The Vigo County Public Library complies with the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act (N-CIPA) restricting access by minors (an individual who has not attained the age of 17) to inappropriate matter, materials harmful to minors, electronic mail, chat, or other forms of direct electronic communication, disclosure of personal identification or information, and engagement in hacking or unauthorized access or other unlawful activities.

In compliance with N-CIPA the Vigo County Public Library utilizes a technology protection measure (internet filtering software) in a best effort to enforce the restrictions, as outlined in the statute, in all library departments and at all library locations. In recognition of the limitations of technology measures to fully enforce restrictions or provide adequate protective measures the VCPL has adopted the following provisions:

1. The use by minors of library computer equipment or internet bandwidth to access material that is obscene, illegal or harmful to minors is prohibited

2. The use by minors of library computer equipment or internet bandwidth to engage in unauthorized access, including hacking, and other unlawful activities online is prohibited

3. The unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors is prohibited

4. The use by minors of library computer equipment or internet bandwidth to access electronic mail, forms of direct electronic communications including chat, and social networking sites requiring input of any personal data is prohibited with the following exclusions:

   1. Minors may utilize e-mail only under the direct supervision of a legal parent or guardian.

   2. Minors may utilize social networking sites only under the direct supervision of a legal parent or guardian

   3. Direct supervision is defined as the continuous and immediate presence of the legal parent or guardian for the duration of the minor’s engagement in the use of the restricted programs

   4. Direct supervision may not be exercised in conjunction with the parent or guardian’s own use or reservation of a computer or engagement in activities removing the parent or guardian from the immediate area of the minor’s computer use

   5. A legal parent or guardian may not supervise more than two (2) minors at any one time and must arrange to be seated between the minors for the duration of the minor’s engagement in the use of the restricted programs

The Vigo County Public Library adheres to federal laws regarding access to information and exposure to certain explicit images and materials. 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 and, encourages parents and guardians to work closely with their children in selecting material that is consistent with personal and family values.

The Vigo County Public Library retains the right to determine limits of appropriate use of library resources for the purpose of enforcing this policy. Users refusing to abide by the instructions or requests of Library staff in enforcing this policy may have their privileges for use of resources revoked pending review by Library Administration.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Vigo County Public Library on the 18th day of February, 2008.