The Marshall Public Library provides access to the Internet for the same reasons the Library offers other resources: to facilitate research, learning, and appropriate recreational pursuits. Because of the vast amount of material on the Internet and because of the rapid pace with which it changes, the Library cannot review all of the material that is available.
Acceptable Use Guidelines
Failure to adhere to these standards may result in loss of Internet access privileges; illegal acts will be reported to the proper authorities. Some examples of unacceptable use include, but are not limited to:
- eating or drinking while at the computer stations
- disturbing others
- damaging, attempting to damage, or changing any computer equipment or software setting, including unauthorized installation of any software, pictures, or files; adding “bookmarks” or “favorites;” or changing the default home page
- violating copyright laws or licensing agreements
- displaying or accessing sexually explicit materials or gambling
- engaging in any activity which is deliberately and maliciously offensive
- using the Library’s computers to gain unauthorized access to any network or computer
- engaging in any illegal activity
- attempting to violate library card use guidelines on computers
Use of the adult Internet computers is available to those 18 years of age and older. Those under the age of 18 may use the computers in the Young Adult department. Registered users may bring minors with them to the adult Internet computers if they are the minors’ parent/guardian. However use of the terminal is restricted to only the adult.
Internet Safety Guidelines
It is the policy of the Marshall Public Library to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, Wi-Fi, 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; (d) 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.
Access to Inappropriate Material
To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, Wi-Fi, or other forms of electronic communications, and 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, child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.
Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled 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 Marshall Public 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.
Supervision and Monitoring
It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Marshall Public Library staff to supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Children’s Internet Protection Act.
Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Library Director or designated representatives.
Coordination with other Library Policies
Nothing in this Policy shall alter other Library policies.
