• As with all Library materials, parents, guardians, and/or caregivers are responsible for their children's use of the internet, whether the parent/guardian/caregiver is present or not. They are responsible that their minors do not access information that contains or makes reference to explicit sexual materials as defined in 18 Pa C.S. §5903. Library staff cannot control the databases that minors may select on the internet. Parents/guardians/caregivers are encouraged to work with their children to develop acceptable rules of internet use. Parents/guardians/caregivers and minors are encouraged to read Child Safety on the Information Highway, jointly procured by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Interactive Services Association.
• Use of the computers requires a current Library card if residing within the Library's service area (the greater Northampton Area School District). For your card to be valid, there should be no fees over $5.00 or overdue items on your account. Users with invalid cards will not be allowed to access the internet via the public use computers. Those outside the service area must have a Library card with an Access PA sticker or symbol. Patrons should have their Library card at sign-in for verification. Special exceptions may be granted to out-of-town visitors at the staff's discretion.
• All public use computer stations are filtered as per 47 U.S.C. 254(h) and (l).
• Interactive chat, instant messaging, and multi-player gaming are strictly prohibited. Responsible use of social networking sites is allowed, with staff reserving the right to determine inappropriate use of said sites.
• Use of third-party proxies is prohibited. Any violation will result in loss of privileges.
• Patrons may not download or run any software not already installed by the Library or set-up or edit Web pages. The Library reserves the right to ask patrons to change to another website or to terminate their session at the Library's discretion.
• The Library is not responsible for damage to media or content as a result of their use in Library equipment.
• The library provides wireless internet access for the convenience of patrons using their own computers or other devices. Specific internet ports and protocols may be disabled on the wireless network to limit bandwidth, prevent abuse, and/or protect Library network resources.
• Patrons are responsible for logging out of all accounts and for any personal information they may have saved on the computer. The Library is not responsible for any action that may occur due to patron negligence in not following this rule.
• No food or drink is allowed at the computers.
• Children under the age of 12 must be in the immediate presence of a parent or other responsible caregiver over the age of 18.
• Misuse of computer equipment or software is prohibited.
• Misuse includes, but is not limited to:
  • Viewing material that violates federal, state, or local laws or regulations, including those regarding accessing, viewing, printing, and distributing obscenity or child pornography.
  • Hacking in to the Library computer system or any other computer system.
  • Mishandling, damaging, or attempting to damage computer equipment or software, tampering with computer settings.
  • Attempting to gain or gaining access to another person's files or authorization codes.
  • Engaging in any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating or hostile environment.
  • Violating copyright laws and software licensing agreements or the policies of the individual websites that you view.
  • Failure to pay for printing.
  • Refusing or ignoring a staff member's request to give up a computer to another waiting patron.
  • Any other violation of the Acceptable Use of the Internet and Library Public Computers Statement.
• Printing is available at the following prices:
  • Black & White
    • $0.25 per single-sided page
    • $0.50 per double-sided page
  • Color
    • $0.50 per half-page
    • $1.00 per full-page
    • $1.00 per double-sided page
• All public access computers are networked to both an HP printer and the Copier. Both are capable for black & white or color copies You must pay for every page you print. Abuse of printing by not paying for copies, with the exception of waivers by staff members, will result in termination of computer privileges.
• All patrons using a computers must sign-in using their Library card via PC Reservation or they may request a guest pass under extenuating circumstances. The patron who has been on the computer for the longest period will be asked to relinquish their computer in the event of all public use computers being utilized with another patron waiting to use a computer. As another computer becomes available, said person may resume use of the available computer. At the discretion of staff, priority can be given to those working on school projects, taxes, etc., as opposed to gaming, social media use, and/or other related activities.
• Failure to comply with this Internet Access Policy, or misuse of the Library's networks or public use computers and accessories, may result in the loss of computer access privileges, potential loss of Library privileges, ad possible criminal prosecution.

This policy must be read and signed with every Library card application and/or renewal if users desire to maintain access to the Library's public use computers and Wi-Fi network.

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees on 4/13/2023.