Mission Statement

To make available the recorded knowledge of civilization, in whatever format, to all citizens and thus promote and foster the free flow of information and ideas.

Introduction

The Internet allows users to connect to vast networks of information, resources, and ideas outside the library. Currently, the Internet is an unregulated medium. As such, it offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages. It also enables access to some material that may be inaccurate, offensive, disturbing and/or illegal. Users must accept personal responsibility for determining the suitability and appropriateness of information obtained through the Internet.

The Cleveland County Library System complies with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) introduced in 2000 and upheld by the U. S. Supreme Court in June 2003. Consequently, effective July 1, 2004, CCLS will have a technology protection measure (TPM) in place on all its computers. It is commonly understood that no TPM or filter is 100% effective and may either block intended and legitimate sites or may display sites with unintended search results.

To be CIPA compliant, the technology protection measure is set to protect against access to visual depictions that are (1) obscene, (2) contain child pornography, or (3) are harmful to minors. Under CIPA, "harmful to minors" means any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depictions that:

• taken as a whole and with respect to minors appeals to prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;
• depicts, describes or presents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and
• taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value to minors. [Children's Internet Protection Act (Pub. Law 106-554)]

CIPA does not require filtering of text or audio. Since no technology protection device is able to fully and accurately block CIPA-prohibited images completely, the library will utilize the filter category that by definition appears to address the prohibitions without overly restricting access to protected information.

Internet Safety

The library addresses Internet safety issues through its Internet Acceptable Use Agreement and Parental/Legal Guardian Permission Agreement.

Conditions and Terms of Internet Use in the Library

In an effort to ensure that the use of the Internet is consistent with the mission of the Cleveland County Library System, the following rules shall apply:

• Users must have and maintain a library card in good standing. Failure to return library materials or pay outstanding fines will result in immediate suspension of Internet privileges. Users who are not eligible for membership in the Cleveland County Library System must have current photo identification. Users MUST have their library card or photo ID with them each time they wish to use the public Internet computers at the library.
• All users regardless of age will sign an Internet Acceptable Use Agreement.
• To assure parental guidance in children's use of the Internet:
  • Children age twelve and under require a parent to sign a Parental/Legal Guardian Permission Agreement and parental supervision.
  • Children age thirteen through seventeen require a parent to sign a Parental/Legal Guardian Permission Agreementindicating their choice of:
    • Parent supervised age thirteen through seventeen.
    • Unsupervised Internet use.
• Forms may not be taken home for signature.
• Users unfamiliar with computers are encouraged to seek out courses taught at other institutions. Staff will offer basic assistance with computer hardware, software, and peripherals. Staff members are not experts in any particular software programs.
• The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session that disrupts library services or that involves user behavior that violates the Library’s policies.
• Failure to use the Internet stations appropriately and responsibly, as defined in the Internet Acceptable Use Agreement will result in revocation of Internet use privileges and/or library use privileges. Unacceptable use that is illegal may result in criminal prosecution as well.

Adopted by the Cleveland County Memorial Library Board of Trustees, March 1998, Revised March 1999, September 1999, and June 2002. Amendments pending Board approval, August 2004.

The Library reserves the right to review this policy from time to time and make changes as necessary.

If you have any questions about the library's Internet Resource Policy, please call:
        Carol Wilson
        704-487-9069 ext. 222
        cwilson@ccml.org