[Publib] Restricting Access to Minors

[Andrea Berstler]

We also used to ban IM, however an experience in our library changed that.
We have had several groups of foreign exchange students visit our library.
They come because they have learned that they can use the computers for
free, as well as borrow a limited number of items.  We found that they were
downloading IM to talk to family and friends back home. After a discussion
with the staff and the approval of the board, we changed that part of our
policy. So far, we have not had any problems. 

 

As for the original post - we are in the process of having a splash screen
set up so that every time someone uses the computers they must agree to the
library's Internet net and computer use policies - which are CIPA formatted.
Right now a sign is up that says that patrons can request a copy of the
policies at the desk. 

 

We review and update all our policies on a yearly or bi-yearly basis.  And
yes, a policy that is 10 years old is way overdue for a review and re-write.


 

Andrea Berstler

Village Library of Morgantown

 

 

  _____  

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of Mary Soucie
Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2008 11:11 AM
To: Hopkins County - Madisonville Public Library; publib at webjunction.org
Subject: RE: [Publib] Restricting Access to Minors

 

Terry,

We allow IM on our computers. As a matter of fact, we've downloaded AIM and
Yahoo IM on our computers for our patrons to use. 

 

Mary J. Soucie, MLIS

Library Director
Wilmington Public Library District

Visit the world @ your libraryT

201 S Kankakee St, Wilmington IL 60481
815-476-2834 Phone
815-476-7805 Fax
 <mailto:mjsoucie at wilmingtonlibrary.org>
mailto:mjsoucie at wilmingtonlibrary.org 

 

Wilmington Public Library District is committed 

to providing excellent comprehensive service to 

its community.

 

  _____  

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org on behalf of Hopkins County -
Madisonville Public Library
Sent: Thu 6/12/2008 10:27 AM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: RE: [Publib] Restricting Access to Minors

I don't believe our policy has been changed in at least the last 6 or 7
years. One thing though that I would like to add as a slight off-shoot to
this though is the use of instant messenger on public computers. Before
(when the policy was written), instant messenger was more a case of
downloading software. Now it is web based, built into Facebook, email, etc.
Our policy at the present is no messenger programs (why this is I have no
idea) and with the current trend of web based messenger within other
applications makes this increasingly difficult to enforce. Do other
libraries allow this?

 

Terry Caudle

Hopkins County - Madisonville Public Library

library at publiclibrary.org

www.publiclibrary.org

 

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of SIMINITUS, JACQUELYN E (ATTPB)
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 10:06 AM
To: Mindy Kittay; Sue Kamm; Publib Publib Discussion
Subject: RE: [Publib] Restricting Access to Minors

 

Just curious. ... 

Do many public libraries post their Internet Safety Policy near computers,
on library website, or in lobbies?  

 

Apparently the WORDING of a library's Internet safety policy is key to
whether or not it is "CIPA Certified"  CIPA = Childrens Internet Protection
Act.  See http://www.usac.org/sl/applicants/step10/cipa.aspx

 

I'm not aware of a requirement to have or update library Internet Safety
Policies, but I have the impression that most library Internet Safety
Policies were developed 10-12 years ago and should be updated, given the
rapidly changing and evolving digital landscape.  How frequently are these
policies reviewed and updated by a library and its community?

 

- Jackie

********************** 
Jackie Siminitus, MLS 
AT&T Library Advocate 
795 Folsom Street, Room 400, San Francisco, CA 94107 
415-644-7112 : jacquelyn.siminitus at att.com 
AT&T Knowledge Network Explorer, www.kn.att.com 
Blue Web'n Library, www.kn.att.com/wired/bluewebn/ 

 

 

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