Internet Use Policy

At the Albright Memorial Library

Scranton Public Library provides public access to the Internet via a local area network connected to a high-speed T-1 line. Access to this network is free to:

     Any adult member in good standing of the Lackawanna County Library System (LCLS);

     Any juvenile member in good standing accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; {Note: Special access policies apply to juveniles not accompanied by a parent or guardian. In the case of juveniles under 13 or not yet having completed 6th grade, use is limited to the workstations in the Children’s Library – not including those in the Computer Lab. Juveniles 13 thru 16 may use those computer workstations in the Albright Library that are designated as filtered. Patrons 17 and older may use any workstation in the Albright Library.}

     Any purchaser of a non-resident LCLS card; and,

     Any holder of a valid library card from another Pennsylvania library that participates in the Access Pennsylvania Statewide Library Card program; and,

     Any holder of a valid "Net Only" card.

In accordance with current state and federal laws, the library exercises its right to selectively employ filtering technology to block access to images that are obscene, pornographic, or harmful to minors (age 16 and under). However, filters are not 100% effective and may not filter images that should be blocked, and, conversely, may block images that should not be blocked. Consequently, library staff may, at their discretion, temporarily disable the filter to permit access to an appropriate site, or in the case of an inappropriate site that was not filtered, request that the patron exit the site in question.

Currently, there are no specific time limits on the use of the computers, but the Library reserves the right to limit Internet to one 60-minute session per day, if the situation demands. Reservations are not presently necessary, but presentation of a valid library card is required.

Library staff will assist patrons in getting connected to the Internet, but searching for specific materials and information is the user’s responsibility. The Library provides free classes in the use of the Internet for those who are interested. A listing of times and availability is published monthly. Call 348-3000, ext. 3038, for more information.

Printing is available, subject to fees and limitations established by the library. Users are reminded that material on the Internet may be subject to the copyright law of the United States (U.S. Code; Title 17). See NOTICE posted at all print stations.
The following restrictions apply to all individuals who access the Internet over the Library’s network:

Users may not make unauthorized disclosure of, use of, or dissemination of a minor’s personal information by means of the Internet, e-mail, or any other electronic technology. Minors must have the authorization of their parents or guardians to disclose their own personal information.

Users must be careful not to expose themselves to dangerous situations. Users must be cautious when using e-mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, discussion groups, newsgroups, game rooms, and all other forms of communications. Any attempt to alter workstation or network settings or any attempt to defeat Library security programs will be viewed as a serious matter and may result in the loss of access privileges on a temporary or permanent basis. The Library reserves the right to expand or change the list of prohibited uses without notice.

While there is much of value on the Internet, patrons are reminded that no one regulates the Internet and its content. Consequently, the Library cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information found. Users are also cautioned that they may encounter material that is offensive. As the Library is a public building for the use of all, users are asked to be considerate of others. The Library reserves the right to request viewers to change web pages. The Library assumes no responsibility for damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of this service.

Use of the Library’s Internet service constitutes acceptance by the user of all pertinent Library rules, regulations, and policies.

(Adopted by Scranton Public Library Board of Trustees June 27, 2002)