Sno-Isle Libraries Board Policy

Purpose

To affirm the role of Sno-Isle Libraries (Library District) in providing public access to the Internet and to clarify customer responsibilities associated with Internet use in the library.

Scope

Public access to the Internet is integral to the Library District’s mission to engage and inspire our communities through equitable access to knowledge and resources.

The Internet helps the Library District to provide information outside of its own collection; allows customers to create content, communicate, and engage with others; and provides a way for customers to complete transactions with public, nonprofit, and private entities.

The Internet is world-wide and is not controlled by the Library District or any other organization. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or up-to-date information and some material may be controversial or offensive. The Library District cannot track or endorse the content of information, ideas, or opinions on the Internet.

Implementation

The Library District is committed to offering open access to the Internet, to supporting the right to privacy and confidentiality of customers, and to following the provisions of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

Customers should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding Internet activities. The Library District will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources by customers except as required by law or necessary for the proper operation of the Library District.

The Library District uses technology protection measures on Library District-provided Internet access devices that are intended to block obscene materials, child pornography, and materials harmful to minors as defined by law. Technology protection measures such as filtering are imperfect and cannot guarantee that all such sites will be blocked or that legitimate research sites will be unrestricted.

Customers can use their own digital devices to access the Internet in community libraries throughout the Library District. Public Wi-Fi is not routed through the Library District's computer system, is not filtered, and is not secure.

Customer Responsibilities

Customers recognize that their use of the Internet on library premises is conducted in a public place shared by many. Customers are subject to the Customer Use of Library Spaces policy.

Customers acknowledge that the Library District cannot protect the privacy of data that is transmitted to parties via the Internet.

Customers shall comply with all federal, state, and local laws. Some prohibited behavior includes but is not limited to:

• Using the Library District’s Internet access to view, print, distribute, display, send, or receive images or graphics of obscene materials as defined by law or material that violates laws relating to child pornography;
• Disseminating, exhibiting, or displaying to minors materials that are harmful to minors as defined by law;
• Using the Library District’s Internet access to transmit threatening or harassing material;
• Violating copyright or software licensing agreements;
• Gaining unauthorized access to any computing, information, or communications devices or resources; or
• Damaging, altering, or degrading computer equipment, peripherals, software, or configurations.

Only parents/guardians are in charge of what their own minor children read, view, or listen to in the library as well as online. The Library District does not decide what a person reads or watches. Families should discuss together Internet use, Internet safety, and sharing personal information online.

The Library District is not responsible for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of the Internet services. Library District staff will not track the use of the Internet in any way other than as directed by the Customer Use of Library Spaces Policy.

Associated Policies and Laws

• United States. Children’s Internet Protection Act
• Washington State RCW 9.68A. Sexual Exploitation of Children
• Washington State RCW 19.188.030. Library access policies
• American Library Association Library Bill of Rights
• American Library Association Freedom to Read
• American Library Association Freedom to View
• Washington Library Association Intellectual Freedom Statement
• Sno-Isle Libraries Board policy. Customer Use of Library Spaces
• Sno-Isle Libraries Board policy. Equity
  

Process

This policy is reviewed every four (4) years by the Executive Director (or designee), who makes recommendations to the appropriate Board committee. The committee reviews the recommendations, revises the policy as necessary and appropriate, endorses, and advances the policy to the full Board for approval.

Policy History

Date approved: February 27, 2023
Next review date: 2027
Adopted: 1996