Lowell Public Library
Board Policy Manual
Section: 50.700
(Internet Acceptable Use & Safety Policy PDF)
Internet Acceptable Use & Safety Policy
This policy specifically addresses the use of Library computers to access the Internet and other Library offerings.
Approved access to the Internet is available only in two ways:
- Through the use of Library provided computers;
- Through a WI-FI (wireless) connection provided by the Library
Liability Disclaimer
The library is not liable for any damages including, but not limited to, damage to equipment, loss of data, the accuracy, nature or quality of information gathered through library provided internet access.
Confidentiality
The Library will not share patrons’ personal information without consent or except when lawfully required. The Library does not maintain logs of patron computer usage; neither time spent nor sites visited. The Library maintains the security of the computers but patrons must protect their own personally identifiable information.
Staff Assistance
Staff is available to assist patrons in using the Internet, subject to limitations of time and expertise.
Responsibilities of Computer Users
Internet access and computer use provided by Lowell Public Library is a privilege and is subject to the policies and procedures set forth at the Lowell Public Library’s discretion.
Internet computer users must know basic computer use and have a preliminary knowledge of the Internet and its resources.
The use of the Library’s computers and connectivity is guided by the following principles:
- Respect for the rights, sensibilities and privacy of all library users.
- Use of computer resources only for legal purposes.
- Compliance with the state and federal laws protecting copyright and software licensing of programs and data.
- Avoidance of sites inappropriate for public viewing.
- Adherence to measures designed to protect the Internet safety of computer users, especially minors.
Unacceptable use includes, but is not limited to:
Any uses deemed inappropriate at the discretion of the Lowell Public Library.
The Library will be the sole arbitrator of what constitutes a violation of this policy.
Internet Safety Policy
Lowell Public Library receives federal funding for public internet access, and is required to comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). More information about CIPA is available at http://www.fcc.gov/guides/childrens-internet-protection-act
The Library uses Technology Protection Measures to block and filter Internet access to visual depictions that are considered by law to be obscene, child pornography or harmful to minors.
The filtering software may block access to sites, which are legal and acceptable by Library standards. At their discretion, The Library Director may disable or modify a filter upon request by an adult patron 18 years of age or older.
Rules for Internet Use by Children
The library cannot guarantee that children and young adults will not be able to access sites that may be unsuitable for children. Parents are responsible for supervising and approving their child’s use of the Internet.
The Library maintains parents are the best filters of what is appropriate or not for their children to view on the internet.
Child Pornography
It is illegal to possess or view child pornography or the obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children in the Library.
18 U.S. Code § 2256 – “Child Pornography” Defined.
18 U.S. Code § 1466A – Obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children
Sanctions
Violators of this Internet Acceptable Use & Safety Policy may lose library privileges. Suspicion of illegal activities will result in the suspension of a user’s privileges; proof of wrongdoing will result in the termination of a user’s privileges.
Library computer privileges will be permanently revoked for repeated violation and disregard of Library policies. Written notice will be given to a patron whose privileges have been suspended or revoked; a copy will be kept on file at the library. See policy 60.000 – Patron Responsibilities
Staff will be subject to normal disciplinary procedures as well for misuse of Library provided computers.
Illegal acts involving Library computing resources are subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.
Policy Revision Dates
Revised: June 23, 2003
Reviewed: January 30, 2013
Reviewed and readopted September 15, 2014
Reviewed January 18, 2015
Revised April 19, 2021
Revised November 15, 2021
Reviewed: January 16, 2023
Reviewed: January 16, 2024