FILTER STATEMENT

The Stanislaus County Library does not use filtering software. There are a variety of filters available on the market and each has a different approach. There is no one filter that will resolve all possible programs. If a filtering program was offered, one would assume a certain level of safety from "obscene" or tasteless sites. Unfortunately, the library cannot guarantee this. The library recognizes that some materials found on the Internet are controversial and that any given item may offend some library user. Responsibility for the reading and viewing of materials by children rests with their parents or legal guardians. Providing access to the World Wide Web will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may inadvertently come into the possession of children. Limits appropriate for a seven year old would prove stifling to an adult.

Certain software filters block access to sites by a "dictionary" of terms that become off limits. One adds terms to the "dictionary" that one decides are not suitable. However, one often blocks sites that are very important. For example, if the term "breast" was added to the dictionary, several sites on cancer awareness/information would be blocked.

Another software filter depends upon the user to actually identify sites to be filtered. This is very labor intensive as the Internet grows rapidly and sites change on an hourly basis. The library simply does not have the human resources to monitor this type of program.

Yet another type of filter software blocks sites by rating. However, sites must voluntarily submit themselves to be rated. Not all sites will submit themselves.

Many software filters do not take into account non-English sites. Over forty percent of the Internet is now in languages other than English.

In providing public access to the Internet, the Stanislaus Library fulfills its mission of providing public access to information of all types in a wide range of formats.

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 Stanislaus County Library provides access to internet resources. In doing so, the library assumes responsibility only for the information provided on its home pages. Users should remember that the library is a public place and some sites may not be suitable for public viewing. In addition, users of the internet may not unreasonably curtail the use of the library by others.

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, dates, or offensive to some individuals. Information consumers must evaluate the validity and appropriateness of information found.

CHOOSING AND EVALUATING SOURCES

The internet is a series of computer networks leading customers to highly diverse information content. Library patrons use it at their own risk. The library does not limit access to materials (please see our internet filter statement). In choosing sources to link to its home pages, the library follows its material selection guidelines. Beyond this, the library does not monitor or control information accessible through the internet and is not responsible for its content, for changes in content of the sources to which the library home pages link, or for the content of sources accessed through secondary links.

ACCESS BY MINORS

Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding what 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. The library has created a home page for children which provides content and links to other Web sites that parents or legal guardians may find appropriate for their children. For more information on children and the internet, see the brochure "Child safety of the Information Highway."

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 use can devote to a single session.

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 a loss of access. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in an appropriate manner.

Date Developed: June 1997
Date Revised: August 19, 2002