HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-05-08 - AGENDA REPORTS - PUBLIC LIBRARY INTERNET USE (2)CONSENT CALENDAR
DATE:
SUBJECT:
DEPARTMENT
Agenda Item: 12
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approval
Item to be presented by
May 8, 2012
VV
Kevin Tonoian
SANTA CLARITA PUBLIC LIBRARY REVISED INTERNET USE
AND SAFETY POLICY
Administrative Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Santa Clarita Library Board of Trustees approve revised Santa Clarita Public Library Internet Use
and Safety Policy.
BACKGROUND
The Santa Clarita Public Library (SCPL) Internet Use and Safety Policy establishes that all
internet access stations and the SCPL's wireless network are filtered to prevent access to
materials deemed by law to be harmful to a minor in compliance with the Children's Internet
Protection Act (CIPA). This policy requires the SCPL to provide filtered Internet access for all
patrons under 18 years of age and holds parents and legal guardians responsible for any and all
internet use by minors.
Revisions to the Internet Use and Safety Policy were made as part of the SCPL's eRate
re -certification process to maintain the Library's ability to qualify for deeply discounted internet
and telecommunication pricing. The changes proposed to this Policy will incorporate additional
language found in the Children's Internet Protection Act, so Library patrons are more aware of
the strict internet filtering practices in place and followed by the Santa Clarita Public Library.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
Other actions as determined by the Board of Library Trustees.
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Approval of this revised Internet Use and Safety Policy qualifies the SCPL to continue receiving
eRate pricing for data and telecommunication services.
ATTACHMENTS
Santa Clarita Public Library Revised Internet Use and Safety Policy
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Santa Clarita Public Library
INTERNET USE AND SAFETY POLICY
The Santa Clarita Public Library endeavors to provide collections, resources, and services
that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of the diverse
communities it serves. Within this context, the Library offers access to the Internet for
staff and members of the public.
The Internet is a global resource. Resources available on the Internet supplement and
complement the collection and resources available at Library facilities. The Internet may
contain material of a controversial nature; however, the Library does not monitor Internet
usage. Users should note that not all Internet sources provide accurate, complete, or
current information.
All Library computers with Internet access and the Library's wireless network use a
technology protection measure that protects all users including minors against access to
visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or other material considered
inappropriate for or harmful to minors.
Consistent with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Order 03-188[3], libraries
complying with CIPA are required to implement a procedure for unblocking the filter
upon request of patrons who are 18 years of age and older. Such procedures shall be the
responsibility of the City Librarian or designated representatives. Patrons who are 18
years of age and over may, at their request, have the technology protection measure
disabled during their use to enable access for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.
Free wireless Internet access will be provided by the Santa Clarita Public Library to all
patrons to access on their personal electronic devices and will not require the
maintenance of a Library account to access such service. All wireless Internet access
provided by the Santa Clarita Public Library will be filtered to prevent access to materials
deemed by law to be harmful to minors without exception. All Library policies
concerning legal, acceptable, and safe use of computers and the Internet apply to use of
the public wireless access.
As is the case with any electronic media system provided by the City; Library users
should not have an expectation of privacy when using any form of electronic media.
Internet Access by Minors: Regulations and Restrictions
The Santa Clarita Public Library provides computer access to minors, including access to
the Internet. To the extent possible, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and
security of minor users of the online computer network when using electronic mail, chat
rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct communication.
Specifically as required by the Children's Internet Protection Act, prevention of
inappropriate network usage includes unauthorized access, including "hacking" and other
unlawful activities, as well as unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal
information regarding minors.
Supervising Computer Use by Children
Access for all patrons under age 18 will be filtered. Filtering software may not block all
material users find offensive. Librarians cannot act in the place of parents in providing
constant care and supervision of children as they explore the Internet. Parents and legal
guardians are responsible for monitoring any and all Internet use by minors, and consent
given on the part of parents or legal guardians for a Library card constitutes
acknowledgment by the parents or guardians that they have a responsibility for
monitoring their child's use of all Library resources, including the public computers.
The following are recommended guidelines for parents and guardians to ensure that
children have positive online experiences, whether at home or at the Library.
• Explore the wide range of available information and tell your children about sites you
consider inappropriate for them.
• Provide guidelines for your children on the amount of time they spend online, just as
for television viewing.
• Teach children to never give out personal identification information (name, address,
password, telephone number, social security number, credit card number) about
themselves or others without first asking a parent for permission.
• Teach children to be good online consumers. As with print information, consider the
source, date, and accuracy of online information.
• Teach minors to exercise discretion and caution when communicating using the
Internet, electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic
communications in order to remain safe and secure (e.g., avoidance of predators,
cyber -bullying, and scams).
• Parents are urged to read Child Safety on the Information HighwaX or the Parents'
Guide to the Information Super Highway. Copies of these publications are available
through the Library.
Internet Acceptable Use Rules for All Users
Users read and agree when logging into a computer to abide by this Internet Use and
Safety Policy, including guidelines for use of the Internet by minors.
Patrons are expected to adhere to all rules governing the use of the Internet in libraries,
including the duration and frequency of sessions. Patrons who violate Library policy
regarding the use of the Internet or who behave in a disruptive manner will be asked to
either modify their use appropriately, discontinue such usage, or have their Internet usage
access terminated. In addition, patrons must maintain a Library account in good standing
and comply with all computer usage rules, including printing limits.
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All Internet use is subject to the Santa Clarita Public Library Code of Conduct Policy.
Patrons who observe violations of the Santa Clarita Public Library Code of Conduct
Policy should contact Library staff immediately.
Users shall not disclose, use, or disseminate personal identification information regarding
minors without proper authorization.
Users shall utilize the Library network for lawful activities only. They shall not use the
network to cause harm to others or damage the property of others. They shall not
intentionally upload, download, or create computer viruses or other forms of malicious
programming, attempt to harm or destroy equipment, manipulate the data of any other
user, or seek unauthorized access to networks and systems, including so-called "hacking."
Staff members are to use the Internet for Library -related purposes only. Unacceptable use
of the Internet is prohibited and is grounds for disciplinary action up to and including
dismissal from Santa Clarita Public Library.
Policy adopted by the Santa Clarita Board of Library Trustees at a public meeting on
April 26, 2011; revised May 8, 2012.
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