Public Internet Access Policy and Safety
Public access to the internet and online resources is an essential Meridian Library District (MLD) service. MLD is guided by a commitment to provide free and open access to information and policies that provide protections to its patrons while being consistent with the principles of free expression as set forth in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. The intent of this policy is to meet the provisions of the Children’s Internet Protection Act and Idaho Code § 33-2741, as well as to provide guidelines for patrons and staff regarding internet accessibility and online computer use.
MLD has in place a technology protection measure, hereafter called “filtering software,” on any publicly accessible computer with internet access or over its wireless network. The filtering software protects against access to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors, as defined in Idaho Code § 33-2741 and the Children’s Internet Protection Act. The filtering software will be enforced to provide internet safety during any use of a library computer or wireless network by a minor.
Inappropriate Network Usage
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of MLDt network when using email and other forms of direct electronic communications on public computers and wireless internet. Any attempt to disable or otherwise interfere with the proper operation of the filter is prohibited. Further, regardless of the operation of the technology protection measure, display of offensive sexual material as defined in Idaho Code § 18-4105 is prohibited at all times. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act and Idaho Code § 33-2741, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes without limitation:
- Unauthorized access, including “hacking,” and other unlawful activities; and
- Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification
- Information regarding minors and visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography or harmful to minors.
Supervision and Monitoring
Subject to staff supervision and applicable procedure, technology protection measures may be disabled for adult patrons for lawful purposes through the use of a wireless hotspot.
It shall be the responsibility of all members of the MLD 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 and Idaho Code § 33-2741. If a staff member observes a violation of this Policy, the staff member shall promptly report it to staff person in charge who shall, in turn, advise the violator to conform their conduct to the requirements of this Policy, suspend the violator’s privilege to use the Library, and/or report the matter to law enforcement. The staff person in charge will determine the appropriateness of the enforcement measure(s) to take on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the severity of the violation, the disruption caused to other patrons, the violator’s willingness to conform to the requirements of this policy, and the violator’s history of similar violations.
Procedures for disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Library Director, or designees.
While MLD has measures in place to protect against access to the above described material, MLD cannot and does not accept responsibility for any failure of the filtering software to block specific sites.
Adopted by the Meridian Library Board of Trustees on June 11, 2013
Revised and Board Approved February 21, 2024