Internet Safety Policy
For Bridgeton Free Public Library
Introduction
It is the policy of the Bridgeton Free 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)].
Definitions
Key terms are as defined in the Childrens Internet Protection Act.*
Access to Inappropriate Material
To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or Internet filters) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information.
The Bridgeton Free Public Library employs a hardware\software based web filter for the protection of children. Based on CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act) standards, all public computers are protected from displaying inappropriate content such as but not limited to Child Pornography, Obscenity, and any information harmful to minors.
Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.
Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled for adults or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.
Inappropriate Network Usage
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of the Bridgeton Free 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 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 and Monitoring
It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Bridgeton Free Public Library staff to educate, supervise and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.
Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the IT staff or designated representatives.
Adoption
This Internet Safety Policy was adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Bridgeton Free Public Library at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on Thursday September 13, 2018.
* The Children’s Internet Protection Act requires that K-12 schools and libraries in the United States use Internet filters and implement other measures to protect children from harmful online content as a condition for federal funding. It was signed into law on December 21, 2000, and was found to be constitutional by the United States Supreme Court on June 23, 2003 [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].
Internet Safety Continued
- The Library provides free access to the Internet as part of its mission to promote literacy, lifelong learning, personal fulfillment, and the principles of intellectual freedom.
- The Library upholds and affirms the right of every individual to have access to constitutionally protected material on the Internet.
- Each individual must accept responsibility for determining the appropriateness of the resources that he or she elects to access. Responsibility for youth using the Internet rests with the guardian, not with Library personnel.
- No person shall use a library Internet workstation in a way that is inappropriate for an open public area shared by people of all ages and backgrounds or that disturbs or interferes with patrons, employees or the operation of the Library.
Patrons may not:
- Display, send, receive or print text, images or graphics of obscene materials or materials harmful to minors;
- Display, send, receive or print text, images or graphics that violate laws relating to child pornography;
- Use an Internet workstation to transmit threatening or harassing material;
- Engage in any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating or hostile environment for Library staff and patrons;
- Violate copyright or software licensing agreements;
- Gain unauthorized access to any computing, information, or communications devices or resources;
- Damage, alter, or degrade computer equipment, peripherals, software, or configurations;
- Install software applications; or
- Use an Internet workstation to conduct commercial activities, including the sale of goods or services.
Professional librarians on staff are authorized to terminate the Internet session of any patron who fails to comply with this policy; to take further action in accordance with the Library’s Code of Conduct; and to report illegal activity of which they become aware to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees: September 2, 2010