LCL Computer and Internet Policy

PURPOSE:  

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for computer and internet usage in the library. 

General Use

Public access computers are provided for use by cardholders of the Lansing Community Library. Patrons who are not cardholders may be permitted to use the public access computers as a guest, but this use may be limited.  The library is not responsible for damage to and/or incompatibility with personal hardware or software that is used and data may not be permanently stored on the library’s computers.

Using library computer workstations in an inappropriate manner or for illegal purposes is prohibited.  Users must comply with the United States copyright law (See United States Code, title 17, Section 107), United States and Kansas statutes, and all other applicable laws.

Unacceptable use of computers includes, but is not limited to:

• Use of computer which impedes activities of others
• Violation of software license agreements
• Violation of user privacy
• Destruction or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the library
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any data, computer, or network

The user agrees to assume all liability for the cost of the repair or replacement in the event of loss due to theft, damage, negligence, or misuse.

Members of library staff are under no obligation to monitor library workstation usage, except to comply with the Kansas CIPA. When a member of the library staff determines that a patron is using a workstation in an unacceptable manner, any or all of the following consequences may apply:

1. Immediate termination of the computer or Internet session.
2. Additional suspension of computer use or other library privileges.
3. Notification of appropriate law enforcement officials.

Internet Safety Policy

The library is concerned for the safety and security of users who access online information.  The library has no control over the information on the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content.  As with other library materials, the library affirms the right and responsibility of parents or guardians to guide their children’s use of the Internet.

Patrons shall not access or exhibit inappropriate matter on computers used in the library.  Inappropriate matter is defined as the following:

1. Access or exhibit obscene material on library computer workstations.  Disseminating or exhibiting obscene material is a crime in the state of Kansas.  (See K.S.A. 21-4301 as amended).
2. Access material or computer-generated images deemed harmful to minors.  (See K.S.A. 21-4301a and K.S.A. 21-4301c, as amended).
3. Use the library computer workstations in a manner that allows them to possess a computer-generated image that contains or incorporates the sexual exploitation of a child.  (See K.S.A. 21-3516, as amended).

Additionally, patrons shall not disclose, use, and/or disseminate personal information that could threaten or create a vulnerability for a minor, for any other person, or for the library.

In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the library uses a filtering service for all internet access.  This technology is not infallible, and the library cannot be held responsible for prohibited information that may be displayed or for useful information that may be blocked. The Library’s Internet Safety Policy complies with the applicable requirements of subsection (b) and L. 2013, ch. 98, sec. 1, and amendments thereto, commonly known as the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act.

The Library has in place a policy of Internet safety for minors, including the operation of a technology protection measure or other process that blocks or filters online access to visual depictions that are child pornography, harmful to minors or obscene as defined in L. 2013, ch. 98, sec.1.

Persons eighteen years and older may request that this filtering software be disabled for bona fide research or other lawful purpose during their use. It shall be the responsibility of all members of the library staff to supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act.

Patrons who encounter websites that they believe should be blocked but which are not, or who are prevented from accessing websites that they believe should not be blocked may submit a request to change the status of the website with an explanation. The director shall examine the site and determine whether it should be blocked or unblocked. If the technology protection measure being used is a regional service, the information and recommendation shall be forwarded to the appropriate regional staff.

Complaints about the enforcement of this policy or observed patron behavior that violate this policy shall also be reported to the library director or staff member in charge, providing as much detail as possible.

This Internet Safety Policy was discussed and adopted during an open meeting of the Library Advisory Board on February 27, 2024. This policy will be reviewed by the Library Advisory Board at least every three years.

PREPARED BY:                   

/s/___Terri Wojtalewicz_____________ _           

Library Director                           

Approved by Lansing Community Library Advisory Board

Revised:  11/28/2017, 2/27/2018, 9/20/2018, 01/26/2021, 02/27/2024

END OF POLICY STATEMENT