The Vigo County Public Library’s computer network system provides the means to integrate electronic information resources from information sources around the world with the Vigo County Public Library's own on-line information resources. The ability to access computer networks such as the Internet, enables the VCPL to provide information beyond the confines of its own collection and allows access to ideas, information, and commentary that would not otherwise be available. The VCPL believes that it is within the scope of its mission to provide access to the Internet in order to more effectively meet users’ cultural, educational, informational, and recreational needs.

While the ability to access information on the Internet provides a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals, the Internet also enables access to materials that may be inaccurate, offensive, disturbing, and possibly illegal. Effective July 1, 2004, the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires that a technology protection measure (a TPM), also known as internet filtering software, be placed on all Internet computer workstations in the Vigo County Public Library to protect against access to visual depictions that (1) are obscene, (2) contain child pornography, or (3) are harmful to minors (defined as any person younger than 17 years of age). While the VCPL will make every attempt, through the use of its TPM, to prevent direct access to materials that would not be generally acceptable in a public library, it is technically impossible to guarantee that the Vigo County Public Library’s TPM will be error free.

The Vigo County Public Library is not responsible for the unintentional exclusion of desired, necessary or relevant information that may be the result of its technology protection measure software. An authorized staff member may disable the TPM, upon request by an adult user, to allow unrestricted access for research or any other lawful purpose. The Children’s Internet Protect Act (CIPA) does not allow disabling Internet filtering software for minors under any circumstances.

When using the unfiltered Internet, the individual user must accept responsibility for determining what is appropriate. The user, therefore, is the selector and, as a selector, must use the Internet in ways consistent with the mission of the Vigo County Public Library. The user must also be aware of and respect the rights of others. The Vigo County Public Library recognizes and supports federal laws dealing with access to information and is obligated to comply with laws pertaining to exposure to certain explicit images and materials. The Vigo County Public Library is a public facility and users should be reasonable and not display images or material that may be offensive to other users or staff. In addition, the Vigo County Public Library upholds and affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children’s use of library materials and resources. The Vigo County Public Library encourages parents and guardians to work closely with their children in selecting material that is consistent with personal and family values.

With the freedom and privilege to access computer networks comes the responsibility to use them in a responsible and ethical manner that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Using resources for educational, informational and recreational purposes only and not for unauthorized, illegal, or unethical purposes.

• Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user, by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; by not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.

• Making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data.

Complaints regarding the application of these policies should be brought to the attention of the Library Director who will investigate and take appropriate measures after considering all of the circumstances.

The Vigo County Public Library retains the right to determine what is appropriate use of its computer equipment for the purpose of enforcing this policy. Users may have their privileges revoked if they refuse to abide by the instructions or requests made by Library staff members.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Vigo County Public Library on the 19^th day of June, 2006.