Internet Use and Safety

POLICY
 It is the policy of the City to clarify the use of Internet resources by staff, volunteers, and the public in facilities operated by the Simi Valley Public Library.

PROCEDURES

1. The Simi Valley Public Library (Library) endeavors to provide collections, resources, and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of the diverse community it serves. Within this context, the Library offers access to the Internet for both staff and members of the public.

 

2. Neither the Simi Valley Public Library nor the City of Simi Valley is liable for theft of personal information while accessing the public computers and internet, such as identity theft.

 

3. The Internet is a global resource. Resources available on the Internet supplement and complement the collection and resources available at the Library. The Library does not monitor and has no control over the information available over the Internet. The Internet may contain material of a controversial nature. Users should note that not all Internet sources provide accurate, complete, or current information.

 

4. It is the policy of the Library to:
   1. Prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, illegal material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications.
   2. Prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity.
   3. Prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.
   4. Comply with Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) / Neighborhood CIPA.

    

5. A Library card in good standing is needed in order to log on to a Library computer. Patrons must use their own card. Use of another patron’s card is not permitted and may result in suspension of computer privileges.

 

6. All Library computers with Internet access use a technology protection measure to track, log, block, filter, or otherwise protect against access to certain visual depictions, or other materials that are unlawful, obscene, child pornographic, or otherwise illegal. Where it is available, public wireless Internet access is also filtered, and all Library policies concerning legal, acceptable, and safe use of computers and the Internet apply.

 

7. Library users should not have an expectation of privacy when using any form of electronic media in the Library. Library users should also understand that they may be involuntarily exposed to Internet content being viewed by other patrons.

 

8. Access for all patrons under age 18 will be filtered. Filtering software may not block all material users may find offensive. Librarians cannot act in the place of parents in providing constant care and supervision of children as they explore the Internet. Parents and legal guardians are responsible for monitoring any and all Internet use by minors. Consent given on the part of parents or legal guardians for a Library card issued to minors constitutes acknowledgment by the parents or guardians that they have a responsibility for monitoring their child’s use of all Library resources, including the public computers.

 

9. The following are recommended guidelines for parents and guardians to ensure that
   children have positive online experiences, whether at home or at the Library:
   1. Explore the wide range of available information, and tell your children about sites you consider inappropriate for them.
   2. Provide guidelines for your children on the amount of time they spend online, just as for television viewing.
   3. Teach children to never give out personal identification information (name, address, password, telephone number, social security number, credit card number) about themselves or others without first asking a parent for permission.
   4. Teach children to be good online consumers. As with print information, consider the source, date, and accuracy of online information.
   5. Teach minors to exercise discretion and caution when communicating using the Internet, electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications in order to remain safe and secure (e.g. avoidance of predators, cyber- bullying, and scams).

    

10. Use of Library technology by each and every staff member, volunteer, or patron shall constitute that person’s acknowledgment of – and agreement to abide by – this Internet Use and Safety Policy, including guidelines for use of the Internet by minors. Patrons are expected to adhere to all rules governing the use of the Internet in libraries, including the duration and frequency of sessions. Patrons who violate Library policy regarding the use of the Internet or who behave in a disruptive manner will be asked to either modify their use appropriately or have their Internet usage access suspended. During the first instance, the Internet usage access shall be suspended for seven days; for the second instance, 14 days; and for the third instance, 30 days.

 

11. All Internet use is subject to Library’s Code of Conduct, which states that behavior must not disrupt other patrons’ use of the Library and that Library patrons must be considerate of others in the Library and treat other patrons and staff with courtesy and respect, honor other patrons’ privacy, and keep all conversations quiet.

 

12. Users shall utilize the Library network for lawful activities only. They shall not use the network to cause harm to others or damage the property of others. They shall not intentionally upload, download, or create computer viruses or other forms of malicious programming, attempt to harm or destroy equipment, manipulate the data of any other User, or seek unauthorized access to networks and systems, including so-called “hacking.”

 

13. In order to provide identity privacy for all users, Library computers are not equipped to store documents. Computer users are required to provide their own storage devices to save work. The Library is not responsible for damage to personal storage devices or loss of data stored on them.

 

14. Library users are required to provide their own headphones if they wish to listen to audio.

 

15. Staff members are to use the Internet for Library related purposes only. Unacceptable use of the Internet is prohibited and is grounds for disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from Simi Valley Public Library.

 

16. Internet users shall not violate any applicable local, state, or federal laws or policies.

 
History

[April 22, 2019 Policy revised by Board of Trustees]
[June 3, 2013 Policy reviewed by Board of Trustees]