Library Holds Public Hearing on Internet Policy

January 20, 2003
by Janet Steiner, Library Director

A public hearing on the Tompkins County Public Library's Internet Usage Policy will be held on Tuesday, January 28, from 5 - 6 p.m. in the Borg Warner Room of the library. Citizens wishing to comment on any aspect of the library's Internet Usage Policy or Rules are invited to attend this hearing.

Comprehensive background information about this issue is also available at the library's reference desk.

The 2001 Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act requires all public libraries to meet several requirements for an Internet Usage Policy, including holding a public hearing. The Tompkins County Public Library meets all of the federal requirements. They are:

1. The Internet use policy must address " access to minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and the World Wide Web."
   
2. The Internet use policy must address the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communication.
   
3. The Internet use policy must address unauthorized access, including so-called "hacking" and other unlawful activities by minors on-line.
   
4. The Internet use policy must address unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification and information regarding minors.
   
5. The Internet use policy must address measures designed to restrict minors' acces to materials harmful to minors.

The Tompkins County Public Library's Internet Policy and Internet Rules were reviewed and modified by the library trustees on November 26, 2002.

Click here to read TCPL's Internet Filtering Report.

When:January 28, 20035:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Where:Tompkins County Public Library's Borg Warner Room
More Information:
Internet Usage Policy
Internet Use Rules
Internet Filtering: Webliography
TCPL's Internet Filtering Report