Internet Safety Policy

Introduction

It is the policy of the East Hartford Public Libraries to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, 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; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].

The East Hartford Public Library strives to provide high quality public access to online resource for all patrons while ensuring the safety of its patrons while utilizing public access terminals or network connections (PC’s, wireless access points).

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, or other forms of electronic communications, 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 or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.

Additionally the Library shall prohibit content deemed harmful to the operation of the library computers (IE: malware/spyware/botnet software or systems).

Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled for adults and 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 East Hartford Public Libraries online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.

A filtering system will be employed by the Library to protect all patrons and library resources as possible and provide a technology based control for internet access.

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.

Patrons found to be in violation of this policy may face sanctions such as loss of computer access and up to and including being asked to leave the premise at the request of Library staff.

Education, Supervision and Monitoring

It shall be the responsibility of all members of the East Hartford Public Libraries staff to educate, supervise and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21 st Century Act.

In accordance with the East Hartford Public Libraries Policies patrons found to be willfully violating or circumventing policy for purposes of viewing obscene or indecent materials will be asked to leave immediately. Subsequent incidents will result in increasing sanctions up to a permanent ban from the Library.

Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Library Director or designated representatives.

Adoption

This Internet Safety Policy was adopted by the Library Administration and the Raymond Library Commission at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on November 21, 2016.