Internet Access Policy

Internet Resources Access Policy

The mission of the Meridian Library District is to provide "current, high demand, high interest materials in a variety of formats including books, video, DVDs, CDs, computer databases and Internet access."

The purpose of making the Internet available in the Meridian Library District buildings is to expand the library's collections to include access to resources and information available around the state, the country and the world. In today's world, many everyday tasks such as registering for school, applying for financial aid and making travel arrangements must be done on the Internet. Many people in the Meridian community don't have Internet access in their homes and they are welcome to use Library computers for those purposes. The Library subscribes to several on-line databases. Internet users are welcome to access those on Library computers. Some of those databases as well as popular news sites provide video clips to illustrate articles and news stories. Internet users are welcome to access those on Library computers; however, commercial movie sites such as Netflix are blocked.

The Meridian Library District receives funding support for Internet access from the federal E-rate program and is subject to the Children's Internet Protection Act. In compliance with that Act, the Library employs multi-leveled electronic filtering that restricts minors' access to materials that are obscene, child pornography or otherwise harmful to them, including but not limited to, materials relating to violence, weapons, drugs and alcohol, gambling, hacking and criminal skills. Specific social networking sites that disseminate personal information regarding minors are blocked. It will be understood that while the Library has set policy about what is prohibited and has implemented electronic filters, some users will attempt to gain access. When that happens, those users will lose their computer privileges. The Library strongly urges parents to monitor their children's computer use.

Use of the Library's computer labs requires a library card or a temporary visitor pass. In order for anyone to obtain a library card they must sign the "Internet Users Agreement" located on the back of the registration card. In order for a minor to obtain a card his/her parent or guardian must sign the agreement for them or be sent notification by the library that the child has obtained a library card that includes filtered Internet privileges. Visitor passes are filtered. A copy of the Internet Users Agreement is posted near the computer lab. Each time a patron logs on to a public computer, he/she is required to accept the agreement prior to moving forward. The Internet Users Agreement states:

I will not use this service for unlawful purposes. I understand transmission of material in violation of any U.S. or State regulation is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material or any other protected material. I agree to hold harmless the Meridian Library District for any and all claims of any nature arising from my use or inability to use this service. I understand that failure to observe these rules or observe library policies may result in the suspension of my use of the Internet access stations.

An authorized person may open a blocked site during any use by an adult to enable access for bonafide research or other lawful purposes. The Library maintains the right to deny any request to disable blocking. Known proxy sites, hacking sites and gaming sites will not be opened.

Wireless Internet is available at the Meridian Library District during open hours. Wireless service is not part of the Library network and is filtered for obscenity and pornography by the provider. While it is impossible to filter wireless in the same ways, the same restrictions apply. Anyone who refuses to exit inappropriate sites will be asked to leave the library. Library staff does not have authority to touch patron-owned devices nor to advise regarding connectivity. Patrons are expected to protect their Internet devices with appropriate firewalls and anti-virus programs.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees at a public meeting on June 14, 2011.