It is the policy of the Liberty Library to:
- prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications;
- prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity;
- prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and
- comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) [Pub. L.No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].
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.
- Parents and guardians should understand that filters limit, but cannot eliminate, a child’s exposure to potentially harmful or undesirable information. Therefore, it is a parent or guardian’s responsibility to monitor and control the Internet usage of minor children. The staff/volunteers cannot act in the place of parents in providing care and supervision of children as they explore the Internet. The responsibility for what minors read or view on the Internet rests with parents or guardians.
Inappropriate Network Usage
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.
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Liberty Library online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications. However, the Library, unlike schools, does not serve in place of a parent. The Library staff cannot act in place of parents by supervising children as they explore the Internet. The responsibility of what minors read or view rests with the parents.
Education, Supervision and Monitoring
It shall be the responsibility of all members of the staff and volunteers 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 Director or designated representatives.
Safety for Minors:
The iPad computers in the Children’s Room are intended for children ages 10 and under and have limited Internet access. The computers on the main floor are designed for teen and adult use. Some email, social media sites, and chat rooms have an age limit requirement to join. It is a parent or guardian’s responsibility to monitor these accounts or deny access.
The Liberty Library is aware of parental and governmental concerns about child safety on the Internet. The library also cares deeply about children and has put in place policies and procedures to ensure children have a fun and safe experience with technology.
Approved 5/13/2023
Note: The Internet Safety Policy developed by E-Rate Central solely to address the basic policy compliance requirements of CIPA and NCIPA for E-rate funding was used to develop the Liberty Library policy.