STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:

The Hoyt Lakes Public Library will provide Internet access as one means of fulfilling its that “empowers our community by providing a variety of materials and events in a welcoming environment that brings people of all ages together.”

POLICY:

The Internet, as an information resource, enables the library to provide information beyond its regular collection. The Internet offers a variety of information that is professionally and culturally stimulating; however, information is constantly changing, making it impossible to predict what information is available. Individual users must accept responsibility for determining content of information found on the Internet.

The Hoyt Lakes Public Library subscribes to the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights: “Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.” Individual users may not use the computers to display graphics that are obscene under Minnesota Statutes Section 617.241. They may not use the computers for illegal purposes. It is also the individual user’s responsibility to demonstrate judgment, respect for others, and appropriate conduct while using Public Library resources and facilities.

The Arrowhead Library System receives federal funding in support of Internet access.  Federal law requires libraries receiving such funding to install a technological device to block access to imagery defined by the Act as being harmful to minors. Federal law allows an adult to request that a CIPA-affected site be temporarily unblocked for “bona fide research or other legal purposes.”

The Hoyt Lakes Public Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents to provide guidance for their own children’s use of library materials and resources, including electronic resources. The American Library Association’s Free Access to Libraries for Minors: an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights: “Librarians and governing bodies should maintain that parents – and only parents – have the right and the responsibility to restrict the access of their children – and only their children – to library resources.” Parents are encouraged to work closely with their children in selecting material that is consistent with personal and family values. Parents are encouraged to share with their children rules for online safety found on the Safekids.org.

The library has no control over any data that a library computer user sends to another computer server during an Internet session. Transactions are erased regularly; however, data can remain on the hard drive and confidentiality of this data cannot be assured. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. Users need to be good information consumers, questioning the validity of the information.

Approved by:

Hoyt Lakes Library Board of Trustees

June 10, 2008

Revised and approved by:

Hoyt Lakes Library Board of Trustees    

September 17, 2024