Clifton Community Library
Cranberry Lake, NY

Internet Policy
Amended January 18, 2022


The library offers access to the Internet as an electronic means of reaching ideas and information and greatly expanding its information services beyond the traditional collections and resources.  

Introduction:

It is the policy of the Clifton Community Library to:

  • Prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications;
  • Prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity;
  • Prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and
  • Comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].

Definitions

Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

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, 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 or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

Inappropriate Network Usage

To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Clifton Community Library online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.

Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes:

  • Unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and
  •  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 Clifton Community Library 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 or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of Library Staff.

All users of electronic resources are expected to use these resources in a responsible and ethical manner consistent with the standards and rules of the library and of the community.

Public Computers:

  • Access is by both reservation and “walk-in” when available. Reservations may be made in person or by telephone.
  • You must log in using a valid library card from an automated NCLS library or request a guest pass at the Circulation Desk.
  • A user upon log in must agree to the internet policy of the library in order to access the internet on Public Computers.
  • Public Computer use is limited to sixty minutes. A user may request their time be extended if no one is waiting.
  • Reservations may be made for blocks of time beyond sixty minutes for special circumstances. Additional reserve time may be granted at the discretion of a staff member.
  • Public Computer use is limited to the hours that the library is open.
  • Wireless service is available during library open and closed hours.
  • When saving data while using a Public Computer, a user must save files or downloaded data to a personal site or device prior to ending their session. All data a patron enters is deleted upon computer restart at session close.
  • Library staff is available to help navigate the Internet by offering suggestions for sites and searching assistance.

Wireless Service:

 You must log in using the wireless user name and password available to patrons and guests at the Circulation Desk during open hours.

A user upon log in must agree to the internet policy of the library in order to access the internet on Public Computers.

Disclaimer:

The library does not guarantee the computer system to be error free or without defect.

The library is not responsible for:

  • The actions of its patrons,
  • The accuracy or quality of information accessed through the computer,
  • Any damage to or loss of data, or interruption of service patrons may suffer while using the computer.

Access by Minors

It is the policy of the library that parents and guardians are responsible for setting guidelines and restrictions for their minor children.

Adoption

This Internet Safety Policy was adopted by the Board of Clifton Community Library at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on January 20, 2014.