Carver County Library Board Policy: Internet and Wireless Acceptable Use 
Section LB17

Date Approved: 4/11/2023
Previous Policy: 10/8/2019
Review Date: 4/2026

Carver County Library provides access to the internet as part of the library’s mission to provide resources, spaces, and experiences that enrich and empower people’s lives. The internet offers access to information beyond traditional collections and other electronic resources.

The internet, as an information resource, enables the Library to provide information beyond the confines of its own collection, and allows access to ideas and information from around the world.  Public access to the internet is available at all library locations on library workstations and through a wireless network as well as through circulating mobile wifi hotspot kits.  Unlike conventional information sources, the internet is not subject to any universally applied standards for content.  Although, it offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, it also enables access to material that may be inaccurate, offensive, disturbing, and/or illegal.  Customers are encouraged to be good information consumers by evaluating the validity of information accessed on the internet.

Carver County Library meets the federal requirements for filtering the internet mandated by the Children’s Internet Protection Act or CIPA.  This internet policy, in conjunction with filtering on all Library owned workstations and non-library equipment accessing the internet, will be used to ensure internet use at Carver County Libraries is safe and enjoyable for customers of all ages.  As required by CIPA, customers 17 or older may request staff to unblock a filter blocked internet site on library owned equipment that does not violate the criteria noted below. The Library may ask for photo identification to verify age in compliance with CIPA.  

Carver County Library expects its customers to use the internet responsibly and to respect the rights of others.  When using library internet access, it is not acceptable to:

• Violate federal, state, or local laws and regulations, including those governing obscenity, child pornography, and materials harmful to minors (including but not limited to Minnesota Statutes Sections 617.241 and 617.291 through 617.294; and 134.50 addressing use of the internet by minors and State Statutes Section 13.40 relating to privacy of library data).
• Violate copyright laws and database license agreements.
• Display or print graphics or text that is obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors.
• Engage in any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating, disruptive, or hostile environment for library customers or library staff.
• Invade the privacy of individuals.
• Gain unauthorized access to resources or entities.
• Download or save to the hard drive.
• Alter or disrupt equipment or library system performance. 

Persons using the internet are expected to follow the rules outlined in the Public Conduct in the Library Policy. 

Failure to comply with this internet policy will result in customers being asked to discontinue activity; if continued, they will be asked to leave the facility, and internet privileges will be suspended. Repeat offenses may result in revocation of library privileges.

 CHILDREN’S USE OF THE INTERNET

The Library recognizes that responsibility for the guidance and regulation of a child’s use of the internet lies with the parent and/or caregiver.  The Library urges parents to work with their children to foster productive and satisfactory online experiences when using email, social media and other forms of electronic communications.  Library staff and informational handouts can help adults in discussing guidelines for internet use by children, but the final authority on matters of access must lie with the parent and/or caregiver.  Parents and or/caregivers who believe that their children cannot responsibly use the Library’s internet access are requested to monitor their children’s internet use.

 LIMITS ON USE

Individual branches may place limitations on time and manner of internet usage in order to regulate internet access as equitably as possible and to respect the rights and concerns of all library users. 

WIRELESS ACCESS

Wireless access is a free service provided in all Carver County Libraries for library customers using their own equipment and devices.  This access is subject to the conditions outlined in this policy as well as adherence to the Library Rules of Conduct.   Carver County Library staff cannot disable the filter on non-library owned equipment, including those using the Library’s wireless network.  Failure to comply with these policies or guidelines may result in a customer being asked to leave the library premises.  Use which creates a disturbance or interferes with the ability of other customers to use the library will not be tolerated.  

USE OF PERSONAL EQUIPMENT 

The Library will provide configuration specifications about its wireless network for customer access but does not provide technical support for individuals using their own equipment.  Library staff is not allowed to configure, diagnose, or modify a customer’s personal equipment to enable access to the wireless network.  Library staff is not allowed to disable the filter on customer- owned equipment.