The Ventura County Library (VCL) values intellectual freedom. The Internet offers legitimate, helpful, and educational information. The Internet may contain material of a controversial nature. However, the Library cannot control the Internet or its contents. VCL neither censors adult access to material nor protects adult users from information that they find offensive.

Privacy : Patrons may be required to use their library barcodes to access the public computers. The Library does not keep records of patrons’ Internet use or computing information; the library gathers statistical information only on use of public computers. Privacy screens are available for patron security and confidentiality.

Internet Safety: Parents and guardians of minors 17 and under are responsible for their child’s use of the Internet at the library. The Library offers filtered Internet access for minors. Filtered Internet access is software that attempts to block sites that parents typically find objectionable for minors.

• No filtering software package is 100% effective. The Library cannot and does not guarantee that the filtering software will block all objectionable material
• Minors are provided filtered access to Internet computers. The library staff may request identification for age verification. Individuals without appropriate identification will be restricted to a filtered computer for access.
• While the Library’s filtering software does block chat, email accounts are not blocked which may raise safety and security concerns
• Unfiltered Internet access is available to minors if the parent/guardian has signed a permission form.
• For a listing of filtered categories, please see our filtering page.

Responsibilities of Computer users:  The library environment is a public facility and used by individuals of all ages. Disruptive behavior or failure to comply with VCL policy or library staff directions may result in loss of Internet privileges, expulsion from the library, or prosecution under local, state, or federal laws. The library is not responsible for loss or corruption of data, including theft of personal information or damage to personal electronic devices.

Computer users must also follow the posted Rules of Library Behavior and

• be respectful of others when viewing sites that others may find objectionable
• be respectful of others by keeping volume low when using headphones so as not to disrupt fellow library users
• be protective of personal information that is sent via the Internet

• Wireless network instructions are provided at the library’s main desk
• Library staff cannot provide technical assistance
• Wireless computer users must use their own wireless-capable devices to access the Internet
• Computer users of the wireless network use the service at their own risk
• Power cords strung across aisles are a safety hazard and are not allowed
• There is no printing available from the wireless network

Copyright and Software License:
The copyright laws of the United States (Title 17, US Code) prohibit the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, including software duplication, except as permitted by principles of fair use. The person making the copy is liable for any copyright infringement.

Illegal and Unacceptable Uses: Unacceptable uses include but are not limited to:

• Criminal activities that violate federal, CA or local laws including fraud, and child pornography
• Sending unsolicited emails (spamming), unauthorized access to networks (hacking), or attempting to gather personal information (phishing)
• Damaging equipment, belonging to VCL including computer privacy screens
• Installing and or using unapproved software on library computers
• Degrading performance or disrupting network users

Computers are shut down ~ ten minutes before library closing time.

Ventura County Library - COMPUTER, INTERNET, and WIRELESS ACCESS POLICY - 6/2006