This post will serve as public notice for an update and changes SIES is making to its internet policy as advised by the Maine State Library E-rate service office.  This meeting of the Board of Trustees will take place at our regularly scheduled monthly meeting November 10, 2014, 6:00 pm at the Swan’s Island Library.  For more information concerning E-rate visit: http://maine.gov/msl/erate/about.shtml

Internet Use and Safety Policy

The Library provides access to the Internet as a means to enhance the information and learning opportunities for the community of Swan’s Island. The Board of Trustees has established the Internet Use and Safety Policy to ensure appropriate and effective use of the resource.

Access to the Internet is available to all patrons; however, this service may be restricted at any time because of use not consistent with these guidelines. The library filters the Internet regardless of the user’s age. Filters can be lifted upon request for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. Filters can be lifted by a library staff member or volunteer on duty upon request by an adult for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.  

http://www.e-ratecentral.com/CIPA/cipa_policy_primer.pdf

The library cannot insure that data or files downloaded by users are virus-free. The library is not responsible for damage to equipment or data on a user’s personal computer or to other personal electronics from the use of data downloaded from the library’s Internet service.

Expectations

Users should be aware that the inappropriate use of electronic information resources can be a violation of local, state, and federal laws and can lead to prosecution. The user will be held responsible for his/her actions using the Internet. Users are expected to abide by the guidelines listed below, as well as generally accepted rules of network etiquette.   Unacceptable uses of the service will result in the suspension or revocation of Internet use privileges.

Guidelines for adults and minors using library Internet access

• Users may use the Internet for research and the acquisition of information to address their educational, vocational, cultural, and recreational needs.
• Users may use the Internet for the receipt and transmission of email; the library is unable to manage email accounts for any organization or individual.
• Internet use on library computers and electronic devices is offered in thirty (30) minute sessions on a first-come, first-serve basis; each user is allowed one session. If there is no patron waiting for the service at the end of a session, the user can have another thirty (30) minutes. After the second, thirty (30) minute session, the user must abandon use of the Internet on all library computers and electronic devices.
• Users will respect and uphold copyright laws and all other applicable laws and regulations; they will not use it for illegal purposes such as illegal downloads, hacking, plagiarism, et cetera.
• Users will respect the rights and privacy of others by not accessing private files. (Please contact the volunteer on duty if another patron’s online account(s) is still active when you go online.)
• Users agree not to incur any costs to the library through their use of the Internet service.
• Users shall not create nor distribute computer viruses over the Internet.
• Users shall not deliberately or willfully cause damage to library computers, electronic equipment, or software.
• Users should never disclose the personal information of themselves or a minor, such as name, school, address or telephone number, to strangers on the Internet.

 Adult Use of the Internet

Adults should be advised that access to obscene or child pornography may cause additional disciplinary action. Any violation of library policy may result in loss of library-provided access to the Internet. When and where applicable, law enforcement agencies may be notified.

Minor’s Use of the Internet

Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their child’s use of the library’s Internet service. Prior to being granted access to the Internet, anyone under 18 years of age must, along with a parent or guardian, sign the Internet Use Agreement and return it to the Director before using the library’s equipment. All Internet users must check with the volunteer on duty before using one of the library’s computers or other technologies.

In addition to the above mentioned guidelines

• Minors shall not access inappropriate material on the Internet; such as obscene and or pornographic material, child pornography, and any other electronic material or resource considered “harmful to minors.”
• Minors should use caution in their use of email, chat rooms, direct electronic communication, instant messaging, and other forms of social media. These forms of communication can expose minors to dangerous situations.
• Internet safety materials are available free of charge for families wishing to know more about Internet safety. These materials are located in the Public Access Computer area or may be obtained from the Director.
• Internet users should never disclose personal information, such as name, school, address, or telephone number to strangers on the Internet.

Any violation of library policy or rules may result in loss of library-provided access to the Internet. In accordance with existing procedures and practices regarding inappropriate language or behavior, additional disciplinary action may be considered.

When and where applicable, law enforcement agencies may be notified.

Enforcement of policy

The library uses a technology protection measure which blocks or filters Internet access to some Internet sites that are not in accordance with library policy.

This technology protection may be removed by a library staff member or volunteer on duty to support an adult’s bona fide research purposes.

http://www.e-ratecentral.com/CIPA/cipa_policy_primer.pdf

A library staff person or volunteer on duty may override the technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet access to accord a minor access to a site with legitimate educational value that is wrongly blocked. This is in keeping with the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

Internet Policy adopted June 2004

The Internet Use and Safety Policy was revised by the Swan’s Island Educational Society Board of Trustees at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on August 13, 2012.

Appendix C: E-rate Central, Internet Safety Policies and CIPA: An E-rate Primer for Schools and Libraries.

At this meeting the board will be discussing exhibit and outgoing loans of historical material. An initial review of the 2015 budget will also be presented.  Questions, comments and information are always welcome at our monthly meetings.