Public Computing

Computer availability:

  • Computers are available on a first-come-first-served basis.  

  • Computers are available for unlimited use unless there is a waiting list.

  • Computer users are expected to obey the time limits set up for each computer in the Library.

  • Telephone reservations will not be taken.

Various computer access groups are available at the Library as follows:

  • Online Public Catalog Computers

    • These computers are available for use by any Library users regardless of age or card privileges and do not permit Internet access. These computers function solely to access the Library’s online catalog and are intended to facilitate individual research regarding library holdings and materials.  

  • Public Access Computers - Library Floor

    • These computers are available to Library cardholders over the age of seven whose accounts carry no more than $5 in accrued fines and fees.  

    • Cardholders may use these computers for a unlimited use unless there is a waiting list. 

    • Digital Access Cards are available for non-cardholders upon request at the Service Desk. These are reusable unlimited access cards for the library's public computers.

    • Black & white printouts are available for 10 cents per page. 

    • Color printouts are available for 25 cents per page.

    • All print jobs are sent to the Pharos Print station where they may be retrieved by inserting cash (up to $5) or printed and paid by credit card at the Service desk with a $1 service fee for credit card use.

Saving Information:

  • Information may be saved using a portable USB device such as flash or jump drives.

  • USB drives are available for purchase for $5 each at the Service Desk.

  • The computer hard drive (C:) is not available as a storage device.

  • The CD-ROM drive of Library computers is read-only: certain CD-ROMs may not display correctly if the partial installation of software is required.

  • No unauthorized or outside computer software may be downloaded or installed on any Library computer.

Staff Assistance:

Staff will assist library users in getting started with basic computer use as staff time and availability of trained personnel permits. Regrettably, the staff is not able to offer extensive explanations, training regarding the Internet or personal computer use, nor can the Library guarantee that appropriately-trained staff will be available to assist users at all times the Library is open.

Misuse of a Library computer or network may result in the loss of computer privileges, WIFI access, and/or loss of library privileges and possible prosecution. Damages resulting from the misuse are the responsibility of the user or, in the case of minors, the parent or guardian.

Internet Use Policy

The Library makes the Internet available to Library cardholders over the age of seven whose accounts carry no more than $5 in accrued fines and fees.  Digital Access Cards are also available for non-cardholders upon request and application.

Not all the information available via the Internet is accurate, current, or complete, and the Library makes no guarantee, either expressed or implied, with respect to the quality or content of the information accessed therein.  Similarly, users are cautioned that ideas, points of view, and images can be found on the Internet that is controversial, divergent, and/or inflammatory.  The provision of Internet access does not mean or imply that the Library endorses or sanctions the content or point of view of any of the information or commentary that may be found online.

Parents and/or guardians are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children and/or minor charges.

All Library networks including public WIFI have filtering devices installed for the purpose of blocking certain materials that are deemed harmful to minors in accordance with state law, as well as those that may be considered obscene or offensive.* However, due to the Internet's capability to constantly change and establish new sites, user expertise, and other technology, even filters cannot ensure that obscene and/or other offensive materials are not accessible.   The City of Wichita Falls makes no guarantee that such access will not occur even with the use of filters.

If an adult is unable to access a filtered site, he/she may request an override for that specific site for a period of one (1) hour.

If a minor (seventeen years or younger) is unable to access a filtered site, the one-hour override can be granted only at the request of their parent or guardian of record.

Internet users are cautioned that the security and privacy of any personal information entered online may be vulnerable to unauthorized access and use, so much so that online transactions and communications should be considered public.

The Library is a public area to be shared by users of all ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities.  Library staff cannot consistently and effectively monitor the public’s use of the Internet, and individuals are asked to consider others when accessing potentially controversial and/or offensive information and images. Should a patron make a legitimate complaint regarding another individual’s use of the Internet whether using Library owned equipment or via a personal device, the Library reserves the right to terminate any computer session or access to the WIFI network.  Repeated disregard for Library policy may result in the suspension or barring from the Library’s computer & network resources and/or barred from the premises entirely.  Illegal activity involving the Library’s Internet or network resources will be subject to prosecution by the appropriate authorities.

*From the Texas Penal Code 43.22 regarding obscene display:

§ 43.22. Obscene Display or Distribution

     (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly displays or distributes an obscene photograph, drawing, or similar visual representation or other obscene material and is reckless about whether a person is present who will be offended or alarmed by the display or distribution.

     (b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.

Acts 1973, 63rd Leg., p. 883, ch. 399, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1974. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 900, § 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

And further:

§ 43.24. Sale, Distribution, or Display of Harmful Material to Minor

     (a) For purposes of this section:

     (1) "Minor" means an individual younger than 18 years.

     (2) "Harmful material" means material whose dominant theme taken as a whole:

     (A) appeals to the prurient interest of a minor, in sex, nudity, or excretion;

     (B) is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable for minors; and

     (C) is utterly without redeeming social value for minors.

     (b) A person commits an offense if, knowing that the material is harmful:

     (1) and knowing the person is a minor, he sells, distributes, exhibits, or possesses for sale, distribution, or exhibition to a minor harmful material;

     (2) he displays harmful material and is reckless about whether a minor is present who will be offended or alarmed by the display; or

     (3) he hires, employs, or uses a minor to do or accomplish or assist in doing or accomplishing any of the acts prohibited in Subsection (b)(1) or (b)(2).

     (c) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the sale, distribution, or exhibition was by a person having scientific, educational, governmental, or other similar justification.

     (c-1) it is a defense to prosecution under this section that the actor was the spouse of the minor at the time of the offense.

     (d) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor unless it is committed under Subsection (b)(3) in which event it is a felony of the third degree.

Acts 1973, 63rd Leg., p. 883, ch. 399, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1974. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 900, § 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1994. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 497, Sec 1 eff. September 1, 2011.

Internet Etiquette

Responsible, courteous use of the Internet includes, but is not limited to:

  • Refraining from illegal or unethical use of the Internet, to include viewing illegal sites, such as those promoting child pornography.

  • Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; and by not seeking disallowed access to any computer system via the Internet.

  • Refraining from the transmission of threatening, harassing, or abusive language and images.

  • Refraining from damaging or altering the setup of the equipment or software used to access the Internet at the Library, including the deliberate propagation of computer worms and viruses.

  • Respecting intellectual property rights by making only authorized copies of copyrighted, licensed, or otherwise controlled software or data residing on the Internet.

  • Refraining from using the Library’s Internet resources to conduct a business or commercial enterprise, or engage in commercial activity such as the distribution of advertising.