Internet Access |  Internet Use |  Internet Search Engines | 

Available at all locations. Contact the Adult Services Department for more information.

This self-service system turns your library card into a combination login pass and debit card, allowing access to the Internet and printing. It is currently available at the computer centers in Hagerstown and Clear Spring. There are some necessary conditions for using SAM:

• A valid library card in good standing is required to use SAM. A valid card is defined as one without blocks, excess fines, past expiration, or otherwise barred.
• Maryland residents may apply for a library card with proper ID, or may register a valid library card from another Maryland library system.
• Out-of-state library visitors may be issued a visitor’s card, a temporary ID useable for one session that day only.

You will need to register your library account number (the number on the back of your library card) with the system and choose a PIN number. Afterwards, you will be able to use your card to log onto an available computer or sign into a waiting queue.

1. Go to the Information Desk and swipe your library card under the registration scanner. You will be shown a ticket number on the scanner’s display monitor. If you miss your ticket number, a second swipe of the card will display it again.
2. If there is an opening, you will immediately be given the number of an Internet terminal that has been assigned to you.
3. If there isn’t an immediate opening, SAM will put you into a waiting queue. You will need to watch for your ticket number to appear in the large display monitor above the Information Desk. Once it appears, it will tell you which computer you have been assigned to and how long you have to log onto that computer. It is your responsibility to watch for your name to appear as the librarians are unable to monitor the waiting queue.
4. Once you have been assigned to a computer, you have five minutes to log onto this computer in order to start your Internet session. Your session timer begins only after you have successfully logged in.
5. Note: If you do not log onto the assigned computer within the five-minute window, SAM will automatically assign the computer to the next person in the waiting queue. You will need to rescan your library card to get back on the waiting queue.
6. You may use the Internet for up to one hour, one login only per day. You will be given a warning message when your session nears the end. The computer will automatically log off at the end of the session if you have not already done so.

If you need to print, money may be added to your library card by using a SAM pay station or with the aid of a librarian at the Information Desk.

1. Scan your library card or punch in the account number at the pay station and follow the instructions on the machine. First time SAM users must have their cards registered into the SAM system prior to using the pay station.
2. When prompted, feed the desired amount of money into the machine. Please note that the SAM pay station does not make change.
3. When printing from the computers, SAM will display a message showing the cost of the print job and money available on your card. SAM will not print if there are insufficient funds.

Washington County Free Library provides for the information and life long learning needs of our community. The Library recognizes that the Internet can enable citizens to access information from around the globe, and therefore has made a commitment to provide free Internet access to all Washington County citizens. The Internet enables the Library to provide a wealth of information services that goes beyond its traditional collection and resources and which would be too extensive and costly to acquire in print format.

The Internet is a global network of networks operated by a variety of providers and creators. The Library has no control over the resources these entities make available to Internet users.

• Not all sources on the Internet have information that is accurate, complete, current, legal or philosophically acceptable to all citizens.
• The Library is unable to monitor or control the content of the materials on the Internet, which change rapidly and unpredictably.
• Parents and guardians of children under the age of 18 are responsible for their children's use of the Internet. The Library urges parents to have frank, open and frequent discussions with their children concerning what they consider proper use of the Internet.
• Activities which disrupt the Library or its network are prohibited.
• Like all Library resources, the Web Access terminals must be shared and used in a manner which respects the rights of others. Users are limited to one login per day for a maximum of 60 minutes use including downloading and printing. One terminal in the Computing Literacy Center is limited to a total of 30 minutes use.
• Viewing of pages which display graphic sexual content or nudity is inappropriate for a public and open environment and is prohibited.
• The Web Access computer equipment and software must be used as installed. Attempts to reconfigure the system, install new software or run personal software are prohibited.
• Printing is available using a print management system. There is a cost for printing. Duplication of certain materials may be prohibited under U. S. Copyright laws.
• Downloading is permitted.

Violation of these rules and procedures will result in loss of Web Access privileges.