West Allis, Wisconsin Scenes of West Allis

Library

The Internet is made available at the West Allis Public Library as a means of providing access to collections, resources, and ideas that meet the cultural, educational, and informational needs of the community. The Internet contains a vast amount of ever-changing materials and ideas - none of which are directly controlled by the West Allis Public Library. Consequently, the West Allis Public Library shall not be held responsible for the content and/or reliability of information accessed. Additionally, the West Allis Public Library affirms the duty of parents or guardians to direct and oversee their children's use of the Internet. Library staff reserves the right to restrict any use of the Internet, which causes a disturbance.

Due to the evolving nature of the internet and cd-rom services, policies are subject to change without notice and at the library's discretion

Internet Access:

  • Parents are welcomed and encouraged to use the Internet with their own children.
  • Parents have the primary responsibility to guide and direct their own child or children in the use of the library's resources, including the Internet. The Children's Department maintains folders with information at each Internet station on recommended sites for children, as well as information for parents concerned about safe Internet access.
  • Supervision must be provided for children under the age of seven by a person twelve years or older.
  • Patrons are asked to discontinue use of the Internet five minutes before the library closes.
  • Computers booked in advance will be held no longer than ten minutes after the scheduled appointment. If the scheduled user does not appear within ten minutes of the reserved time, that computer will be reopened, and the booked time is void.

Adult Services Reserved Workstations

  • These computers require that the users hold a valid Milwaukee County Federated Library System (MCFLS) card. Reservations will be accepted for one hour per day booked on the nearest half hour. Users in the Adult Department must be 15 years of age or older.
  • Before accessing the Internet, users must sign up with library staff and provide their valid (MCFLS) library card.
  • Reservations will be accepted by phone or in person no more than 24 hours in advance.

Adult Services Walk-In Workstations

  • Computers are available on a walk-in basis.
  • Users must sign in with library staff.
  • Anyone age 15 or older may use these computers for a limit of one hour per day booked on the nearest half hour. Proof of age may be requested and if none is provided patrons will be referred to the Children's Department.
  • These workstations may be reserved in person only for that same day.
  • No reservations will be accepted by telephone.
  • Only one Internet reservation may be made (limit one hour) per day.

Children's Department

  • Parents have the primary responsibility to guide and direct their own children in the use of the Internet.
  • Internet Computers in the Children's Department are available to users under age 15.
  • Children have priority for Internet Services in the Children's Department.
  • Internet use for adults is available on a walk-in basis only if the computer is not being used by a child. Adults must relinquish use if a child requests to use the workstation.

Children's Department Reserved Workstations

  • The child's own valid MCFLS library card or a parent's card with permission is necessary to use the reserved Children's Department Internet computers. Users must leave this card with the librarian before using the Internet computer.
  • Reservations are accepted by phone or in person no more than 24 hours in advance.
  • Children under the age of seven must be supervised when using computers. Supervision must be provided by a person twelve years or older.

Children's Department Walk-in Workstations

  • Computer is available on a walk-in basis.
  • Users must sign in with the Children's Department library staff.
  • This workstation may be reserved in person only for that same day.
  • No reservations will be accepted by telephone.

Filtering Software

The library has installed filtering software on public access internet computers in the Children's Department. The library supports unrestricted access to the Internet for individuals and opposes censorship of any information available over the Internet. The library does employ filtering software in the Children's Department to limit access to graphic materials that are inappropriate for public display, to the extent that current technology allows. Users should be aware that no filtering software is foolproof: occasionally, a useful site may be blocked or access is allowed to a site that some might find objectionable. Library staff reserves the right to restrict any use of the Internet, which causes a disturbance.

Downloading/Uploading

Due to the threat of computer viruses and limited hard disk space availability, users are prohibited from downloading, uploading, or saving files.

Staff Assistance

The library staff can assist with basic questions and help users get started on the Internet. Staff can suggest information as to where users may receive appropriate training. Books, manuals, and other materials will also be made available. However, the needs of all library patrons limit the amount of time staff can spend with each Internet user.

Printing

Most of the Internet workstations have printers attached. Users are asked to conserve paper by printing only necessary information.

CD-ROM Resources

Licensing restrictions may limit the number of users who may have access to any one source at a time. There is a fifteen minute limit on CD-ROM resources when another user is waiting.

Misuse of Computer Equipment:

  • Anyone who knowingly alters, manipulates, removes, renames, replaces or otherwise damages files, programs, commands, and/or settings on computer software, hardware, and/or peripherals, is subject to West Allis City Ordinance number 2.28 (3), and all provisions of same. Patrons are expected to respect and follow the precepts of the posted Library Code of Conduct.
  • Because the screens of Internet workstations may be viewed by patrons in the library other than the user, displays of sexually explicit or violent materials are prohibited. Additionally, Internet workstations may only be used for legal purposes. Activities that are specifically prohibited include, but are not limited to: harassment, or libel of others, attempts to circumvent computer security systems, or violations of local, state or federal laws.

Copyright Considerations:

United States copyright law Title 17 of the United States Code prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by "fair use" precepts. Internet users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs, or data) without the expressed permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user. The West Allis Public Library cannot be held responsible for any liability or responsibility resulting from illegal use.

Revision adopted by board of Trustees March 23, 1999, effective immediately

 City of West Allis photo
West Allis Library
7421 W. National Ave
West Allis, WI 53214
(414) 302-8503
Email
Map
Library Director
Mike Koszalka
Hours
Monday 9:00 - 9:00
Tuesday 12:00 - 9:00
Wednesday 9:00 - 9:00
Thursday 12:00 - 9:00
Friday 9:00 - 6:00
Saturday 9:00 - 6:00
Sunday 1:00 - 5:00
(Sundays October - April only)
Adult Reference
(414) 302-8500
Circulation
(414) 302-8503
Childrens
(414) 302-8502
Administration
(414) 302-8501