Public access to the Internet and online services have become an integral part of the Valley of the Tetons Library programs and services. The intent of this policy is to meet the provisions of the Children’s Internet Protection Act and Idaho Code 33-2741, as well as provide guidelines for patrons and staff regarding Internet accessible and online computer use.
It is the policy of Valley of the Tetons Library to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].
Developed under the direction of the Board of the Valley of the Tetons Library, this Internet and Online Access Policy was discussed and adopted, following public notice required by Idaho code, during an open meeting of the Library Board on February 6, 2018. This policy supersedes all previous Internet and Online Access Policy statements of the Valley of the Tetons Library and is effective on February 6, 2018.
This Policy document will be reviewed by the Valley of the Tetons Library Board at least every three years.
The Valley of the Tetons Library Internet Access Policy complies with Idaho Code 33-2741 Public Library – Internet Use Policy Required and with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].
The Valley of the Tetons Library has in place a policy of Internet safety for minors, including the operation of a technology protection measure, hereafter called “filtering software,” on any publicly accessible computer with Internet access that protects against access to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors, as defined in I.C. 33-2741 and the Children’s Internet Protection Act. The filtering software must be activated to provide Internet safety during any use of a computer by a minor.
Library policy may also limit Internet access or otherwise protect against materials other than the materials specified in Idaho statute.
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Valley of the Tetons Library online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.
Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.
Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled. Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the staff or designated representatives.
A notice of the availability of this Policy will be posted in a conspicuous place within the library for all patrons to observe.
The Library Board has established procedures and guidelines to handle complaints about this policy, enforcement of this policy by library staff, and what a patron should do if they observe inappropriate behavior by another library patron. A notice of the availability of these procedures for public review will be posted, as well as the policies made readily available to all staff members. These procedures and guidelines will be adhered to by library staff to enforce the requirements of Idaho Code 33-2741 and the Children’s Internet Protection Act.
Adoption date: Feb 6, 2018
Reviewed: Sep 18, 2018
Reviewed: Dec 7, 2021
Reviewed: Oct 16, 2024
Next expected review: Nov 2027
Adopted by the Valley of the Tetons Library Board of Trustees on Feb 6, 2018. Legal and board review with no changes on October 16, 2024.
