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,
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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.