The Seattle Public Library provides access to a broad range of information resources including those available through the Internet. The Library makes this service available as part of its mission to provide free and open access to information of all types in a wide range of formats for library users of all ages and backgrounds.
CHOOSING AND EVALUATING SOURCES
The Internet is a global electronic network of ideas, images, and commentary that may enhance resources already available in the Library. However, the Library cannot control the information available over the Internet and is not responsible for its content. Some sources provide information that is inaccurate, incomplete or dated; some sources may be offensive, disturbing, and/or illegal.
To assist our patrons in their searches, staff have identified on the Library's Selected Web Sites some links to selected information sources. Library staff review links regularly but, due to the ever-changing nature of the Internet, cannot guarantee that these links will remain valid. Similarly, the Library cannot be responsible for changes in the content of the sources to which it links, or the content of sources accessed through secondary links. As with printed information, users are encouraged to evaluate the validity of information found electronically. Library staff are available to provide assistance and to help identify appropriate sites. The Library also provides beginning, advanced, and subject oriented-classes in the use of the World Wide Web.
ACCESS BY MINORS
The Library upholds the right of each individual to have access to constitutionally protected material. The Library also affirms the right and responsibility of parents and legal guardians to determine and monitor their own children's use of library materials and resources. To assist parents in their responsibility for their children's use of the Internet, the Library provides the following services:
- Specially designed web pages for children and young adults, with links to age-appropriate Internet sites and to filtered search engines.
- Computers with commercial filtering software for public use in the children's area at each location in the Seattle Public Library system. This filtering software will block many specific sites that may be offensive to some users, but may not block all materials that may be offensive to all users. Parents should inform their children of materials they do not want them to use, and may wish to supervise their children's Internet sessions.
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RULES GOVERNING USE
In order to make the Internet available to as many people as possible and to ensure that it is used in a manner consistent with Library policies, the Library has adopted rules regarding Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources. All users are asked to respect the privacy of other users and not attempt to censor or comment upon what others are viewing. The Library's Rules of Conduct and pertinent state, federal and local laws apply to all Library users.
POLICY SUBJECT TO REVISION
The Seattle Public Library affirms its commitment to help patrons use the Internet effectively. The Library will continue to monitor changes and trends in Internet technology that could improve our ability to provide electronic access for library users, and will revise this policy as necessary.
DATE ADOPTED: January 22, 2002
SUPERCEDES POLICY:
Internet Use Policy adopted adopted December 14, 1999
