Public Internet Access and Safety Policy

   Nottawa Township Library has provided computers for public use.  The library has also provided wireless access to the Internet as a means to expand research and educational possibilities beyond the limits of its collection. 

            The Internet offers global access to information; however, not all Internet sources are accurate, complete, or legal.  Each Internet user will have to evaluate for themselves the validity of the information they receive.

            Nottawa Township Library, in compliance with section 6 of the Michigan Library Privacy Act, 1982 PA 455, MCL 397.606 and the Federal Children Library Protection Act of 2000, has chosen to filter all public access computers.  These Acts require all public libraries to adopt and enforce policies restricting access of minors to obscene matter or sexually explicit materials.  Our library is concerned in particular with the well being of children and wishes to protect them from obscenity, pornography, and materials that could be construed as harmful.

            Filtering does not guarantee that controversial, sexually explicit, or offensive materials cannot be accessed.  The library staff cannot monitor or supervise computer usage; this remains the parent’s responsibility.  Therefore, the library requires children 13 years of age and younger be accompanied by a parent or guardian when accessing the Internet.  Children between the ages of 14 to 18 must have a permission form signed by a parent or guardian, and on file at the library, before they can access the Internet.  The Library staff will issue an Internet Use card to this age group.

              Nottawa Township Library reserves the right to end an Internet session, or deny access to computer or Internet use, if the library staff believes inappropriate use has occurred.  This behavior would include but is not limited to:  misrepresenting oneself as someone else, seeking unauthorized access to passwords or data belonging to others, making unauthorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data, sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics which may be reasonably construed as obscene.  Any illegal or criminal activity will be reported to law enforcement officials.

            The use of the computers and access to the Internet is a self-instructional experience.  The library staff will provide limited assistance as time permits.

            All wireless connections are filtered and are subject to the same policies regarding Internet use.

Approved by Nottawa Township Library Board on __November 21, 2006

Revised: 9/24/2008; To be reviewed: 9/2009