Introduction
In accordance with the library’s mission: “The Portage County Public Library provides equal opportunity to access information, high quality materials, programs, and on-line resources to meet the needs of our diverse community for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and intellectual stimulation,” it is the policy of the Portage County Public Library (PCPL) 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.
Disclaimer
Users access the library computer hardware, software and documentation at their own risk. PCPL is not responsible for equipment malfunction, loss of data, any damages to the user's disks, data etc. or electronic transactions of any type which are related to the public use of library computer resources.
Definitions
Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act.*
Access to Inappropriate Material
In compliance with requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act (NCIPA), PCPL filters all Internet computers and wireless internet available through the library.
To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter internet, or other forms of electronic communication, and access to inappropriate material.
Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene, child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.
Technology protection measures may be disabled for adults or, in the case of minors, minimized for any lawful purpose that meets PCPL guidelines. This action will require staff intervention.
Inappropriate Network Usage
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of all users on the PCPL online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct, or indirect, electronic communication.
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.
Violation of copyright (Title 17, U.S.C.) is not permitted on library equipment, except as permitted under the principle of fair use. Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user accepting this policy. PCPL expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.
Other examples of unacceptable use include but are not limited to:
· Harassment of others and/or violation of their privacy.
· Libeling, slandering, or maliciously offending other users.
· Using another person’s card or misrepresenting oneself as another user.
· Obstructing other people’s work by overuse of the system resources.
· Attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others.
· Exposing children to harmful materials. Sec.948.11 of the Wisconsin Statutes.
Library’s Rights Reserved
The PCPL reserves the right to: terminate a user’s session without notice, to limit the amount of time a computer can be used in one sitting, to erase a user’s files stored on a library computer without notice, to immediately suspend a user for violating the rules contained within this document, to charge for computer printouts, and to limit software that can run on the library’s computers.
Education, Supervision and Monitoring
It shall be the responsibility of all PCPL staff members 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 Library Director or designated representatives.
Approved by the Portage County Public Library Board of Trustees 5/4/2016