The Library will provide public access to the Internet and will comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), including filtered Internet access for youth under 17 years of age.

In accordance with the policy on Data Retention of Library Records, the Library will release records, including those relating to the Internet, only as required by law.

When accessing the Internet, library users must comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, including laws governing copyright and the transmission and dissemination of information.

Violation of this Policy may result in loss of computer access or forfeiture of the users' computer time.

Unlawful activities will be dealt with in an appropriate manner. The library reserves the right to revise this policy as necessary.

Internet Filters will be disabled when applicable.

1. Users must register using their library card for a session on an assigned computer. Adjustments in the time of each session may be made depending on availability of computers.

2. On-site users will be assigned computers on a first-come, first-served basis.

3. Children and teens have priority over adults to computers designated for children and teens.

4. Filters will be disabled in certain circumstances, as allowed by law.

Due to the limited resources available for provision of public access to the Internet, the Library reserves the right to limit the amount of time of each computer session to two sessions per building per day. Users are reminded that the Library's computers are located in public areas that are shared with Library users and staff of all ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities. Individuals are expected to consider this diversity and respect the rights of others when accessing potentially offensive information or images.

The Internet is an unregulated resource. The Library cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the information contained therein and is not responsible for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connection to the Internet. When accessing the Internet the public must comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, including laws governing copyright and the transmission and dissemination of information.

Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users' activities. The Library respects the confidentiality of those using its electronic resources, and will release library records only as required by law.

To achieve an atmosphere conducive to the best use of its resources the Library has developed the following rules regarding the use of public computers:

1. Users must be courteous and respectful when using computers and conform to the Rules of Conduct from the "Public Behavior in the Library"

2. Users must adhere to this "Policy and Guidelines for Responsible Internet Use."

3. Users must use their own library card (or guest card) to register for an assigned session. Time adjustments may be made depending on availability.

4. Users should not display images, sounds, or messages in a way that will negatively affect those who find them objectionable or offensive.

5. Children and teens have priority over adults to computers designated for children and teens.

6. All adults using computers designated for adults must use privacy screens. Adults using computers designated for children and teens must adhere to rules regarding computer use by children and teens.

7. Users must perform their own searches, though staff will provide assistance.

8. Computers may be used by two people when their behavior is not disruptive.

9. Printing must be completed 15 minutes before the Library closes, using paper provided by the Library.

10. Computer disks are available for a fee, currently $1 each. Users may use their own disks.

11. The Library is not responsible for loss of documents or information due to viruses or other problems.

12. At the end of each session, users will close all applications and log out.

13. Computers are automatically turned off 15 minutes before the library closes.

1. Use Library computers to access material that is legally defined as obscenity, child pornography, or, in the case of minors, harmful to minors.

2. Use the network for unauthorized access or "hacking" into any computational, informational or communication services or resources.

3. Distribute unsolicited advertising.

4. Invade the privacy of others by misrepresenting oneself as another user or attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to others.

5. Add, delete, or modify the installed hardware or software.

6. Engage in any activity that is harassing or defamatory.

7. Deliberately propagate computer worms or viruses.

We will comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). This will enable the Library to continue to be eligible for certain federal funding. CIPA states that all computers with Internet access use technology protection measures, i.e. filters, to protect against visual depictions of obscenity, child pornography, and in the case of minors, material defined as harmful to minors. Adult users 17 and over have the option to be provided unfiltered access. The Library affirms the right of all users to access constitutionally protected material.

As with all Library services, parents and caregivers are responsible for supervising their children's access to the Library's materials and resources. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to learn about the Internet and help their children use it wisely. The public should bear in mind that no filters are foolproof and may "underblock" (permit access to material that is prohibited by CIPA) and "overblock" (deny access to materials that are constitutionally protected.)

The Library has taken certain measures to assist in the safe and effective use of these resources by all minors (youths 16 and under). The Library directs minors away from inappropriate material on the Internet, including material that is harmful to minors by:

1. Developing and maintaining age appropriate web sites for children and teens.

2. Developing and providing training programs and printed materials on safe and effective Internet use.

3. Encouraging minors to follow safety and security guidelines when using electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications.

For additional tips and suggestions please see the American Library Association's page, Especially for Children and Their Parents.

 

Approved by the Board of Trustees, May 18, 2004