Introduction |
The Atlantic County Library System offers Internet access as an important resource in meeting the informational, cultural, recreational, and educational needs of Atlantic County's diverse community. A computer reservation system is available in all branches. The Internet may contain material that is inappropriate for viewing or that may be found objectionable by some users. Library users, whether children and their parents or adults, are the final selectors in using the Internet and are responsible for their individual choices and decisions. Definitions Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act. The library upholds and affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine their children's use of all library materials and resources. Parents should inform their child of materials they do not want the child to use and should supervise their child's Internet sessions. Affirming the user's right to confidentiality and privacy, users are advised that total security is technically difficult to achieve. Electronic communications and file transfers could become public during your sessions. |
Personal Electronic Device and Network Policy |
Time Limits |
Services |
CIPA Compliant Web Filtering 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, and access to inappropriate information. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed to be obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors. Inappropriate Network Usage To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the 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: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and (b) 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 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. |
Evaluating Information |
Responsibilities Use of the library's computers for the transmission, dissemination, or duplication of information is regulated under various state and federal laws. The Library expects all users to comply with such laws and regulations. Users should not damage/alter the setup of the library equipment nor damage/alter software or data residing on the Internet. Users who alter/damage or attempt to alter/damage the setup of library equipment may be asked to leave and may have their computer privileges suspended. The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session if Internet searching results in the disruption of library services, or if behavior when using the Internet becomes inappropriate for a library setting, or to deal with technical problems. Failure to use the computers appropriately may result in loss of computer privileges. |
Printing/Downloading |
Assistance Often, a book or other printed material may provide the answer to a specific question, so ask the library staff for help. Users who do not find what they need on the Internet within the time available are encouraged to leave their question with the library staff for a more extensive search. |