Internet Usage Policy

INTRODUCTION

It is  the  policy of the Palermo Community 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 [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].

DEFINITIONS

Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

(a) COMPUTER. – The term `computer’ includes any hardware, software, or other technology attached or connected to, installed in, or otherwise used in connection with a computer.

(b) ACCESS TO INTERNET. – A computer shall be considered to have access to the Internet if  such computer is equipped with a modem or is connected to a computer network which has access to the Internet.

(c) MINOR. – The term `minor’ means an individual who has not attained the age of 17. 

(d) CHILD PORNOGRAPHY. – The term `child pornography’ has the meaning given such term in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code.

(e) HARMFUL TO MINORS. –  The term `harmful to minors’ means any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that–

(i) taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;

(ii) depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated  normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and

(iii) taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.

(f)  OBSCENE. – The term `obscene’ has the meaning given such term in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code.

(g) SEXUAL ACT; SEXUAL CONTACT. – The terms `sexual act’ and `sexual contact’ have the meanings given such terms in section 2246 of title 18, United States Code.

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.

INAPPROPRIATE NETWORK USAGE

To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Palermo Community Library online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.

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;            

(b)  unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification                                         information regarding minors.

EDUCATION, SUPERVISION AND MONITORING

It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Palermo Community Library volunteers or staff 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 Chair of the Palermo Community Library Board of Directors or designated representatives.

ADOPTION

This Internet Safety Policy was adopted by the Palermo Community Library Board of Directors at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on May 11, 2015.