Norfolk Public Library Internet Policy

WARNING: The Library does not assume responsibility for the accuracy, quality or content of the information obtained through the Internet. Please exercise good judgment.

In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the Norfolk Public Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services that meet the informational, recreational, and educational needs of the service area. It is within this context that the Norfolk Public Library offers access to the Internet. The Internet, as an information resource, enables the Library to provide information from beyond the confines of its own collection. The Internet allows access to ideas, information and commentary from around the globe.

Congress and the courts have recognized that there is no single organization to govern, control, or select information for the Internet. Library staff will apply the selection criteria outlined in the library's "Materials Selection" policy to provide access to research resources through the library's homepage. Minors are strongly encouraged to access these sites in their search for information. However, because of the breadth of information on the Internet, the unstructured and unregulated nature of the Internet, and the unreliable state of filtering, the Norfolk Public Library cannot control the content of resources available on the Internet.

User Responsibilities

Use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right. Users are limited to one session per day, not to exceed 60 minutes. Users, or their parents, or their guardians may be held responsible for any damage done to library computers and equipment.

The Internet changes daily; accuracy of information is not verifiable, and patrons should be aware that errors and intentional misinformation do sometimes occur. Use of Internet resources carries with it a responsibility to evaluate the quality of the information accessed. You need to be a good information consumer. The availability of any information found on the Internet does not constitute endorsement of the content by the Norfolk Public Library.

It is the responsibility of the user to determine what is appropriate. The Library cannot monitor or control access to information, nor can we protect users from information that they may find offensive. Access, use, or dissemination of information via the Internet in the Library is the responsibility of the user. In the case of minors, it is a joint responsibility of the user and the parent or guardian.

Parental Responsibilities

The public library, unlike schools, does not serve in loco parentis (in place of a parent). Librarians cannot act in the place of parents in providing constant care and supervision of children as they explore the Internet. The responsibility for what minors read or view on the Internet rests with parents or guardians.

The best way to ensure your child’s safety on the Internet is to be there. Of course, that is not always possible. Just as you teach your child rules about dealing with strangers outside the home, you must provide rules for communicating online.

The following are recommended guidelines for parents and guardians to ensure that children have positive online experiences, whether at home or in the library.

• Use the Internet as a family. Join your children in Internet exploration.
• Explore the wide range of available information and tell your children about sites you consider inappropriate for them.
• Encourage children to use sites recommended on the Library's homepage.
• Provide guidelines for your children on the amount of time they spend online, just as for television viewing.
• Instruct your children to ALWAYS ask permission before using their full name, address, telephone number, or school name anywhere on the Internet.
• Instruct children NEVER to give out personal information (name, address, password, telephone number, credit card number) online.
• Instruct children to NEVER arrange to meet in person someone you’ve met online unless you discuss it with your parents and an adult goes with you.
• Teach children to be good online consumers. As with print information, consider the source, date, and accuracy of online information.

As it does with other library resources, the Library will provide training on electronic resources. It will also make information available to help parents and guardians in their efforts to exercise their rights and responsibilities regarding their own children's use of electronic resources.

Non-Acceptable Use

It is not acceptable to use the Library’s Internet services and equipment for any purposes that violate city ordinances, state or federal laws. Information and resources accessible via the Internet are private to the individuals and organizations that own or hold rights to those resources and information. It is therefore not acceptable for any individual to use the Norfolk Public Library Internet services or equipment to access or copy information unless permission to do so has been granted by the owners or holders of rights to those resources or information. Interference with or disruption of network users, services or equipment is not acceptable.

Patrons are free to access whatever Internet sites they wish; however, the Library must also respect the rights of other patrons not to be inadvertently exposed to material and images they may find personally unsuitable. Viewing of certain materials in the Library may be considered improper in time, place, or manner. The Library reserves the right to end an Internet session at any time if it is creating a disturbance.

Approved By the Library Advisory Board
November 13, 1996
Revised July 10, 2001