Internet Access & Acceptable Use Policy

Internet access is available on public workstations for users of the Wichita Public Library as a resource to be used in the fulfillment of the Library's mission.

Internet access is available at no cost. Related services may be available for a fee (see REF-003).

The Library complies with state and federal laws with a particular awareness of Kansas laws relating to obscenity (K.S.A. 2012 Supp. 21-6401, K.S.A. 2012 Supp. 21-6402 and amendments thereto) and federal laws on copyright (U.S. Code, Title 17). The Library complies with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act (NCIPA) (codified in pertinent part at 20 U.S.C. § 9134), and the public library requirements of the Kansas Children's Internet Protection Act (K.S.A. 2013 supp. 75-2589) regarding requirements for use of technology protection measures. Technology protection is not consistently reliable. Every effort will be made by all members of the Library staff to supervise and monitor usage of the public computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Kansas Children's Internet Protection Act. The Library cannot be held responsible for prohibited information that might be displayed.

The Library has in place the operation of technology protection measures that block online access to visual depictions that are child pornography, harmful to minors or obscene as defined in L. 2013, ch. 98, sec.1, commonly known as the Kansas Children's Internet Protection Act. Subject to staff supervision, the technology protection measures may be disabled only for bona fide research or other lawful purpose by adults.

The Library will interrupt or terminate a customer's computer session if material displayed on the screen is not appropriate in a public environment. As all workstations are in view of other customers and staff, users are not permitted to display images containing gratuitous violence or obscenity as defined by Kansas law.

The Internet connects users to resources outside the Library. The Library has no control over these resources. The Library is responsible only for data in files created and maintained by its staff. Customers use the Internet at their own discretion.

As with other library materials, restriction of a minor's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. Parents are encouraged to monitor and supervise their children's access to the Internet.

The Library has no control over computer programs available through the Internet. Any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from customer use of programs obtained through library access is not the responsibility of the Wichita Public Library. Inappropriate use of Internet access will result in cancellation of the individual's use of this service and may result in the loss of other Library privileges. Examples of inappropriate use include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Displaying or disseminating images containing gratuitous violence or obscenity as defined by Kansas law;
• Disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal information that could threaten the safety or security of a minor, any other person, or the Library;
• Attempting unauthorized access to restricted or confidential systems;
• Tampering with computer hardware or software;
• Violation of software license agreements and copyright laws;
• Violation of another user's privacy;
• Any illegal activity, unethical misrepresentation or any form of harassment;
• Use of library workstations for other than their intended purpose.

Illegal acts involving library computer resources may also subject a user to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.

Library computer stations are for designated use only. For better service and the security of all users, customers are not permitted to run programs of their own or programs downloaded from the Internet. Other uses that are unavailable in order to ensure security and support of our users include: devices that require software insertion, special purpose browser plug-ins and file storage on public workstations.

The Library's staff will develop rules and procedures as necessary to ensure equitable and reasonable use of public access workstations. The Library reserves the right to terminate a customer's computer session at any time.

Customers who encounter web sites which they believe should be blocked but which are not, or who are prevented from accessing web sites which they believe should not be blocked, may submit a complaint. This should be given in writing to the Digital Services Manager and include the URL of the site in question and whether the request is to block or unblock it. Staff shall examine the site in accordance with this policy and will make changes to the site blocking as may be appropriate.

Complaints about enforcement of this policy or observed customer behavior which may violate this policy shall be submitted in writing to the Director of Libraries, providing as much detail as possible.

The Library maintains subscriptions and links to excellent online information sources that serve all areas of education and research, for minors and adults. Courses in use of electronic resources, Internet safety and computer security are also offered on an ongoing basis. Customers are encouraged to ask Library staff about these very effective, authoritative, and excellent online resources.

Related Laws and Policies: K.S.A. 2012 Supp. 21-6401; K.S.A. 2012 Supp. 21-6402; K.S.A. 2012 Supp. 21-5510; K.S.A. 2013 Supp. 75-2589; K.A.R. 54-4-1; U.S. Code, Title 17; CIPA; NCIPA; 20 U.S.C. § 9134

REF-004