Mission Statement

The Wayland Free Library offers public access to all patrons as part of its mission to provide
information of all types in a wide range of formats to meet its goal of “enriching quality of life by providing
educational, recreational, aesthetic and information resources,” including the Internet.
Introduction:
The Southern Tier Library System assists the Wayland Free Library in providing Internet access and
connects the library to the regional integrated library system for resource sharing. The Internet is a global
electronic network, and its resources contain a wide variety of material and opinions. The Internet, as an
information resource, enables the Library to provide information beyond the confines of its own collection. It
allows access to ideas, information and commentary from around the globe. Currently, however, it is an
unregulated medium. The library cannot warranty the timeliness, accuracy or validity of the information,
availability of links, or regulate the materials some may find offensive. The Wayland Free Library does not
monitor and has no control over the information viewed through the Internet and cannot be responsible for its
content.
It is the policy of the Wayland Free Library to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or
transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail , or other forms of direct electronic
communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized
online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with
the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub.L. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].
Privacy:
The contents of the Southern Tier Library System wide- area network and integrated library system are
confidential; unauthorized users are prohibited from attempting to gain access to the network or stored
information. The library uses firewall equipment, software, and other means to protect the confidentiality of
library records as required in New York law. In addition records are maintained only as long as needed to
conduct library business. However, it is not possible to guarantee privacy of information stored on network
servers or information and communication, including e-mail that travels across the wide-area network.
Evaluating Internet Resources:
In an effort to assist users, the library web site has links to Internet resources for the general population,
for teens, and for children to help them find web sites that are accurate, complete, and current. The Library
offers training for patrons to assist them in using the Internet in a safe and effective manner.
Internet Filtering:
All networked Internet enabled library computers are filtered using SmartFilter Bess. This filtering
system will, at a minimum, block access to the three categories of visual depictions specified by the Federal
Children’s Internet Protection Act- visual depictions of material deemed child pornography, obscene, or any
material deemed harmful to minors. Children’s computers are filtered to a higher level to include STLS
blocking of such categories as anonymizers, criminal skills, extreme, malicious sites, phishing, and spyware.
The filtering mechanism may be disabled for adults age 17 or older for bona fide research or other lawful
purposed on request in a reasonable time and, if appropriate, made less restrictive for minors with parental
supervision. Also keep in mind that no filtering system is 100% effective. A filter may allow objectionable
information to be accessed. It is the responsibility of parents or legal guardians to monitor the Internet use of
their minor children.