Adopted by the Eagle Public Library Board of Trustees, June 17, 2020
Reviewed and reaffirmed, June 19, 2024
Introduction
Public access to the Internet and online services has become an integral part of the Eagle Public Library’s programs and services. The intent of this policy is to meet the provisions of the Children’s Internet Protection Act and Idaho Code 33-2741, as well as provide guidelines for patrons and staff regarding Internet accessible and online computer use.
It is the policy of the Eagle Public library 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)].
Developed under the direction of the Board of Trustees of the Eagle Public Library, this Internet and Online Access Policy was discussed and adopted, following public notice required by Idaho code, during an open meeting of the Board of Trustees on June 17, 2020. This policy supersedes all previous Internet and Online Access Policy statements of the Eagle Public Library and is effective on June 17, 2020.
This Policy document will be reviewed by the Board of Trustees of the Eagle Public Library at least every three years.
The Eagle Public Library’s Internet Access Policy complies with Idaho Code 33-2741 Public Library – Internet Use Policy Required and with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].
The Eagle Public Library has in place a policy of Internet safety for minors, including the operation of a technology protection measure, hereafter called “filtering software,” on any publicly accessible computer with Internet access that protects against access to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors, as defined in I.C. 33-2741 and the Children’s Internet Protection Act. The filtering software will be enforced to provide Internet safety during any use of a library computer by a minor.
Patrons of any age who bring their own computer equipment into the Library and utilize the Library’s Internet connection will have only filtered access to the Internet. The same policy regarding the viewing of illegal and inappropriate sites shall apply to these patrons.
The Eagle Public Library has in place a policy of Internet safety, including the operation of a technology protection measure on any publicly accessible computer with Internet access that protects against access to visual depictions that are obscene or child pornography as defined in I.C. 33-2741 and the Children’s Internet Protection Act. The filtering software will be enforced to provide Internet safety during any use of a computer.
Library policy may also limit Internet access or otherwise protect against materials other than the materials specified in Idaho statute.
Inappropriate Network Usage
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Eagle 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
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.
It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Eagle 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.
Implementation Requirements
A notice of the availability of this Policy will be posted in a conspicuous place within the library for all patrons to observe.
The Board of Trustees has established procedures and guidelines to handle complaints about this policy, enforcement of this policy by library staff, and what a patron should do if they observe inappropriate behavior by another library patron. A notice of the availability of these procedures for public review will be posted, as well as the policies made readily available to all staff members. These procedures and guidelines will be adhered to by library staff to enforce the requirements of Idaho Code 33-2741 and the Children’s Internet Protection Act.
Disregarding the Eagle Public Library Internet and Online Access Policy or the Eagle Library Internet Safety Policy may result in loss of Internet privileges.