INTERNET ACCESS POLICY
The Minerva Public Library provides open access to the Internet as an integral part of its mission. By providing Internet service in the building, the Library enhances its existing collection in size and depth, and can “level the playing field” by providing every patron with access to this valuable resource.
INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM & APPROPRIATE USE
The same standards of intellectual freedom, privacy, and confidentiality endorsed by the Library apply to all the resources and services it provides. The Library has a policy of open access to all parts of its collections, including access to the Internet. The Library does not restrict use based on age or place of residence, and generally does not prioritize use based on information need.
The Library seeks to protect the First Amendment rights of its patrons and their individual right to privacy. However, Internet users must be sensitive to the fact that workstations are in public areas and, therefore, images on the screen are subject to view by a wide audience. The workstations owned and operated by the Minerva Public Library will be used for educational, informational, entertainment, and recreational purposes only; they may not be used for illegal purposes or for displaying graphics that may be reasonably construed as obscene.
Misuse of the computers or Internet connection may result in the loss of Library computer privileges.
INTERNET SAFETY POLICY
It is the policy of Minerva Public 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)].
INAPPROPRIATE INTERNET USAGE
The Minerva Public Library has installed filtering software on our computers with internet access through its network, to protect against access to obscene visual depictions, child pornography, and/or other material harmful to minors, as required by law.
The filter may unintentionally block sites that have legitimate research value and fail to block objectionable content. Users should be aware that Internet filtering software installed for CIPA compliance should not substitute for individual judgment and/or parental involvement and oversight.
As the law requires, the Library will disable filtered Internet access to persons 18 or older who request it for bona fide research or any other lawful purposes. Minerva Public Library staff may request technology protection measure/filtering software to be disabled if necessary to perform their work duties. Procedures for disabling the measures shall be the responsibility of the Library Director or designated representatives.
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Minerva Public Library online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.
Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.
EDUCATION, SUPERVISION & PRIVACY
The Library affirms and acknowledges the rights and responsibilities of parents and caregivers to monitor and determine their children's access to Library materials and resources, including those available through the Internet.
Parents or caregivers are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Children, defined as individuals under 18 years of age, who use the Internet unsupervised, may be exposed to inappropriate or disturbing information and images. Parents are encouraged to discuss the use of the Internet in relation to family values and boundaries with their children and teens and to monitor their children/teen’s use of the Internet.
PUBLIC ACCESS
Users are cautioned that, because security in an electronic environment such as the Internet cannot be guaranteed, all transactions, files, and communications are vulnerable to unauthorized access and use and, therefore, should be considered public.
Internet access in the Library is available on computers that are located in open public areas and are subject to supervision. Staff is available to assist patrons who need help finding information on the Internet. The Library reserves the right to engage in monitoring activities, both electronic and non-electronic, at its sole discretion and without further notice unless otherwise restricted by law. Such practices may include, but are not limited to, those for the purpose of monitoring the nature and quality of our services, and the security and the conduct of people on our premises.
USE OF WORKSTATIONS
All patrons must register at the Adult or Youth Services Service Desks to use an Internet workstation. No Internet workstations may be reserved or scheduled in advance. All workstations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A patron’s Internet session is limited to a set number of minutes if other patrons are waiting. If no one is waiting, the patron may stay on past the time limit until the computer is needed by another patron. Patrons are welcome to return and use the Internet throughout the day.
The Library generally limits the number of patrons using a single workstation to two. We realize that a parent or guardian may want to work with a child at one workstation and the Library wishes to encourage that interaction.
INSTRUCTION
Providing instruction in how to use and evaluate informational resources is part of the Library’s role. Staff will devote a reasonable amount of time to assisting individual Library patrons with the Internet when needed.