Internet Use - Public
POLICY ON PUBLIC USE OF THE INTERNET
To fulfill its mission of providing public access to information of all types in a wide range of formats, the Stanislaus County Library provides access to the internet through public PC computers and high speed Wi-Fi. In doing so, the library assumes responsibility only for the information provided on its home pages. Users should remember that the library is a public place and some sites may not be suitable for public viewing. In addition, users of the internet may not unreasonably curtail the use of the library by others.
The internet offers access to many valuable local, national, and international sources of information. However, some information found on the Internet may be inaccurate, incomplete, dated, or offensive to some individuals. Information consumers must evaluate the validity and appropriateness of information found.
FILTERING AND CIPA COMPLIANCE
Stanislaus County Library is required to comply with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) in order to access federal subsidies and grants which are used to fund internet and related services. Specifically, the library is required 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)].
Access to Inappropriate Material
Stanislaus County Library uses internet filters 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 is applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors. Stanislaus County Library uses software and services at the network level to identify and block sites by their web address.
Patron owned wireless devices (laptops, smartphones, and tablets) that access the library’s internet connection are subject to the same filtering as the library’s public computers.
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 are taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Stanislaus County 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; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.
Stanislaus County Library uses a variety of software systems which flag inappropriate network uses and notify designated staff. Designated staff will review any potential violations, and inappropriate network usage may result in loss of access.
ACCESS BY MINORS
Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding what library resources are appropriate for their own children. Parents or legal guardians should guide their children in use of the internet and inform them about materials they should not use. For more information on children and the internet, see Protecting Children Online (State of California Department of Justice).
RULES GOVERNING USE
Due to the limited resources available for provision of public access to the internet, the library may set limits, for example, on use of large files of still or moving images or sound, or on downloading files in any medium. The library also reserves the right to limit the length of internet sessions, and/or the total number of sessions an individual user may access per day.
Users may not:
- Use the network to make unauthorized entry into other computational, informational or communication services or resources.
- Distribute unsolicited advertising.
- Invade the privacy of others.
- Make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software.
- Engage in any activity that is harassing or defamatory.
- Use the internet for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other rights of third parties, or in a manner inconsistent with the library's tax-exempt status or its proper operation.
Violations may result in a loss of access or library privileges. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in an appropriate manner.
Date Developed: June 1997
Date Revised: July 7, 2022
Library Advisory Board: July 28, 2022
