Resolution 12-020 Amending the Homer Public Library Policies for Computer Use and Internet Safety

CITY OF HOMER
HOMER, ALASKA

City Clerk/
Library Director

RESOLUTION 12-020

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF HOMER, ALASKA, AMENDING THE HOMER PUBLIC LIBRARY POLICIES FOR COMPUTER USE AND INTERNET SAFETY.

WHEREAS, The Library Advisory Board reviewed and approved amendments to the Computer Use and Internet Safety Policies /addition of fees for overdue items, photocopies, interlibrary loan fee, replacement/repair of items, and improper return of digital devices; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council hereby amends the Homer Public Library Policies for Computer Use and Internet Safety as follows:

HOMER PUBLIC LIBRARY
COMPUTER USE POLICY AND INTERNET SAFETY POLICY

To fulfill our mission of providing public access to information resources and opportunities for lifelong learning, the Homer Public Library offers free access to the Internet and other computer resources. The following policy discusses the Library’s rules and regulations regarding computer and Internet use in the Library and compliance with federal law. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Statement of Responsibility:
The Homer Public Library does not control the accuracy, authoritativeness, or suitability of information on the Internet and is not responsible for its content. The Library does not endorse any products, sites, or material on the Internet. Patrons’ use of the Internet is at their own risk. In no event will the Homer Public Library or the City of Homer be responsible for any loss or damage arising from the use of the Internet or any of the Library’s computer resources.

Library staff follows generally accepted library practices to choose links to the Library’s home page. The Library is not responsible for changes in content of the sources to which it is linked, or for the content of sources accessed through secondary links. The Library is not responsible for any online breakdowns by the Internet provider(s), or for any virus downloaded by any user.

Access:
The Homer Public Library affirms the right of every individual to have access to constitutionally protected material. Internet and computer resources, like all other library information, are provided equally to all library users free of charge.

The Library also affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their own children’s use of all library materials and resources.
The Homer Public Library is guided by the following statements from the American Library Association on access to information:
• The Library Bill of Rights.
• Freedom to Read Statement.
• Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights: Free Access to Libraries for Minors and Access to Electronic Information Services and Resources.

Internet access is available at the Library in three ways:
• With a guest pass, available at the front desk.
• With a current library card in good standing (free of fines and fees).
• Wireless Internet, available during Library open hours. (Note: The wireless network shuts down fifteen minutes before closing time.)

Legal and Ethical Use:
All existing library policies and local, state, and federal laws apply to users of the library’s computer resources. Violation of any laws or regulations may result in loss of library privileges (Homer City Code Section 1.48.070), or possible civil or criminal penalties. The Library recognizes that electronic information on the Internet may contain material that is inappropriate or offensive to children and patrons of all ages. The Library requires that all Library patrons using the Library’s Internet connection do so within these guidelines of appropriate and acceptable use.

The following are unacceptable:
• Any use of electronic information which results in the harassment of others;
• Use of electronic information networks which violates a Federal or State law;
• Unauthorized duplication of protected software or licensing agreements, including but not exclusively, “hacking;”
• Destruction, damage to, or unauthorized alteration of the Library’s computer equipment;
• Behaving in a manner that is disruptive to others;
• Accessing child pornography;
• Any unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of any personal identification information regarding minors.
• Display of sexually explicit images at any computer in the library in public view is prohibited and may result in loss of library privileges and possible civil or criminal penalties.

The Library reserves the right to classify any action, access, or operation on the Internet inappropriate and ban its use by patrons.

All Internet users should avoid disclosing personal information over the Internet to preserve their own personal safety. Library Internet users are prohibited by law from disclosing, using, or disseminating personal information regarding minors without written authorization of the parent or legal guardian of the minors involved.

Access by Minors (under age 18):
Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding which library resources are appropriate for their own children. Parents or legal guardians should guide their children in use of the Internet and inform them about materials they should not use.

The Library contains resources on its website and in its collection to assist youth and parents in assessing the benefits and risks of Internet use for children. To help minors use the Internet safely and effectively, the Library also posts links to websites recommended for children.

When using electronic mail or other forms of direct electronic communication, the Library urges minors to keep in mind the following safety guidelines:
• Never give out identifying information such as home address, school name, or telephone number.
• Let parents or guardians decide whether personal information such as age, marital status, or financial information should be revealed.
• Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone via the computer without parents’ or guardians’ approval.
• Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, threatening, or make you uncomfortable.
• Have parents or guardians report incidents to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 if they become aware of the transmission of child pornography.
• Remember that people online may not be who they say they are.
• Remember that everything you read may not be true.

Privacy and Confidentiality:
Internet and other computer use in the library will be considered protected by the confidentiality of library records under Alaska Statutes Section 40.25.140. Any information that identifies Internet users with specific materials or subject matters is considered confidential. Such records shall not be made available to any agency of local, state or federal government except pursuant to such process, order or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of federal, state, or local law relating to criminal, civil or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigatory power. Homer Public Library resists the issuance or enforcement of any such process, order or subpoena until such time as proper showing of good cause has been made in a court of competent jurisdiction.

While the Library is sensitive to a patron’s need for privacy in using all library resources, the Library cannot guarantee a patron’s privacy while using our computer resources. All patrons are expected to respect the privacy of others.

Patrons should be aware that the Library’s wireless network is not encrypted and while connected their device will not be isolated from other users or potential eavesdroppers. Patrons are advised to refrain from connecting any device, especially those containing sensitive data, without first fully securing their device. While connected patrons should avoid performing tasks that are considered confidential without first creating a strongly encrypted and secure connection to the remote computer, service or webpage. In no event will the Homer Public Library or the City of Homer be responsible for any loss or damage arising from unauthorized access to a patron’s device or communications on the Internet.

The library reserves the right to take appropriate action to insure compliance with this policy.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of Homer, Alaska, this 12th day of March, 2012.

CITY OF HOMER

_____________________________
JAMES C. HORNADAY, MAYOR

ATTEST:

______________________________
JO JOHNSON, CMC, CITY CLERK

Fiscal Note: N/A