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Internet and Computer Use Policy

Policy #021

Internet Access

Kalamazoo Public Library provides access to the Internet to meet public information needs. Kalamazoo Public Library does not provide access to the Internet for the dissemination of obscenity or child pornography. The Library is committed to preventing minors from viewing obscene matter, sexually explicit matter harmful to minors, and matter inappropriate for minors.

Unacceptable Uses of Computers and the Internet

The following are unacceptable uses of Library computers and the Internet and constitute violations of this Policy:

1. Uses that compromise the safety and security of minors. Computer use by minors that may compromise their safety and security when using email, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications such as providing personal identification information about the minor or others. This includes, but is not limited to, giving out passwords, home addresses and telephone numbers, social security numbers, credit card numbers, drivers license numbers, or other personal information, and arranging face-to-face meetings with a person the minor has "met" only through the Internet without a parent's or guardian's permission.

2. Uses involving unauthorized access ("hacking") and other unlawful uses. Obtaining or attempting to obtain unauthorized access to computers, networks, sites, or information systems, including so-called "hacking", credit card or retail fraud, and any other unlawful uses or activities on line.

3. Uses which may cause harm or damage to property or systems. Uses which may cause harm to the Library or another computer system, such as down-loading or transmitting a "worm," "virus," "trojan horse," "time bomb" or other harmful form of programming or vandalism. Using one's own software programs on the Library's computers; altering the Library's computer settings; damaging or modifying the Library's equipment or software.

4. Uses that violate confidentiality, trade secret, or copyrights. Uses that violate confidentiality of information, including but not limited to the Michigan Library Privacy Act, being Public Act No. 455 of 1982, as amended, and downloading or transmitting trade secret information or copyrighted materials.

5. Access by minors to material that is obscene, child pornography, sexually explicit material harmful to minors, or inappropriate matter for minors. Access by minors to material which is obscene, child pornography as defined in 18 USC 2256(8), sexually explicit material which is harmful to minors as defined in 18 USC 1460 et seq., or inappropriate matter for minors. Inappropriate matter for minors is defined for purposes of this policy the same as material harmful to minors in the Michigan Library Privacy Act, being Public Act No. 455 of 1982, which is sexually explicit matter which meets all of the following criteria:

i. Considered as a whole, it appeals to the prurient interest of minors as determined by contemporary local community standards.

ii. It is patently offensive to contemporary local community standards of adults as to what is suitable for minors.

iii. Considered as a whole, it lacks serious literary, artistic, political, educational, and scientific value for minors.

6. Access by adults to material which is obscene or child pornography. Access by adults to material which is obscene or constitutes child pornography as defined in federal or state law or court decisions, including but not limited to 18 USC 2256(8), and viewing, transmitting, or downloading such materials or leaving such materials on an unattended computer screen.

7. Failing to respect the privacy of other Library computer users. Failing to respect the privacy of other Library computer users, including but not limited to, viewing or attempting to view material being used or viewed by others.

8. Failing to follow library policies, procedures and instructions. Failing to follow Library policies and procedures in regard to signing-up for computer use, failing to comply with computer use time limitations, failing to follow the directions and instructions of Library personnel.

Implementation of Policy

Posting of policy and on-screen acknowledgement and agreement

This policy shall be posted in conspicuous places near computer terminals and shall be provided on-screen at the beginning of each computer user's session for each user to acknowledge and agree to prior to using a Library computer.

Enforcement

Any person who violates this Policy may be denied computer use privileges by the Director (or his or her designee) upon notice to the person. While the denial period is intended to be progressive, i.e., 1st violation - up to 30 days, 2nd violation - up to 60 days, 3rd violation up to 90 days, the Director may deny computer use privileges for a period of up to 1 year for any violation. Before denying computer use privileges to any person the Director (or his or here designee) shall inform the person of the reason he or she is being denied computer use privileges and give that person a reasonable opportunity to state his or her response to the proposed denial. Any person denied computer use privileges may appeal the denial to the Library Board of Trustees. An appeal to the Library Board shall not stay the Director's denial. The Library Board of Trustees shall provide the person with an opportunity to be heard before deciding the appeal and may affirm, modify, or reverse the Director's denial. A violation of this policy also constitutes a violation of the Rules of Conduct for Library Use and may result in enforcement action as provided in those Rules as well.