Acceptable Use Policy
KDL Policy 4.6.1
The Library allows access to a variety of electronic resources. This includes the Lakeland online catalog, the catalogs of other libraries, a variety of databases, and the Internet. The Internet stations also provide access to a variety of office software. No station provides support for all file types, browser plug-ins, or Internet technologies. The Library recognizes this is a dynamic environment with content that constantly changes.
The Kent District Library neither has control over resources offered through the Internet nor has complete knowledge of what is on the Internet. Information on the Internet may be reliable and current or may be inaccurate, out-of-date, and unavailable at times. Some content may be offensive. Library users access the Internet at their own discretion. The Internet is not governed by any entity so there are no limits or checks on the kind of information contained there. Only a user can decide on the accuracy, completeness, and currency of the content.
Filtering
In accordance with Federal and State law (the Children's Internet Protection Act, 47 USC §254 and 20 USC §101, and the Library Privacy Act, Michigan Public Act No. 212 of 2000 respectively), all Library computers with Internet access are filtered. So as to conform to the Library Privacy Act, the Internet filter restricts minors less than 18 years of age from receiving obscene matter and sexually explicit matter that is harmful to minors, as defined by the Act. The filtering program restricts such access through the minor's Library card. However, the Library recognizes that no filter is 100% effective. The parents or legal guardians are responsible for their minor child's reading, listening, and viewing of Library material, including the Internet.
Compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires filters that block access to visual depictions that are obscene or child pornography, as defined by 47 USC §254. CIPA also requires protection against access by patrons under age 17 to visual depictions that are harmful to minors, as defined by 47 USC §254. A patron who is at least 17 years of age may request the disabling of software used to filter visual depictions on a computer used by that patron, provided that he/she will use the unfiltered computer for bonafide research or other lawful purposes. Library staff will not inquire into the reasons to disable the filtering.
Patrons are responsible for complying with this Policy when accessing the Internet. In addition to other provisions of this Policy, patrons (including minors) shall not access visual depictions that are obscene or child pornography as defined by Federal law (47 USC §254(h)(7)(E), (F)) and shall not access or view obscene matter as defined in Michigan Public Act No. 212 of 2000. In addition, patrons who are minors for purposes of Federal law shall not access visual depictions that are harmful to minors as defined by Federal law (47 USC §254(h)(7)(G)) and patrons who are minors under State law shall not access or view sexually explicit matter that is harmful to minors as defined in Michigan Public Act No. 212 of 2000. Subject to other demands on staff time for library services, the Library staff will make a good faith effort to monitor periodically the use of Library computers by minors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Library holds the parents or legal guardians responsible for their minor children’s use of the Internet in light of the fallibilities of filters and other demands on Library staff time.
In order to further comply with CIPA the Library has taken certain measures to assist in the safe and effective use of the Internet by individuals under the age of 17, as follows:
To address the issue of access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet, including material that is harmful to minors, the Library:
- Maintains the filtering program described above to block Internet access to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography and, in the case of use by minors, harmful to minors.
- Allows adults to request that content filters be turned off.
To address the issue of the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications, as well as unauthorized disclosure of, use, and dissemination of personal identification regarding minors, the Library urges minors to follow the safety guidelines below:
- Never give out identifying information such as home address, school name, or telephone number.
- Let parents or guardians decide whether personal information such as age or financial information should be provided online.
- Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone through a computer without parent or guardian approval.
- Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, or threatening.
- Remember that people online may not be who they say they are.
To address the issue of unauthorized access, including so-called "hacking" and other unlawful activities by minors online:
- Minors and all other Library Internet users are required to agree to an online Internet User Agreement that states that "Library computers are not to be used for any illegal activity."
In addition, if a patron requests a specific site to be unblocked from the filtering program, the Branch Manager shall refer the request for review by administrative staff to determine whether it contains obscene matter or sexually explicit matter that is harmful to minors. If it does not, the administrative staff may authorize the system wide unblocking of the site. The patron will be informed of the decision in writing. The decision may be appealed in writing within 7 days to the Director whose decision shall be final.
A fee may be charged for material printed from KDL computers.
The Library's Internet computers may NOT be used for:
- Unauthorized, illegal, or unethical purposes
- Sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene/offensive
- Disrupting use of the Internet for others
In addition, a minor shall not use an adult's Library card for access to the Internet unless the minor is physically accompanied by a parent or guardian at the computer terminal at all times.
Violations of this Policy in the use of the Internet will result in loss of Internet and/or Library privileges pursuant to the procedure in the last paragraph of this Policy.
Time and Other Limits
Each individual is allowed one (1) hour per day of Internet access. More time may be allowed if computer stations are free. Requests for additional time are done electronically at those branches with reservation software. At branches without this software, patrons may ask staff to extend the time limit.
While the Library's computers are set up for use by a single individual, a maximum of two persons may sit and work together at any one computer. Depending on circumstances, staff may restrict use to one person per computer.
All computers will be electronically shut down five (5) minutes before the Library closes.
Precautions
Software and other files downloaded from the Internet may contain viruses or spyware that may infect other computers. Kent District Library is not responsible for damage or loss that may occur from use of the Library’s computers. Sending any information, including credit card numbers, via the Internet is at the sole risk of the user. Kent District Library has no control over the security of this data.
Users violating this Policy will first be asked to comply. For users who repeatedly violate the policy after previous warnings, the Library reserves the right to prohibit access or use of the Internet and/or Library by action of the Branch Manager. The user will be informed of the decision in writing by certified mail. A Branch Manager's decision to take such action may be appealed within seven (7) days to the Director whose decision shall be final. Illegal acts will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Revised 7-15-10