Internet Acceptable Use Policy

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Brighton Memorial Library (BML) endeavors to develop collections, resources, programs, and services that serve the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of Brighton's diverse community. The Internet, as provided by the Monroe County Library System (MCLS), enables BML to provide electronic information beyond the confines of its collection and allows access to ideas, information, and commentary from around the globe.
 
BML upholds and affirms the right of each individual to access constitutionally protected material. This policy is guided by the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read and Freedom to View Statements, and by the laws and principles of intellectual freedom, privacy, and confidentiality.
 
The Internet is an unregulated, constantly changing medium. Patrons are advised that BML cannot be held responsible for accuracy, authenticity, or suitability of content. Some information found on the Internet may be inaccurate, out of date, or incomplete. In addition, some Internet material may be offensive to some people. Patrons must personally evaluate the quality and/or legitimacy of information found online. BML expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access or use of information obtained through its electronic resources.
 
BML has instituted specific measures to assist with the safety and security of minors and others while accessing the Internet. As required by the 2004 Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and in order to remain eligible for certain federal funding, BML has implemented software filtering on all of its Internet accessible computer terminals. The software filter installed on Internet accessible computers at BML protects against access to visual depictions of obscenity and child pornography. Users should be aware, however, that currently available filtering software may result in a degree of both “under blocking” (permitting access to certain material that falls within the above blocked categories) or “over blocking” (denial of access to certain constitutionally protected material that does not fall within the blocked categories). MCLS has attempted to select filtering software that best complies with CIPA while providing BML patrons with the broadest possible access to constitutionally protected speech and information.
 
BML cannot and does not guarantee that the filtering software will block all obscenity, child pornography, or materials that are harmful to minors, nor can BML guarantee that the filtering software will not restrict access to sites that may have legitimate research or other value. In order to help address the over blocking problems and to enhance patron access to constitutionally protected speech and information, BML requests all patrons, both adults and minors, see a librarian to request unblocking an incorrectly blocked site.
 
Effective July 1, 2004, the CIPA and the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act (NCIPA) require public libraries that receive federal funds to filter public Internet access terminals. Since BML receives federal funds in conjunction with services provided through MCLS, it has installed blocking software on its Internet terminals to meet the minimum compliance parameters. In accordance with BML guidelines regarding unblocking websites, including the use of privacy screens by those requesting a site be unblocked in order to obtain unfiltered Internet access, any patron who is 17 years of age or older may request disabling the filtering software. In addition, BML will request MCLS unblock individual websites that it has verified have been erroneously blocked by the filter.
 
BML affirms that it is the right and responsibility of parents/legal guardians who are concerned about their children's use of electronic resources to provide guidance. As with other BML materials, restriction of a child's access to the Internet is ultimately the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian. Parents/legal guardians should inform their children of material they do not want them to use and may wish to supervise their children’s Internet usage. BML encourages parents/legal guardians to speak to their children about using email, online messaging, social media and sharing personal information over the Internet.
 
BML trustees may periodically review the need and/or the propriety of controlling access to certain sites on the Internet. In exercising such judgment, however, the BML trustees shall be mindful of technological limitations, employee and material costs, and legal implications of exercising such control.
 
The use of the Internet or BML computer equipment by any individual to engage in illegal activity or criminal behavior, including, but not limited to, using the BML network to make unauthorized entry into other computational, informational, or communication services or resources, distributing unsolicited advertising, invading the privacy of others, and/or damaging or altering BML computers, equipment, or software is expressly prohibited. Engaging in harassment or defamation, and/or using the Internet for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other rights of third parties, or in a manner inconsistent with BML’s policies and procedures, is also prohibited. Violations may result in the loss of library privileges and possible criminal charges.
 
Consistent with its Patron Behavior Policy, BML reserves the right to end an Internet session if it is disruptive to patrons or staff. It also reserves the right to take legal action, if warranted, in order to ensure the safety and security of BML patrons and staff and/or if access is achieved fraudulently.
 
Revised by the BML Board of Trustees on June, 2004
Revised by the BML Board of Trustees on February 19, 2018