The Richland Public Library’s collections, resources, and services are guided by the informational, educational, and recreational needs of our diverse community. It is within this context that the library offers access to the Internet.

Accessing the Internet

To access the Internet on a public computer, a patron must use their own library card number. A visitor who does not have a library card may request an Internet guest pass at the front desk.

Richland Public Library card holders may have up to three hours of access to the Internet per day using a library computer. Guest passes will allow up to two hours of access to the Internet per day using a library computer. Access is given in one hour increments and is automatically extended based on computer availability. Extensions beyond these daily limits may be requested at the service desk and will be provided based on computer availability.

Computers in the children’s section of the library are designated for use by children ages 12 and under or adults accompanied by children ages 12 and under. Adults not accompanied by children must use computers in the primary public computer area.

Card holders and guests are allowed unlimited use of the library’s Wi-Fi on their own devices.

Internet Filtering

In compliance with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the library provides filtered access to the Internet for all users. Individuals, 18 years of age and older, can request unfiltered Internet access from a library service desk. Filtering does not guarantee that all obscene materials and sites that pose security risks will be blocked.

A patron may request that library staff consider allowing access to a website that is blocked. Library staff will determine if access can be allowed.

Parental Responsibility

Parents or guardians, not the library or its staff, are responsible for their children’s use of the Internet through the library’s connection. When applying for a child’s library card, parents or guardians who do not want their child to have access to the Internet must notify library staff.

General Internet Use Precautions

Users should be aware that the Internet is not always a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities.

Not all information on the Internet is accurate, current, or complete. Library users are encouraged to be critical consumers and to evaluate the validity of information carefully.

It is recommended that those working on important documents save their progress. If the computer inadvertently resets, document progress following the last time it was saved will be lost and is unrecoverable.

The Richland Public Library does not assume responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of the Library's technology resources, services, or Internet or wireless connections.

Rules Governing Use of Library Computers

At each log-in, a library computer user must complete an agreement acknowledging these rules.

Failure to comply with the following rules may result in loss of computer privileges, loss of library privileges, civil trespass, and/or criminal prosecution.

1. Users must always obey the Library Standards of Patron Behavior.
2. Log on using your own library card or guest pass number.
3. There is a charge for printing from public computers (see Fee Schedule). You must pay before printing.
4. Respect others’ privacy in a public environment by not attempting to observe, obstruct, or distract others’ computer use.
5. Use personal headphones when listening to audio content and keep the volume low so you do not disturb others.
6. Users may not send, receive, or display text or graphics that may reasonably be construed as obscene.
7. End your session when you are finished using the computer and vacate the workstation. By doing so, this protects the privacy of your session and deletes the history of your use.
8. Whether or not they are in use, computers located in the Children’s Area are for the exclusive use of children ages 12 and under and their accompanying caregivers.
9. You may not download files on library computers unless using supported media. The library is not responsible for damage to your media or for corruption of your data, including damage caused by mechanical malfunction or corruption caused by a virus or spyware infection while using library computers. Do not attempt to run or execute programs or applications from personal storage media.
10. The public may only use computers for legal purposes. Examples of unacceptable use include, but are not limited to: harassment of others; libeling or slandering others; destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library or others; disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications; or unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material.

• Adopted by the Richland Public Library Board of Trustees on December 7, 1995.
• Amended July 6, 2000, April 4, 2002, September 5, 2002, September 9, 2004, April 10, 2007, September 9, 2008, September 2, 2014, and November 8, 2022.