HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 11161999 - C144 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
FROM: Anne Dain,Acting County Librarian
DATE: November 3, 7999
SUBJECT: Policy for Access to and Use of Library Electronic InformationResources
SPECIFIC REQUEST( )'OR RECOMMENDATION(S)& BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution 921s96 regarding a County Policy for Access to and Use of Library Electronic Information
Resources.
FINANCIAL.IMPACT:
Minimal increased cost to install and maintain Internet filters. It is estimated that the one-time cost to install
filters is approximately$5,000. The annual cost to maintain the filters is estimated to be $500. These funds
are included in the library's FY 1999/00 budget.
BACKGROUND:
Consistent with its mission of providing information,the library provides access to a wide variety of electronic
resources, including but not limited to the Internet. The library's Internet Policy Committee conducted an
extensive investigation of a variety of issues related the use of these resources. The committee conducted
surveys of library users, library staff and Library Commissioners and reviewed the policies from many other
public libraries throughout the country. This new policy recommends that Internet filters be placed on the
Internet terminals located in the children's areas of all libraries. This policy has been reviewed by the Library
Commission and by County Counsel.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE: ;
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
,J
SIGNATURE{S}
Z/
ACTION OF BOARD ON &m=b= 16. IM APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED R OTHER 1-1
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS:
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF AN
ML UNANIMOUS(ASSENT #TTT 3 ACTION TAKEN AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF
AYES: NOES: — SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
ABSENT: ABSTAIN:
Contact: ATTESTED NZWkim 1.6,199
PHIL BATCHELOR,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
cc: County Library UPERViSORSAND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
County Administrator
County Auditor By 1 � ,Deputy
llfs-library\user\edminlbos\tem plateVeguterlelecres.doc 1 1X13199
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on November 16, 1999 , by the following vote:
AYES: SUPERVISORS GIOIA, UILKEMA, DeSAULNIER and CANCIAMILLA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: SUPERVISOR GERBER
ABSTAIN: NONE
RESOLUTION NO. g g j 5 9 6
SUBJECT: IN THE MATTER OF ADOPTING A POLICY FOR ACCESS TO AND USE OF LIBRARY
ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCES
Upon recommendation of the Acting County Librarian, this Board adopts the following policy for Access to
Electronic Information Resources in the Library.
Contra Costa County Library
POLICY FOR ACCESS TO AND USE OF LIBRARY ELECTRONIC RESOURCES
Consistent with the library's mission, "Bringing People and Ideas together,,' the Contra Costa County Library
provides collections, resources, and services to meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational
needs of Contra Costa County's diverse community. In response to advances in technology and the changing
needs of the community, the Contra Costa County Library provides access to electronic information resources,
including the Internet. This policy affirms the safeguarding of library users' First Amendment rights, intellectual
freedom, equity of access and confidentiality.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONTENT
Electronic information resources include, but are not limited to, the Internet as well as databases and indexes in
electronic format. The Internet is a global entity with an enormous variety of information and opinion, such as
governmental and educational databases, commercial and non-profit organizational resources, as well as individual
creations. The Library does not monitor or control information on the Internet, and thus the library cannot be held
responsible for the content of the Internet. The Contra Costa County Library makes no warranty, expressed or
implied, for the timeliness, accuracy, or usefulness for a particular purpose of information accessed via the Internet.
ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC INFORMATION
All library users have equal access to all library resources, regardless of format. Internet terminals located in the
children's areas have commercially-produced filtering software. The Library cannot and does not guarantee that
the filter always blocks objectionable sites. The Library does not monitor the use of electronic information resources
by any library user. Responsibility for and restriction of a child's use of electronic information resources, including
but not limited to the Internet, rest solely with parents or legal guardians. Parents and guardians should work
closely with their children in selecting and using all library materials and resources.
USE OF LIBRARY EQUIPMENT TO ACCESS ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCES
Access to and use of electronic information resources shall be in accordance with the Policy for Standards of
Behavior for Use of the Facilities, Equipment and Materials of the Library. Use of computers to access electronic
information resources is subject to restrictions based on time, place and manner.
Library users may not employ library computers for the purpose of libel, slander, harassment, illegal activity or any
of the following:
• violation of applicable federal, state or local laws
• usage to gain access to restricted networks or computer systems
• violation of copyright laws or licensing agreements
• violation of another user's privacy
• tampering, altering or damaging equipment, software or data
• conducting a business or commercial enterprise
RULES FOR ACCESS AND USE
The County Librarian shall promulgate Rules for the Implementation of this Policy. Such rules may contain branch
specific rules. The County Librarian may deny access to electronic information resources when such use is in
violation of this Policy or when the user has violated the rules promulgated by the County Librarian,
I hereby certify that this Is a true and correct copy of
an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
Resolution No. 991596 Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: NQyA_mhtnr 16 19-02,_
PHIL BATCHELOR,Clerk of the Board
of Supe 'sons and County Administrator
Deputy
11fs-1ibraryluserladmin\bosiinternet.doc