facilities and the Internet itself.
- The San Benito County Free Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic resources or any consequences thereof.
