Introduction
This policy applies to all persons using the public computers or using the internet resources of the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library.
It is the goal of Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library to provide open access to the Internet for its patrons. To this end, and to secure a safe environment for all, it is the Library’s policy 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)]. [1]
By choosing to use the Library’s computer or Internet resources, a user is agreeing to the rules and restrictions as described by the Library’s Computer Use / Internet Safety Policy.
This policy shall be posted is posed in the Library adjacent to the sign-in form as well as all public access computers.
Definitions
Key terms are as defined in the Children’s 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.
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 users of the Boothbay Harbor Memorial 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 and Monitoring
It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Boothbay Harbor Memorial 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. [2]
Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying of any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Library Director or designated representatives.
Usage Procedures
Computers are available in thirty (30) minute intervals. Reservations can be made by phone, or in person. Signing the computer use reservation form is required and indicates approval of this policy. At the discretion of the librarian, reservations may be cancelled if user is late. Use beyond the reserved period is permitted if another person has not made a reservation.
Any patron using the Library’s computers is responsible for compliance with all copyright and privacy laws.
It is unacceptable for anyone to disclose, use or disseminate personal information regarding minors without the express authorization of the parent or guardian.
Users are liable for any costs in the event that damages to Library computers occur as a result of their activity on that computer.
Hacking and other unlawful activities are prohibited. A patron using the Library’s computers may not modify any programs or instructions resident on the computer or the Library’s Website. Computer users should not save personal material on the hard drive (all such material is deleted regularly); or add any program or instructions to the hard drive.
Parents/guardians of minors using the library’s computer and Internet resources are responsible for the safety and security of those minors, especially while engaged in any form of direct electronic communication such as email, chat or social media. Material may be printed from the Library’s computers to paper at a cost to be determined by the library.
Material may be printed from the Library’s computers to paper at a cost to be determined by the library.
Computer users are responsible for closing out of any programs and the Internet at the end of their session.
All patrons the Library staff suspects of violation of the Computer and Internet Use and Safety Policy will be requested to immediately stop the unauthorized activity.
Non-compliance with terms of the Internet Use and Safety Policy will result in not being allowed access to library computers.
Adoption
This Internet Safety Policy was adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on November 10, 2015.
[1] A copy of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (http://eratecentral.com/CIPA/Childrens_Internet_Protection_Act.pdf) is available in the
Director’s office. Please ask the librarian if you would like to review the document.
[2] A copy of the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-106s1545is/pdf/BILLS-106s1545is.pdf), and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-110s49is/pdf/BILLS-110s49is.pdf) are each available in the Director’s office. Please ask the librarian if you would like to review the documents.