|
|
Policy:
Whatcom County Library System makes Internet resources
available to its patrons, together with its collection of library materials
and electronic databases, as part of our mission to provide information.
WCLS is not responsible for information found on the Internet through computers
in our branches or via our website.
WCLS prohibits accessing, viewing,
or printing any illegal or obscene material on any WCLS computer located
in any WCLS facility.
Patrons are responsible for determining whether
information found on the internet is appropriate to their needs. It
is the Library’s policy
to provide technology that allows its patrons the choice of blocking
their access and that of their minor children to adult-oriented, sexually
explicit
web sites, email and/ or chat with the understanding that no technology
is fully effective in blocking intended sites and may inadvertently
block unintended
sites.
A minor’s parent or legal guardian must
sign a Whatcom County Library System’s Minor Internet Use Agreement
and select the level of filtering or no filtering. A minor will not be
allowed to use the
Internet without
a parent or guardian’s signature on the library’s completed
form, and the selection of level of filtering or no filtering indicated.
The Library’s policies on Disruptive Patrons and Rules of Conduct
apply to patron use of the Internet.
-
Internet: a network
that links computer networks all over the world by satellite and telephone,
connecting users with service networks
including email and
the World Wide Web, a global information system. Each network may
link tens, hundreds, or even thousands of computers, enabling them
to share information
and processing power. Unlike traditional broadcasting media, such
as radio and television, the Internet does not have a centralized
distribution system.
An individual who has Internet access can communicate directly with
anyone else on the Internet, post information for general consumption,
retrieve
information, use distant applications and services, or buy and sell
products.
-
Illegal Material: Images which fall under the
definitions of child pornography as stated in Washington Statute,
RCW 9.68A.011
(3)
-
“Obscene matter “ means matter, taken
as a whole, that to the average person, applying contemporary
statewide standards, appeals to the
prurient interest, that, taken as a whole, depicts or describes
sexual conduct in a patently offensive way, and that, taken
as a whole, lacks serious literary,
artistic, political, or scientific value. (The Library’s
Legal Answer Book, Mary Minow & Tomas A. Lipinski, American
Library Association, 2003, p. 134).
-
Sexually explicit material:
Images which fall under the definitions of
sexually explicit material as stated in Washington Statute, RCW 9.68.130(2).
RELATED POLICIES:
Policy Against Harassment
Disruptive Patron Policy
Internet Use Policy
Rules of Conduct
STATUTORY REFERENCE: RCW 9.68A.001, 9.68A.011, 9.68.130
APPROVAL DATE:
Revised: October 18, 2005
Revised: July 15, 2003
Revised: May 20, 2003
Revised: November 19, 2002
Revised: July 20, 1999
Approved: July 22, 1997
|
|
