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Internet Safety Policy

ELSA PUBLIC LIBRARY


POLICY ON INTERNET SAFETY
Recognizing that the Internet represents an important and vital electronic resource that allows access to ideas, information and commentary from around the world, the Elsa Public Library is pleased to provide Internet access to library users as part of its collection and resources. The Elsa Public Library also provides wireless access to patrons who have their own, correctly configured, laptop computers.


The Library’s policy shall not relieve parents and legal guardians of their ultimate responsibility to monitor and guide their own children’s use of all library resources, including the Internet. Parents are encouraged to take an active role in their children’s use of the Internet and talk about their personal values and expectations for their children’s use of this resource. Federal law has been implemented to provide a Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) which mandates filtering on all library Internet terminals. This filter is site specific and does not block research sites or information. If you believe access is unjustly denied, please contact the Library Director. An additional component of CIPA, which parents will want to be aware of, is that minors are not permitted to disclose any personal information when using e-mail, visiting chat rooms or using any other electronic communications.


To comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub, L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254 (h)], it is required policy of the Elsa Public Library to: Restrict access of inappropriate matter or materials that are harmful to minors. Provide user safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications. Prevent unauthorized access, and other unlawful online activity; and Prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors.
Definitions: Key terms are as in the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and defined by Library Staff.


Access to Inappropriate Material To the extent, practical technology protection measures (Internet filters) shall be used to block or filter access to inappropriate information on the Internet. Inappropriate material is defined as “visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, and material deemed harmful to minors”, i.e., depictions of human nudity for the purpose of erotic arousal, and depictions of violence for the purposes of sensationalism. Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled in the case of adults, 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 Library’s online computer network users when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications. Specifically, as required by CIPA, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: Unauthorized access, including so –called “hacking” and other unlawful activities Unauthorized disclosure, dissemination and use of personal identification regarding minors.


Supervision and Monitoring
It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Library Staff to supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with the policy and CIPA.


Procedures for disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Library Director.


Terms:

Technology Protection Measure- a specific technology that blocks of filters Internet content Obscene-as defined in section 1460 of title 18 United States Code


Child Pornography- as defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code Harmful of Minors- any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:

•Taken as whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, and sex;
•Depicts, describes, or represents in a potentially offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and
•Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.
Sexual Act; Sexual Contact- as defined in section 2246 of title 18, United States Code
Adopted by the City Council on November 16, 2010