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Policies

Internet Policy

A. Purpose: To establish regulations that allow fair and equitable access to the Internet from the library, define the library’s responsibility under the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), and define the library’s manner of compliance to CIPA.

B. Scope: The Pender County Library allows for public access to the Internet in order to provide its users information beyond that contained in the library’s collection. Although the Internet contains a wealth of information resources, it also provides access to sites of which contain material or content which may be considered offensive, obscene or illegal. The library does filter access to the Internet; however, it cannot be held responsible for any of the information retrieved. The following Rules of Use are in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Failure to abide by these rules may result in a suspension of user privileges. The following rules of use have been adopted.

  1. By using the library’s devices or Internet, users agree to abide by the rules outlined in the Internet Policy.
  2. Using equipment for any illegal purpose is not permitted.
  3. Patrons may not use another user’s account to access the Internet.
  4. In order to maximize the availability of Internet resources, the library has established time limits on access to library devices. Staff may authorize exceptions as appropriate.
  5. Displaying, sending or receiving inappropriate materials in either text or graphics, which may be reasonably construed as obscene, is not permitted (pursuant to NC Statute 14-190.1).
  6. The library assumes no responsibility in protecting the confidentiality of the user’s Internet or computer activity.
  7. Altering of hardware or software settings is not permitted and no files may be saved to the hard drive.
  8. Making unauthorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data is not permitted.
  9. Patrons 18 years old and older may request, for bona fide research purposes, access to a site that has been blocked under the provisions of CIPA. Every effort will be made to release such sites within a reasonable period of time.
  10. Minors 17 and under must have a valid library card or parental permission to use the Internet. While access is filtered, it remains the responsibility of parents, guardians, or caregivers to determine which sites are appropriate for their children.
  11. The library (or its agent) reserves the right to monitor use of computers to prevent the intentional or unintentional disruption of the network.

C. Wireless Access: The Pender County Library offers free wireless access for library patrons to use with their own personal devices. These access points are unsecured. The library cannot guarantee that a user’s device will work with the library's wireless network. The library is also not responsible for any information (e.g., credit card) that is compromised on the network, or for any damage caused to devices due to electric surges, security issues or consequences caused by viruses or hacking. Use of the library’s wireless network is entirely at the discretion of the user. The library disclaims all liability for loss of confidential information or damages resulting from that loss. All users are expected to use the library's wireless access in a legal and responsible manner, consistent with the educational, recreational, and informational purposes for which it is provided.

D. Internet Safety: It is the policy of Pender County Library to: (a) prevent patrons from accessing or transmitting inappropriate material on the Internet via the library's network; (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 [Public Law No. 106-554 and 47 U.S. Code 254(h)]. Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

1) Access to Inappropriate Material (material defined by CIPA as harmful to minors)

To the extent practical, technology protection measures such as web filters shall be used to block or filter Internet or other forms of electronic communications. Specifically, as required by CIPA, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors. 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.

2) Inappropriate Network Usage

To the extent possible, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Pender County Library online computer network when using email, social media, and other forms of 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.

3) Supervision and Monitoring

Pender County Library staff reserve the right to terminate access to the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

Adopted by the Pender County Library Advisory Board, date unknown.

Revised and adopted by the Pender County Library Advisory Board, December 11, 2023.