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INTERNET ACCESS AND COMPUTER SAFETY POLICY

Policy Statement: The Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library provides access to the Internet at public computers in the Library, as part of its objective to make materials freely available to the residents the communities served, within the limits of budget and space, which will aid them in the pursuit of education, information, research, recreation and in the creative use of leisure time.

The Library also offers free wireless Internet access within the Library, and to the spaces immediately surrounding the Library, within the limits of the available equipment and network capacity to support this service.

The Library has received funding from the federal Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) to purchase Chromebooks and Internet hotspots. Any ECF supported equipment and services can only be provided to patrons who declare they do not have access to the equipment or services sufficient to access the internet.

Public access to computers and the Internet has become an integral part of the Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library’s programs and services. The intent of this policy is to meet the provisions of the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act, as well as provide guidelines for patrons and staff regarding online computer use of Internet accessible computers at the Library.

Patrons who use the Library’s computer or wireless network to access the Internet must abide by state and federal laws, particularly those ensuring the safety of minors, and follow all the policies of the Library.

Use of the Library’s computers or wireless networks to access the Internet constitutes agreement with this policy.

Unacceptable use includes, but is not limited to:

· Accessing or exhibiting visual depictions that are child pornography, harmful to minors, or obscene as defined by the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act (K.S. A. Supp. 2013 75-2589).
· Violating individual privacy rights, including unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal information regarding minors.
· Sending harassing messages to other computer users.
· Accessing or attempting to access secure data in an unauthorized manner.
· Damaging or attempting to damage computer equipment or software.
· Interfering with network operations, integrity, or security.
· Violating copyright laws and software licensing agreements.

A customer who is observed using technology resources in an unacceptable manner may be subject to:

· Immediate termination of the Internet session.
· Suspension of computer use or other Library privileges.
· Notification of appropriate law enforcement officials.
· Prosecution.
Internet Safety: The Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library complies with both the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), and the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act (KS-CIPA). KS-CIPA requires that any public library in Kansas that provides public access to a computer shall implement and enforce technology protection measures to ensure that no minor has access to visual depictions that are child pornography, harmful to minors, or obscene, and to ensure that no person has access to visual depictions that are child pornography or obscene while using a public access computer.

As with other Library materials, restriction of a minor’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent / guardian. Parents are responsible and encouraged to monitor and supervise their children’s access to the Internet.

Patrons under the age of 10 must have a parent / guardian, or other qualified substitute, seated with them to supervise the child’s computer session while using a public computer at the Library.

Library staff monitors usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet through Internet filtering software, observation by staff, and other available means.

Customers who encounter websites which they believe should be blocked but are not, may submit a written complaint to the Library Director and include the URL of the site in question. Library staff will examine the site and determine whether it should be blocked or unblocked.

Concerns about the enforcement of the policy and/or observed patron behavior should be submitted in writing to the Library Director.

The Library shall inform patrons of the provisions of this policy, including standards used and procedures for complaint, by making the policy available on the Library website and in print on request.

Library Rights and Responsibilities: The Library’s Staff will develop rules and procedures as necessary to ensure equitable and reasonable use of public access workstations and wireless network services. The Library reserves the right to terminate a user’s computer and Internet session at any time.

Library staff may establish limits on the length and number of computer and network sessions allowed. The Library is not responsible for any unauthorized use or illegal activity conducted over the Library’s Internet connection or while using Library equipment.

Not all sources on the Internet are accurate, complete, or current. It is the patron’s responsibility to critically evaluate any information received via the Internet. Library staff members are not responsible for the quality or merit of the sites that are accessed via the Internet.

The Internet is a global network with a wealth of information, but as an unregulated medium, it can also enable access to some materials that my be offensive, disturbing, and/or illegal. The Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library has no local control over the information available. r quality of the information found there, nor is it responsible for any loss of data or damage that may be caused by files or programs downloaded from the Internet.

The Library does maintain database subscriptions and links to excellent online information sources that serve all areas of education and research for minors and adults. Courses in use of electronic resources, Internet safety and computer security are also offered on an ongoing basis. Customers are encouraged to ask Library staff about these very effective, authoritative, and excellent online resources.

Policy Review: The Internet Access and Computer Safety Policy will be reviewed at least once every three years by the Library Board of Trustees, as is required by the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act.

PATRON CERTIFICATION

The equipment and services funded by the federal Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) can only be provided to patrons who declare they do not have access to the equipment or services sufficient to access the internet. By signing this statement I declare I do not have access to such equipment or services.

Patron Name (Please Print):

Patron Signature:

Date:

Amended and approved October 30, 2018

Amended and approved June 30, 2021
Amended and approved November 23, 2021