Sullivan County Public Library's Internet Use Policy

In compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and Missouri law, the Sullivan County Public Library provides filtered internet access to the internet. The filter screens out material that is obscene (as defined by federal law), child pornography (as defined by federal law), or harmful to minors.  Filters may be inadvertently block access to sites providing valid information. Upon request, staff may disable the filter for adults to enable access for bona-fide research or other lawful purposes.  Library hotspots, Chromebooks, and other devices may also be equipped with Internet-filtering capabilities. 

To the extent practical, Sullivan County Public Library will take steps to promote the safety and security of users of Sullivan County Public Library's technology resources when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct communication. Sullivan County Public Library discourages inappropriate technology usage, including unauthorized access and other unlawful activities by minors, as well as unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal information regarding minors.

Parents and caregivers, not Library staff, are responsible for supervising their children's internet use. Any parent may choose to restrict their child/children from using the library's internet. 

Access to Inappropriate Material

To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or "Internet filters") shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information. As required by the Children's Internet Protection act (CIPA), blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography or to any material deemed harmful to minors. Subject to staff supervision, technology protection may be disabled for adults or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

Inappropriate Network Usage

To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Sullivan County Public Library online computer network when using electronic mail, chat room, 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. 

Adoption

This Internet Safety Policy was adopted by the Board of Sullivan County Public Library at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on this date april 3rd, 2024