Internet Usage Policy

Below is the pertinent section from the San Juan Island Library District Policy Manual.

Policy Section 3.2.0 - 3.2.9
Date Adopted: July 19, 1995
Date Implemented: July 19, 1995
Dated Amended: May 12, 1998
Date Amended: July 11, 2000
Date Amended: January 14, 2003
Date Amended: April 13, 2004

3.2.0
ACCESS TO INTERNET RESOURCES

3.2.1 Part of the mission of the San Juan Island Library District is to ensure that the residents of the District have the right and means to free and open access to ideas and information which are fundamental to a democracy. The Library will protect intellectual freedom, encourage lifelong learning, and provide library materials and information services.

3.2.2 Throughout its history the San Juan Island Library District has made information available in a variety of formats, from print to audiovisual materials. The Library's computer system provides the opportunity to integrate electronic resources from information networks around the world with the Library's other resources.

3.2.3 The Internet, as an information resource, enables the Library to provide information beyond the confines of its own collection. It allows access to ideas, information and commentary from around the globe. Currently, however, it is an unregulated medium. Unlike San Juan Island Library, where items in the collection have been carefully evaluated, the Internet has no system for ensuring that what is found is accurate, current or complete. Internet resources are not subject to the same selection criteria which the Library uses for other materials. While it offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, it also enables access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing and/or illegal. To assist the user in his or her use of Internet resources, Library staff will provide a San Juan Island Library home page which will identify specific starting points for searches which are appropriate to the Library's mission and service roles.

3.2.4 The Library upholds and affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children's use of all Library materials and resources. Library users are the final selectors in using the Internet and are responsible for their individual choices and decisions. That said, it is the policy of the San Juan Island Library 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 [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)]. It is the responsibility of parents to monitor their children's use of Internet access.

3.2.5 In order to ensure that the use of this medium is consistent with the Mission of the Library, the following rules and procedures will apply:

A. Due to limited staff availability, the Library reserves the right to require that all prospective users have a basic understanding of Internet use as a condition for access to the Library's Internet stations.

B. Parents are encouraged to work closely with their children in selecting material that is consistent with personal and family values and boundaries.

C. The library will provide two Internet stations that will be available on a reservation basis; all other Internet stations will be available on a first come, first served basis. Internet usage is limited to one hour per day, regardless of current Internet performance, which lies beyond the control of the Library.

D. Since space is limited and noise from group conversations is disruptive to others, there is a limit of two library patrons per computer station.

E. Patrons wishing to download files may purchase a disk at the Reference Desk. Although anti-virus software is operational on all the library's computers, patrons are not completely protected from receiving infected files. Software downloaded from the Internet may contain a virus; virus-checking software on home computers is essential for protection. The Library assumes no responsibility for damage caused by viruses downloaded from the Internet.

F. Printing charges are 10 cents per page, payable at the check-out desk.

G. Electronic discussion (chat) groups are not available for patron use

3.2.6 Internet use will be managed in a manner consistent with the Library's Rules of Conduct which have been adopted and are posted in the Library. Failure to use the Internet station appropriately and responsibly may result in revocation of Internet use privileges. Users may not:

• Use the workstations to gain unauthorized access to the Library network or computer systems or to any other network or computer system.
• Make an attempt to damage or alter computer equipment or software.
• Violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements.
• Engage in any activity which is disruptive to other Library users.
• Violate federal, state or local laws or regulations.

3.2.7 Patrons found to be in violation of any of the above regulations will receive verbal warning from a staff member of the obligation to observe existing Internet policies and procedures. A second such violation will result in the loss of Internet privileges, for a term to be determined by the Library Director.

3.2.8 Definitions

TECHNOLOGY PROTECTION MEASURE. The term “technology protection measure” means a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions that are:
1. OBSCENE, as that term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code;
2. CHILD PORNOGRAPHY, as that term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code; or
3. HARMFUL TO MINORS, meaning any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:
A. Taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;
B. 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
C. Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.
D. 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.