The Watervliet Public Library provides public access to the Internet as a means of expanding the library’s reference resources. While most of the information accessible on the Internet is beneficial, individuals may encounter some material that is unreliable, offensive, or even illegal. The Watervliet Public Library is not responsible for the content of the Internet. Further, the library is not responsible for the unlawful use of the Internet by a patron, nor can it guarantee the privacy of a patron’s access to Internet sites.

Consistent with the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, it is the policy of this library not to limit access to any resource for any segment of the population. Free Access to information is the cornerstone of the American public library system. Embracing this philosophy, the Watervliet Public Library does not operate filtering software to restrict or screen the content of information available through the Internet.

The responsibility for monitoring children’s access to the Internet lies with the parent, not with the library. Parents cannot expect library staff to oversee their child’s selection and usage of Internet sites. The library requires written parental permission for children below grade nine to access the Internet, while children through grade four must be accompanied by a supervising adult.

Those who wish to use library computers to access the Internet must be registered library patrons who are also residents of Watervliet and who have no outstanding library fines. Patrons may sign up to access the Internet for one-half hour intervals which may be extended provided no other user is waiting. The Board of Trustees added Internet service to the Library’s vast array of resources upon the premise that the Internet is fundamentally a reference tool. While cognizant of the entertainment value afforded by this service, the Board has adopted the position that the Internet is provided as a powerful research medium for our patrons and its use for any less purpose is discouraged. For that reason, access to chat rooms will be limited to a period of one-half hour per day. The Watervliet Public Library reserves the right to withdraw Internet privileges from any patron for just cause shown.