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The New York Public
Library
Policy on Public Use of the Internet
To fulfill its mission of providing public access to information of all types
in a wide range of formats, The New York Public Library provides access to
Internet resources. The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national
and international sources of information. However, some information found
on the Internet may be inaccurate, incomplete, dated, or offensive to some
individuals. A good information consumer must evaluate the validity and appropriateness
of information found.
Choosing and Evaluating Sources
The Internet is a series of communication linkages leading to a highly diverse
array of information content. Library patrons use it at their own risk. In
choosing sources to link to from its home pages, the Library follows its materials
selection guidelines. Beyond this, the Library is not responsible for the
content of the Internet, changes in content of the sources to which the Library
home pages link, or for the content of sources accessed through secondary
links. In an effort to assist its users, the Library has created web sites
for the general population, for teens and for children to help guide them
to sources that are accurate, complete and current and that provide them with
a wealth of information on the local, national and global level. In addition,
the Library provides training for members of the public to assist them in
using the Internet in a safe, effective and efficient manner. Finally, as
set forth in greater detail below, in accordance with the Children's Internet
Protection Act, the Library has implemented "technology protection measures"
(i.e., software filtering) on all of its Internet-accessible computers.
Filtering
As required by the Children's Internet Protection Act ("CIPA"), in order to
remain eligible for certain federal funding, the Library has implemented software
filtering on all of its Internet-accessible computer terminals. The software
installed on Internet-accessible computers at the Library protects against
access to visual depictions of obscenity, child pornography, and, in the case
of persons under the age of 17 years, materials that are "harmful to minors."
Users should be aware, however, that all currently available filtering software
results in a degree of both "underblocking" (i.e., permitting access
to certain material that falls within the foregoing categories) and "overblocking"
(i.e., denying access to certain constitutionally protected material
that does not fall within the foregoing categories). The Library has
attempted to select filtering software that best complies with CIPA while
providing Library users with the broadest possible access to constitutionally
protected speech and information. The Library cannot and does not guarantee
that the filtering software will block all obscenity, child pornography, or
materials that are harmful to minors. Nor can the Library guarantee that the
filtering software will not restrict access to sites that may have legitimate
research or other value. In order to help address the overblocking problem
and to enhance users' access to constitutionally protected speech and information,
the Library requests that all users, both adults and minors, contact the Library
at filtering@nypl.org (or at such
other contact point as the Library shall designate from time to time) to request
unblocking of an incorrectly blocked site. In addition, any user who is 17
years of age or older may disable the filtering software in order to obtain
unfiltered Internet access for bona fide research or other lawful purpose
by following the instructions provided on the computer screen or such instructions
as the Library shall otherwise provide from time to time.
Access by Minors
Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding which library
resources are appropriate for their own children. Parents or legal guardians
should guide their children in use of the Internet and inform them about materials
they should not use. While the Library affirms and acknowledges the rights
and responsibilities of parents and guardians to monitor and determine their
children's access to Library materials and resources, including those available
through the Internet, the Library has taken certain measures designed to assist
in the safe and effective use of these resources by all minors.
- To address
the issue of access by minors to inappropriate material on the Internet, including
material that is harmful to minors, the Library:
- Develops
and maintains special web sites for children and teens;
- Develops
and provides training programs on safe and effective Internet use;
- Encourages
staff to guide minors away from materials that may be inappropriate;
- Distributes
a publication entitled "A Safety Net for the Internet: A Parent's Guide";
and
- Has implemented
filtering software as more fully described above.
- To address
the issue of the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail,
chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications, as well as
the unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identification
information regarding minors, the Library provides training programs and also
urges minors to keep in mind the following safety guidelines:
- Never give
out identifying information such as home address, school name, or telephone
number.
- Let parents
or guardians decide whether personal information such as age, marital
status, or financial information should be revealed.
- Never arrange
a face-to-face meeting with someone via the computer without parents'
or guardians' approval.
- Never respond
to messages that are suggestive, obscene, threatening, or make one uncomfortable.
- Have parents
or guardians report an incident to the National Center for Missing and
Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 if one becomes aware of the transmission
of child pornography.
- Remember
that people online may not be who they say they are.
- Remember
that everything one reads may not be true.
- To address
the issue of unauthorized access, including so-called "hacking," and other
unlawful activities by minors online, minors and all other Library users are
hereby advised that use of the Library's computers for hacking or any other
unlawful activity is strictly prohibited.
Rules Governing Use
Due to the limited resources available for provision of public access to the Internet,
the Library may set limits, for example, on use of large files of still or moving
images or sound, or on downloading files in any medium. The Library also reserves
the right to limit the amount of time an individual user can devote to a single
session. The public must comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws,
including laws governing the transmission and dissemination of information while
accessing the Internet, and with all Library policies and procedures.
Users may not:
- Use the
network to make unauthorized entry into other computational, informational
or communication services or resources.
- Distribute
unsolicited advertising.
- Invade the
privacy of others.
- Make any
attempt to damage computer equipment or software.
- Engage in
any activity that is harassing or defamatory.
- Use the
Internet for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other
rights of third parties, or in a manner inconsistent with the Library's tax-exempt
status or its proper operation.
Violations may result in loss of access. Unlawful activities will be dealt with
in an appropriate manner.
Public Users' Security
Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third
parties may be able to obtain information regarding users' activities. However,
The New York Public Library will not release information on the use of specific
Internet resources by members of the public except as required by law or necessary
for the proper operation of the Library.
Compliance
The Library reserves the right to take appropriate action to insure compliance
with this policy.
Guidelines on Access to Information
The New York Public Library is guided by the following American Library Association
statements on access to information:
- The Library
Bill of Rights
- Freedom
to Read Statement
- Interpretation
of the Library Bill of Rights: Free Access to Libraries for Minors and Access
to Electronic Information Services and Resources
In general, the Library is guided by a commitment to access to information policies
that provide appropriate protections to its patrons while being consistent with
the Library's longstanding commitment to the principles of free expression as
set forth in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Policy Subject to Revision
The Library's "Policy on Public Use of the Internet" may be revised from time
to time.
As approved by the Board of Trustees on May 5, 2004.
Page last updated 06-22-04
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