Public Internet Access Computer Use
Policy
The Internet is a global electronic network, which enables
libraries to provide resources, materials, and information beyond
the traditional collections and electronic resources. As such the
Internet is seen as another resource to be used to support the
mission of the Livonia Public Library ("…provides free access to
recreational, educational, and informational materials and services,
including electronic information access via computers for all
ages.")
In providing public access to the Internet, the Library shall be
in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and
the Neighborhood Children's Internet Act (N-CIPA) It is therefore
the policy of the Library to activate filtering or blocking, on all
Internet computers. Specifically, as required by the CIPA and N-CIPA,
to the extent practical, 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, filtering may be disabled, or in the case of minors,
minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.
The Internet is a global electronic network and its resources
contain a wide variety of material and opinions. The library cannot
warranty the timeliness, accuracy or validity of the information,
availability of links, or regulate the materials some may find
offensive.
The library's ability to restrict access to images and
information covered by CIPA and N-CIPA is subject to the limitations
of filtering software. It is the responsibility of the
user and /or parent/guardian of minor children, not the
library staff, to determine what information is
appropriate and suitable. Parents/legal guardians are
encouraged to actively participate in teaching Internet
safety.
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to
promote the safety and security of users of the Library
online computer network: a ) to prevent unauthorized
disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal
identification information use of e-mail, chat rooms, and
instant messaging is prohibited by minors; b) to the
extent practical, online activities of minors will be
monitored for appropriate use.
Patrons using the Internet in the library may not
display text or graphics defined by federal or state law
as obscenity or pornography. Since the Internet
workstation is in view of other patrons and staff, users
are not permitted to display any visual images containing
nudity, obscenity, or graphic violence. Deliberate and
continued display of some materials that are not obscene
or pornographic may still constitute sexual harassment.
Use of the Internet or library computers for
activities that violate local, state, or federal laws is
prohibited. This includes committing fraud,
hacking, or spreading libel or slander. Actions that
violate federal, state, or local laws will be referred to
the appropriate law enforcement agencies Repeated actions
that create a disturbance or that may be considered
sexual harassment may result in the loss of some or all
library privileges.
U.S. copyright law governs unauthorized use or
distribution of copyrighted material, except as permitted
by the Fair Use regulation without permission of the
copyright owner.
This policy may be revised periodically by resolution of the
Board of Trustees.
Draft date: July 16, 1999
Approval date: Sept. 14, 1999
Amended date: May 9, 2000
Amended: June 11, 2002
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