Acceptable
and Safe Use of Electronic Resources Policy
Approved
by the Portland Public Library Board of Trustees on June 19, 2002.
The Portland
Public Library's technology equipment and Internet connection enable
the Library to provide access to information beyond the confines if
its own collections and thus enhance the breadth and depth of
information resources available to library users.
Providing access to the Internet is
consistent with the library's mission to serve, "...the Portland
Community by providing a diverse collection of books and other
resources, and access to information resources nationwide [and
worldwide]. Its services encourage and support the educational,
informational, and recreational interests of all members of the
community..."
Currently, however, the Internet is
an unregulated medium. The information available on the Internet
includes much that is personally, professionally, and culturally
enriching. It also provides access to material that may be offensive
or disturbing to some individuals, as well as access to information
that may be factually incorrect, misleading, and/or illegal. The
Internet is a powerful tool for finding information, but it is not
necessarily a substitute for other library resources. Library users
are encouraged to ask a Librarian for assistance in finding the best
sources for research.
The Library's "Materials
Selection Policy", and Rules of Conduct (posted throughout
the Library) form the basis of this policy on acceptable and safe use
of the Library's resources and Internet connection. The "Materials
Selection Policy" explains how the Library seeks to provide free
and open access to ideas and information to all library users. A
portion of the policy states:
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"In support of intellectual
freedom, the Board has reviewed and endorsed the Library Bill of
Rights as adopted by the American Library Association...and the
Freedom to Read Statement as adopted by the American Library
Association...In addition a resolution signed on June 1, 1986, by the
Trustees and Staff affirms the fundamental importance of, 'the
democratic principle of the citizen's right to free access to
information.'"
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Policies:
- The
Portland Public Library upholds and affirms the right of each
individual to have access to constitutionally protected materials
- Internet
use will be managed in a manner consistent with the Library's
Rules of Conduct.
- The
Library reserves the right to limit the use of its electronic
resources by the public. Such limitations may include, but are not
limited to:
- restricting
time on computers and limiting the applications or functions
used on the computers;
- requiring
that patrons use library-provided diskettes for downloading
files;
- charging
a nominal fee for the use of certain consumable supplies such as
paper and diskettes.
- The
Portland Public Library's electronic resources may be used only
for purposes which are legal and consistent with the Library's
mission. Unacceptable uses by patrons of all ages include, but are
not limited to:
- Harassment
of other library or computer users or staff; or unauthorized
access to files, data or passwords of others;
- Libeling
or slandering others;
- Disruption
or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications;
- Unauthorized
copying of copyright-protected material;
- Violations,
or attempts to violate, computer system security (“hacking”)
and/or software license agreements;
- Intentional
exposure of other individuals (particularly children) to
material or images they (or parents) may find personally
unsuitable;
- Incurring
any costs to the Portland Public Library.
- The
Portland Public Library affirms the responsibility of parents to
determine the appropriateness of Internet-accessed resources, and
all other library materials, for their children.
Internet Safety for
Minors
Parents or legal guardians are ultimately responsible
for guiding their children in their use of the Internet. Children,
like all patrons, must agree to and abide by the Library’s Rules
of Conduct. In addition, the library takes the following actions
to support parents and their children in the safe and effective
use of the Internet:
- Develops
webpages and links designed for children and teens;
- Provides
written tipsheets about Internet safety;
- Offers
training opportunities for parents and their children about safe
and successful Internet use;
- Makes
staff available to advise minors about safe and successful
Internet use.
Parents
concerned about their children's use of electronic resources may find
helpful the pamphlet Child Safety on the Information Highway,
published by the
National
Center
for Missing and Exploited Children and available in the library. In
particular, the Library urges parents and their children to protect their safety by bearing in mind
the following points:
