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Item 9ACity of Southlake, Texas MEMORANDUM TO: Billy Campbell, City Manager FROM: Kerry McGeath, Library Administrator, (4 8 1 8378) SUBJECT: Resolution No. 04 -009, Revising the Southlake Public Library's Internet Policy defining provided services. Action Requested: City Council approval of Resolution No. 04 -009, Consider revising the Southlake Public Library's Internet Policy defining provided services. Background The Library as a result of the TIF grant that is currently being implemented Information: has purchased an automated reservation and print management system for Internet computers. The automation system allows for self management of Internet and Printer use which requires a more defined Policy in terms of what we as a provider of access to the Internet will be able to make available to our customers. We have changed language in the Policy to indicate that we cannot guarantee access to all websites nor assume responsibility for any lack of availability. The revised policy also indicates that obscene or offensive sites being viewed will cause the Library to take necessary action if and when such unwarranted access occurs, which could result in, but is not limited to, removal and /or future suspension from the facility. The Library does filter Internet access, but the possibility still exists that objectionable sites will become available — Library staff will work to assure the community that we will make every effort to prevent objectionable materials from being made available in the facility. Financial Considerations: Not Applicable Financial Impact: None as the policy stands and none are suggested Citizen Input/ Board Review: The Library Board discussed this issue at their December 3, 2003 meeting, and Board approved a recommendation to the City Council to revise the Internet Policy defining provided services. Legal Review: Not Applicable. Alternatives: Alternatives include the following: Revision of the Computer Use Policy at a desired scope; Tabling Resolution No. 04 -009 pending further information and /or discussion; Denial of Resolution No. 04 -009 and staying with the current Internet Policy. Billy Campbell, City Manager 1/28/2004 Page 2 of 4 Supporting Documents: Supporting Documents include the following items: Copy of Resolution 04 -009, revising the Internet Policy defining provided services; Draft Revision to the Internet Policy with proposed change. Staff Recommendation: City Council approval of Resolution No. 04 -009, Revising the Southlake Public Library's Internet Policy defining provided services Billy Campbell, City Manager 1/28/2004 Page 3 of 4 Southlake Public Library Board Policies and Procedures Manual Policy: Source: Category: Effective Date Internet Policy Library Board Administration January 2, 2001 Statement of Purpose Draft Revision for Review Proposed revised language The purpose of this policy is to provide consistent guidance for the public use of the Internet at the Southlake Public Library. Policy Statement The Library is not a full service Internet provider. Services which will not be available include, but are not limited to, 70 tr to any drive on a computer (except designated coM newsgroups, chatlines, and personal e-mail accounts. Library cannotguarantee access to all ireb sites and i Patrons will not be permitted to load their own software. possess to utilize the Internet must The City of Southlake disclaims any responsibility to monitor for or prevent viruses that may be transmitted electronically. Patrons are advised to take precautions for eliminating virus or other software corruption. The City of Southlake will employ filtering software on all Internet capable computers in accordance with applicable Federal mandates. The City of Southlake does not promote or condone the use of its computer system for illegal purposes and expressly prohibits the same as well as accessing illegal sites. * Further, the City finds there is material on the Internet, while not obscene, that is not appropriate for minors due to explicit sexual descriptions or graphics. The City recognizes that minors may utilize Library resources, including the Internet, outside of their parents' presence. The City of Southlake, through the Library, has a compelling interest to assist parents in protecting the welfare of minors ** who are vulnerable and unable to make critical decisions in an informed and mature manner. Failure to abide by the aforementioned policy may result in a one -week suspension of computer privileges. Subsequent violations may result in the loss of any and all library privileges for twelve months. Even filters cannot insure that obscene and other illegal materials are not available. Due to the Internet capability to constantly change and establish new sites, user expertise, and other technology, it is still possible to access illegal, obscene or offensive sites. The City of Southlake makes no guarantee that such access will not occur even with the use of filters, _ The selection of a filtering program is solely within the discretion and Billy Campbell, City Manager 1/28/2004 Page 4 of 4 judgment of the City. Users must accept responsibility for information displayed or printed during their Internet session. THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY RESULTING FROM THE USE OF ITS COMPUTER SYSTEM, SELECTION OF A FILTERING PROGRAM, ACCESS TO THE INTERNET, DATA, INFORMATION, ount inf�, OR MATERIAL ON THE INTERNET, OR THE USE OR MISUSE OF INFORMATION FROM THE INTERNET.