It is the policy of the Petoskey District Library to:
Revised September 2009
- Prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications;
- Prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity;
- Prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and
- Comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)] and Michigan’s Public Act 212.
Key terms are defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act.
- Technology Protection Measure: a specific technology that blocks or filters access to visual depictions that are:
- Obscene, as that term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code, or
- Child Pornography, as that term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code, or
- Harmful to Minors, meaning any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:
- Taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;
- Depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and
- Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.
- Sexual Act, Sexual Contact: meanings are given in section 2246 or title 18, United States Code.
Inappropriate Network Usage
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Library’s online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, 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:
- Unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking” and other unlawful activities; and
- Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors. It shall be the responsibility of members of the Library staff to supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Children’s Internet Protection Act.
This Internet Safety Policy was adopted by the Library Board of Petoskey Public Library at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on March 9, 2004.