Ramsey County Library
Internet Access Policy

As part of its ongoing mission to provide the public with the broadest possible spectrum of recreational and educational materials, the Ramsey County Library offers public access to the Internet.

Since Internet resources are, by their nature, not subject to the Library’s traditional procedures for selection of materials, users may occasionally encounter material online they find false or inappropriate. The Library does not accept responsibility for any information found on the Internet including but not limited to inaccurate, outdated or offensive information.

The area of Internet access policies in libraries was recently decided by the Federal Supreme Court in the case United States  V. American Library Association, Inc. , 539 U.S. 194 (2003).

INTERNET FILTERING

In conformity with the provisions of public law 106-554 that relate to the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), all Library computers and non-library computers accessing the Internet through the Library are filtered. This includes wireless access provided by the Library in all of its buildings. As provided by law, any library patron who is 17 years or older may request that filtering software be temporarily disabled on an individual basis. In response to such a request, staff shall temporarily disable filtering software on any library-owned computer as it affects the individual’s use without soliciting an explanation or justification, other than that required to verify the age of the requesting individual. Due to technical limitations, the Library will not disable filtering on its wireless network.

Despite efforts of staff and filtering software developers, no filtering software is infallible. Constitutionally allowed material may occasionally be blocked by our filters, and proscribed material may occasionally evade the filters. For these reasons, library users must exercise their own judgment in undertaking Internet usage. In all cases, whether filtering is or is not in place, individuals who access the Internet through the Library shall conform to legal and procedural requirements outlined in the Disclaimer and in the Requirements for Acceptable Use of the Internet listed below.

Disclaimer

The Ramsey County Public Library expects all persons who access the Internet through its facilities to conduct themselves in accordance with state and federal law and regulations. In particular, this means that Internet users shall comply with laws governing obscenity, child pornography and materials harmful to minors. Such laws include, but are not limited to, Minnesota Statutes sections 617.241, 617.245, 617.246, 617.247, and 617.291 through 617.296, as well as the provisions of Public Law 106-554 that relate to the CIPA and Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act (NCIPA).

The Ramsey County Library does not accept responsibility for any damage caused or incurred by persons who choose to access the Internet through the Library.

Requirements for Acceptable Use of the Internet at Ramsey County Public Library

The Library provides Internet access to users who understand the importance of using the Internet responsibly and who agree to respect the rights of other users. Internet users shall:

• Display or access material in accordance with copyright laws and database license agreements.
   

• Make use of library hardware and software in a responsible manner that does not deliberately disrupt or degrade the integrity of data, or compromise technical performance standards of the Library’s computer system.
   

• Refrain from activity that deliberately seeks to create a threatening or hostile environment for staff or other library users. Such activity includes, but is not limited to, the use of shared printers to reproduce offensive material from the Internet, if this action has the effect of creating a threatening or hostile environment for the reasonable man or woman.
   

• Refrain from any online or other activity prohibited by state or federal law, including, but not limited to Minnesota Statutes sections 617.241, 617.245, 617.246, 617.247, and 617.291 through 617.296, as well as the provisions of Public Law 106-554 that relate to (CIPA) and (NCIPA).

Limitations on Use

Individual branches may place limitations on time and manner of Internet use, in order to regulate Internet access as equitably as possible, and to respect the rights and concerns of all library users.
 
Children’s Use of the Internet

Parents and guardians have authority over their children’s internet usage. A parent may limit or prevent a child’s Internet Access by requesting that the child’s card be issued with the necessary restrictions. The Library recognizes that the responsibility for the guidance and regulation of a child’s use of the Internet lies with the parent. The Library urges parents to work with their children to foster productive and satisfactory online experiences. As a convenience to parents, individual branches may establish certain additional guidelines governing manner and/or time of use for Internet terminals that are specially designated for use by children. Parents or guardians of a person under the age of 18 may, through formal request, prevent such a person from Internet access.

Failure to Comply

As is the case with any policy established for the harmonious and orderly conduct of Library business, failure to comply with the regulations of this Internet Policy may result in loss of access to Library services and facilities. Appropriate legal sanctions may be used against those who willfully violate the provisions of this policy.

Approved by the Ramsey County Library Board
June 21, 2006