Welcome to the Westchester Library System's Internet Access. When you hear the term "information superhighway," many people think of the Internet. To maximize availability to this resource, and to insure fair accessibility for all, please follow these Internet Access Guidelines, which include our Internet policies, rules and procedures. In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the County, the Westchester Library System and its member public libraries endeavor to develop services that meet the cultural, informational, educational, and recreational needs of Westchester County's diverse, multicultural community. Internet access is available on selected terminals for all users of the Westchester Library System's member public libraries. Access to the Internet is compatible with the System's endorsement of the Library Bill of Rights; the Freedom to Read Statement; the Freedom to View; Access to Electronic Information Services and Networks; and with the policies, goals and objectives of this public library. The Internet allows users to connect to networks of resources outside of the library. The Westchester Library System and its member libraries have no control over these resources nor do they have complete knowledge of what is on the Internet. The System and its member libraries do not warrant the information available through its Internet connection to be accurate, authoritative, factual, timely or useful, and do not endorse the content of the networked information available. The System and its member libraries do not monitor and have no control over the information accessed through the Internet, and they cannot be held responsible for the content of the networked information available through its Internet connection.
The Westchester Library System and its member libraries assume no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of its electronic services, or from its connections to other Internet services through Netcom. Library users access the Internet at their own discretion. As with other library materials, the restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian. With regard to children and teenagers, we recommend that parents take an active interest in, and responsibility for their children's online use. While young people need a certain amount of privacy, they also need parental involvement and supervision in their daily lives. The same general skills that apply to daily life apply while online. It is not acceptable to use the Westchester Library System Internet for purposes contrary to state or federal laws. It is not acceptable to use the WLS Internet so as to interfere with or distrupt other users, services or equipment. This includes, but is not limited to, distribution of unsolicited advertising, so-called chain letters, "spamming," propagation of computer worms, viruses, installation of .suid or .rhosts files, or any attempt whatsoever to go to superuser status. No attempts at "cracking"--whether internal or external--will be tolerated. Such activities may result in loss of system privileges and criminal prosecution. Use of the WLS Internet gateway/connection is intended for private, non-commercial activities, and does not permit unauthorized sales and marketing of products or services. It is assumed that information and resources accessible through the WLS Internet connection are private to the individuals and organizations which own or hold rights to such resources and information, unless it is specifically stated otherwise by these owners or holders of rights. In particular, it is important to respect the legal protection that is provided by copyright and licenses to programs and data. Library staff will assist patrons with Internet use as time permits, but cannot offer personal instruction. Formal instruction or information on the Internet may be offered by various Westchester Library System member libraries at designated times. Please see the reference librarian for details. Information and resources on the Internet enhance those already held in the library and often go beyond what is locally available. Users are encouraged to take advantage of the Internet and to exercise good judgment and discretion in their use of it. Current books and videos on the Internet may be available at various member libraries. The WLS Internet Policy was approved by the Westchester Library System Board of Trustees, February 27, 1996.