Crafting a Better Internet Use Policy

Tracy Cook, Montana State Library

Outline

0Definition of a policy04 Tests of Good Policy0Elements of an Internet Use Policy0 Issues surrounding Internet Use Polices

0 Teens0 Inappropriate usage0 Wi-fi and other devices

0E-rate and Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

What is a policy?

0Balances the needs/wants of users with library resources

0Addresses COMMON problems that happen with library resources

4 Tests of a Good Policy

0Does it comply with local, state, and federal law?

0 Is the language clear and concise?

0Does the punishment fit the crime?

0Does the policy apply equally to everyone?

What should be included in an Internet Use Policy?

0 Wi-fi usage0 Objectionable viewing; pornography; filtering; 0 What you are not allowed to download0 Security 0 Deliberate hacking0 Reference to Montana Code0 Consequences of abuse0 Illegal activities – terrorism0 Expectations of behavior; how many users per station0 Whether or not public library computers can be used to promote

private businesses0 Voice level if chatting

What to include

0Disclaimer/acceptable use clause0 General warning about the internet0 Using this resource in a public place0 MCA 45-8-201: Obscenity Law

0Logistics – printing, sign up, limits (or not) on usage0Staff time? Will staff help patrons? How much?0Consequences of violating the policy

What are the issues?

0Teens/minors 0 Inappropriate usage0Wi-fi and personal

devices

Issues for Teens/Minors

0Violent games0Gathering in huge groups in computers; compromises

privacy of others0 Speaker levels for games since we don’t have

headphones0Kids as a young as 8 using facebook with their parents’

accounts0Library does not watch over what kids view0How to enforce children under 12 using the Internet0Behaviors escalating when kids are excited

Requirements for Federal Funds

0 Internet Use Policy needs to address the following:0 Access by minors to inappropriate material on the web0 Safety and security of minors when using email, chat, and other

forms of direct electronic communication0 Unauthorized disclosure, use of personal information regarding

minors0 Unauthorized access including “hacking” and other unlawful

activities by minors online0Measures designed to restrict minors’ access to materials harmful

to minors

Inappropriate Usage Issues

Wi-fi and Devices Issues

Next Steps

0Talk about the issues/problems in your library0Encourage healthy debate about the options0Review other libraries’ policies for ideas0Craft a policy that is best for your community and

library

Thanks for your time today

0Contact Tracy Cook if you have questions0 tcook@mtlib.org0 866-843-6524