Orange County Branches That Offer Access

Here’s how libraries in Orange County stand in providing patrons with Internet access:

Orange County system. Branches in 21 cities and two unincorporated communities. Terminals now in five branches: Irvine (Heritage Park and University Park), San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Tustin. State and private grants obtained for nine more: Costa Mesa, Cypress, Dana Niguel, El Toro, Garden Grove, Laguna Niguel, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano and Stanton. Not filtered. Use policies vary by branch.

Anaheim. One terminal for staff use only. Forming a policy. Waiting to see outcome of Supreme Court decision on whether Internet content is protected by First Amendment.

Buena Park. No Internet access. “We plan on having it, but I can’t say when,” said a spokesman.

Fullerton. Three terminals in main library, two for public, one for staff. Not filtered. One public terminal may be reserved for one-hour sessions; the other is first come, first served, for 30-minute sessions. Must have adult library card (high school age or older). Children allowed if accompanied by parent. State grant obtained for more terminals in Hunt branch library.

Huntington Beach. Six terminals at central library--four in media room, two in children’s area near librarian’s desk. Children’s terminals are filtered. First come, first served. Parents used to sign form acknowledging library not responsible for child’s use of Internet, but practice has been discontinued. “Parents thought it was just a nuisance,” said a spokesman.

Newport Beach. Five terminals in main library--two for children only--and one in each branch. Not filtered. First come, first served, with 30-minute limit and waiting list. Children’s terminals automatically start at Internet search program designed for children, but children are not compelled to use it.

Orange. One terminal in main library and each branch. State grant received for more. Not filtered, but filters being considered. Children must have parents sign use agreement. Sessions limited to 30 minutes unless no one is waiting. Library board considering a formal policy.

Placentia. Seven terminals, two in children’s area. Must sign acknowledgment of library policies. Not filtered. Thirty-minute sessions.

Santa Ana. Six terminals in main library’s Learning Center devoted to homework and other school projects of first- through 12th-grade students. Must have local library card. Not filtered, but tutors supervise use. Similar learning centers planned for branch libraries. Expansion for adult use planned.

Yorba Linda. Internet access for staff only. Access for patrons scheduled for July 1998. Public use policies being studied.