Internet Safety Policy

To comply with CIPA [CHILDREN'S INTERNET PROTECTION ACT (Pub. L. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)] the Henderson County Public Library has adopted this Internet Safety Policy. The policy was adopted 06/08/2004 by the Library Board of Trustees.

The library has installed Technology Protection Measures (filtering software) on all of its Internet accessible terminals. This filtering software helps to protect against access to visual depictions deemed "obscene," "child pornography," or "harmful to minors."
The term "obscene" as defined in 18 USC Section 1460.
The term "child pornography" as defined in 18 USC Section 2256.
The term "harmful to minors" as defined in 47 USC Section 254 [G].

It is the position of the library that staff presence and use of a filtering system should not be viewed as a substitute for parental supervision of a minor on the Internet. Staff ability to monitor activities of minors online will be affected by circumstances at the service desk. With this in mind, children age 11 and under must use a computer designated for children and be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. Children 12-16 can use a computer unattended. Children should be warned against giving out any personal information while using the Internet, email, or other direct electronic communications. The library can block a child's card from internet access at the request of a parent.

Filtering software is flawed. In some instances it may block access to constitutionally protected material on the Internet or fail to block access to material that is obscene or harmful. Under the law, the librarian can unblock individual websites for minors that have been blocked erroneously. The Librarian can only completely disable the filter for adult patrons, 17 and over, on request.

With regards to safety, the Henderson County Internet Policy prohibits the following:
  • Sending or displaying obscene or disruptive messages, files, or images.
  • Unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identification.
  • Gaining unauthorized access to the library's network or computer systems or to any other network or computer system (hacking).
  • Using library computers to conduct any unlawful activity.

Any violation of this policy may result in the loss of Internet privileges at the library. Unacceptable use that is illegal may result in criminal prosecution as well.

This policy was revised 09/13/2007.

Supporting Documents

PDF icon Internet Safety Policy (80 KB)