The Smyth-Bland Regional Library is a popular materials center that provides a variety of formats and topics to meet high demand. The library serves as an open door to formal and informal learning through its programs, services, and materials for all age groups. To satisfy the desire of residents to gain an understanding of their own cultural heritage, the library also provides materials and programming directed toward an appreciation of the community and its diversity.


Smyth-Bland Regional Library (SBRL) provides public computers and Internet access as an integral part of the library’s mission to provide popular reading materials & varied formats, and to promote learning and cultural awareness. The global Internet network is available free of charge on an equitable basis to all library members in good standing and provides access to valuable local, state, national, and international sources of information. Public Internet computers are designed to deliver optimal benefits in the most cost effective manner. As a result of the unique nature of the Internet, the following policy has been developed for management, delivery, and safety.


The Internet is a non-regulated global information delivery network. Smyth Bland Regional Library endorses the right of an individual to access constitutionally protected materials, but reserves the right to establish appropriate Internet management policies. All Internet use by patrons and staff is filtered and subject to the legal standards established in federal, state, & local laws, and the library’s governing policies. Filtered Internet access standards are designed to protect the community, maintain a safe library environment, provide for the protection of children and are in compliance with the State Code of Virginia, § 42.1-36.1, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.

SBRL is not responsible for the quality, reliability, authenticity of subject matter, or quality of the content of accessed sites, nor can the library guarantee the reliability of Internet service, electronic components, or third party services. SBRL cannot accommodate all forms of media, hardware, software, or guarantee access to all sites, especially those that require downloads and add-ons.

Patrons are reminded that the Internet is not a secure medium and should use caution in transmitting and receiving information. The library is not responsible for any loss or compromise of information, either over the Internet or as a result of activity which occurs in the public "plain sight."

It is the responsibility of parents or guardians to monitor their children's use of all library materials and resources, including the Internet.

SBRL does provide options to save and print, but is not responsible for any loss of data, damage to disks or external devices, or equipment failure. Patrons are cautioned to use good security measures for their data and are reminded that SBRL is not liable for any negative situation that may arise as a result of public computer use.


Access to computers and the Internet at any of the Smyth-Bland Regional Library locations is provided free to all adults and authorized minors who are active library members, by presenting their library cards at the appropriate service desk. Internet authorization for minors between the ages of 8 and 18 is established with documented parental or guardian consent. Children younger than age 8 are allowed computer access under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, teacher or adult child-care provider.

Patrons may be limited to 30 minute sessions during periods of high demand and will as a general rule be regulated on a first come basis; however, patrons may request to reserve a computer in advance when more than thirty minutes of computer time is needed for research, homework, and/or special projects.

Computer/Internet patrons are reminded to practice good network etiquette and to be respectful of the rights of others. Acts that are prohibited include, but are not limited to the following: using inappropriate language, harassment of others, “cyber bullying”, vandalism, illegally downloading files, violating another person’s rights, tampering with the network.

No more than two people may use a station at one time, unless otherwise permitted by staff.

Library staff will provide as much basic assistance as time permits, but cannot be relied upon for in-depth research and/or training.

Patrons who have had as many as two computer sessions on any given day may be the first asked to leave in order to accommodate someone who has not been on a computer on that date.

Chat Lines and direct electronic communications are prohibited.

Full functionality of all sites including, but not limited to email, cannot be guaranteed.


The Standards of Intellectual Freedom and Confidentiality endorsed by the American Library Association and the Smyth Bland Regional Library Board of Trustees for confidentiality of patron records for traditional library media shall apply to electronic media.

All information is subject to federal, state, and local laws especially those relating to copyright, security, obscenity & pornography, materials harmful to juveniles, and other laws regarding electronic media. Violations can be subject to legal action.


Unlawful or harmful acts, destructive actions against computers and components, compromising network security, attempts to engage in harmful or destructive Internet activity, disruptive behavior, or violating the rights of others, will result in a first time warning for less extreme infractions. A second violation may result in the loss of computer privileges for a period of time ranging from 2 weeks to 6 months depending upon the severity. Extreme violations will result in immediate loss of computer/library privileges for more than six months and may result in legal action.

Patrons are not allowed to use library Internet stations, wireless connections, or any other type of SBRL provided communication system for illegal or disruptive purposes. Engaging in unlawful or disruptive activity may result in the loss of library privileges. Evidence of illegal activities may be gathered by appropriate law enforcement or government agencies and may be subject to prosecution for any and all illegal acts as defined by federal, state, and local laws. Accessing, displaying, or printing obscene or illegal material is a violation of the Code of Virginia. Specifically the Code of Virginia prohibits the use of library computers to: access child pornography VA Code §18.2-374.1:1; communicate threats VA Code §18.2-60; inappropriately display material harmful to juveniles VA Code §18.2-391, produce, publish, sell or possess obscene items VA Code §18.2-374, 18.2-374.1; or to facilitate certain offenses involving children VA Code §18.2-374.3. Federal law requires enforcement of a policy that protects against all access to obscenity and child pornography and that protects against access by minors to materials harmful to them (47 U.S.C. Sections 254(h)(6)(B)(i) and (C)(i) Violations of these laws will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

Copying, displaying, or the distribution of copyright protected materials is regulated by Federal Copyright laws (Title 17, U. S. Code). Any violation is subject to penalty.

The world-wide Internet exists as an unregulated separate entity. SBRL utilizes a filter and makes a good faith effort to hold Internet access to legal and acceptable standards, but cannot be held responsible for either the content or quality of accessed sites. Unfiltered access may be requested by adult patrons for valid research purposes, however, all access whether filtered or unfiltered is subject to federal, state, and local laws.


Patrons may use their personal laptop computers to access the library WI-FI network during business hours. This free service will be made available whenever possible and to as many patrons as possible. No printing services are available to WI-FI users. WI-FI access is filtered and cannot be changed by patrons. Patrons are responsible for troubleshooting their own personal computers and access setup.


Smyth-Bland Regional Library is committed to providing for the safety of all users, especially minors. It is the policy of Smyth-Bland Regional 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. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254 (h)].

As required by CIPA, blocking shall be applied to any material deemed harmful to minors. To the extent practical, technology protection measures shall be used to block or filter all Internet traffic, and/or other forms of electronic communications, to prevent access to obscene materials, child pornography, or any materials deemed harmful to minors including but not limited to: pictures, images, graphic images, and files.

Internet filters will only be removed by the on-duty supervising Internet Area staff for bona fide research by adult patrons. In the case of minors, subject to staff supervision, technology measures may be temporarily minimized only for bona fide research.

Smyth-Bland Regional Library promotes the safety and security of all users of the online computer network when using electronic mail. Email users are reminded to guard their personal information, only communicate with known and trusted sources, and keep all personal information strictly confidential. Chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications are prohibited.

As required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage is specifically forbidden including, but not limited to: unauthorized access or hacking, unlawful activities, unauthorized disclosure, use and/or dissemination of personal identification regarding minors.

It is the responsibility of all members of the Smyth-Bland Regional Library staff to educate, supervise, and monitor for appropriate usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.

Any disabling or modifying of technology protection measures and standards will be supervised by the Library Director and/or her designated representative.


This Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Policy was adopted by the Smyth-Bland Regional Library Board of Trustees at a public meeting following public notice.

Approved by Smyth-Bland Regional Library Board of Trustees 3/12/07
Revised and Approved by the Smyth-Bland Regional Library Board of Trustees 7/23/09