Internet Safety Policy

Introduction

It  is  the  policy  of  the Annie Porter Ainsworth Memorial Library (APAML) 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)].

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, from 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.

Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled for adults upon request.

Inappropriate Network Usage

To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the APAML online computer network.

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.

Education, Supervision and Monitoring

It shall be the responsibility of all members of the APAML 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 21st Century Act.

Procedures for the disabling of or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the North Country Library System.

Adoption

This Internet Safety Policy was adopted by the Board of the APAML at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on March 18, 2019.  

Approved and adopted by the Board of Trustees on March 18, 2019; reviewed April 11, 2023.