Chili Public Library Internet Policy

In providing materials to assist community residents in meeting their personal, educational, professional and recreational information needs, the Chili Public Library provides access to the Internet. In adherence to the principles included in the American Library Association’s Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, Internet access will be censored only for pornography and obscenity.

It is the policy of the Chili Public Library to comply with the Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act (NCIPA) and in so doing:
Steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Chili Public Library online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.  The Chili Public Library Staff shall make reasonable efforts to supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and NCIPA.

The Chili Public Library does, however, affirm the right and responsibility of parents to monitor their children’s use of library materials and resources. 

Children under 16 need a parent's written permission to receive a library card and to access the Internet.  This must be signed with a library staff member present.  If a parent does not wish their child to use the Internet, he must indicate this in writing at the time a library card is issued.   Internet use requires a Monroe County library card.  Visitors may request temporary Internet access.   All users must show a Monroe County Library card in good standing to use the Internet.

The Internet may be accessed for a 90 minute time period.  Patrons must sign in on a computer terminal and must agree to the acceptable use policy statement that is on the screen.  Use of the Internet is on a walk-in basis only and the library will not schedule sessions in advance.

Library staff cannot provide instruction or help in such activities as online shopping, email, and use of chat rooms.

Internet computers are located in public areas, which are shared with library users and staff of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities. Users may be reminded that public display demeaning of gender, race, creed, ethnicity, religious or sexual orientation may be deemed harassment. Use of the Internet for activities that violate local, state or federal laws is prohibited. The library policy prohibits activities such as viewing pornography, committing fraud, hacking, or spreading libel or slander. Users may not install, delete or modify library hardware or software, download software from the Internet onto the Library’s computers, nor make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software.

The printer is located at the circulation desk and copies may be picked up there for a charge of 20 cents a page.

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees - February 27, 1996
First revision January 26, 1999
Second revision September 28, 1999
Third revision February 27, 2001
Fourth revision June 25, 2002