? POLICY ON PUBLIC USE OF THE INTERNET

[Thomas W. Perrin]

Assuming the adoption of a policy much like that of New York Public
Library's  POLICY ON PUBLIC USE OF THE INTERNET at 

http://www.nypl.org/admin/pro/pubuse.html,

 how does your library implement the policy? 

 What procedures would you use to implement the extracts (below) from
NYPL's policy? Do you use handouts, posters, signup sheets, brochures,
oral instruction/warnings, etc.?

 What training has your staff received in implementing the policy? What
is your experience in handling complaints of (a) politicians and (b)
parents, if any? 

 Have you been successful in avoiding public controversy and handling
complaints and challenges?

Please respond to me privately at tperrin937 at worldnet.att.net and I will
summarize for the list.
Thanks in advance.

Tom Perrin

1. "To fulfill its mission of providing public access to information of
all types in a wide range of formats, The New York Public Library
provides access to Internet resources. In doing so, the Library does not
monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the
Internet and assumes responsibility only for the information provided on
its home pages.

The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national and
international sources of information. However, some information found on
the Internet may be inaccurate, incomplete, dated, or offensive
to some individuals. A good information consumer must evaluate the
validity and appropriateness of information found. 

2. Choosing and Evaluating Sources

The Internet is a series of communication linkages leading to a highly
diverse array of information content. Library patrons use it at their
own risk. The Library does not limit access to materials or
attempt to protect users from materials some individuals may find
offensive. In choosing sources to link to its home pages, the Library
follows its materials selection guidelines. Beyond this, the Library
does not monitor or control information accessible through the Internet
and is not responsible for its content, for changes in content of the
sources to which the Library home pages link, or for the content
of sources accessed through secondary links.

3. Access by Minors 

Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding what
library resources are appropriate for their own children. Parents or
legal guardians should guide their children in use of the Internet and
inform them about materials they should not use. The Library has created
home pages for children (On-Lion for Kids) and young adults (Teen Link)
which provide content and links to other Web sites that parents or legal
guardians may find appropriate for their children. For more information
on children and the Internet, see "A Safety Net for the Internet: A
Parent's Guide" and "Child Safety on the Information Highway" found on
the Library's home pages.

4. Rules Governing Use

Due to the limited resources available for provision of public access to
the Internet, the Library may
set limits, for example, on use of large files of still or moving images
or sound, or on downloading
files in any medium. The Library also reserves the right to limit the
amount of time an individual user
can devote to a single session.

Users may not:

a. Use the network to make unauthorized entry into other computational,
informational or communication services or resources. 
b. Distribute unsolicited advertising. 
c. Invade the privacy of others. 
d. Make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software. 
e. Engage in any activity that is harassing or defamatory. 
f. Use the Internet for any illegal activity, including violation of
copyright or other rights of third parties, or in a manner inconsistent
with the Library's tax-exempt status or its proper operation. 

Violations may result in loss of access. Unlawful activities will be
dealt with in an appropriate manner.

5. Public Users' Security

Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that
third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users'
activities. However, The New York Public Library will not release
information on the use of specific Internet resources by members of the
public except as required by law or necessary for the proper operation
of the Library.