[Michlib-l] Internet access for minors policies in class 5 and 6 libraries

[Dan Hutchins]

Hi all,

I’m writing the collective today to discover how other class 5 and 6 libraries handle this issue.

In terms of Internet access for minors, Van Buren District Library currently has two policies which are in conflict. Our library card policy, which has its origins in 1997 (though it has been revised many times since), allows for parents or guardians, when registering their minor child for a library card, to disallow them from using the Internet. This policy states:

A minor’s parent or legal guardian is responsible for regulating all access to and use of library materials including the Internet and video media or content. A minor’s parent or legal guardian will have the option of prohibiting the minor’s Internet access and video media borrowing privileges.

To accomplish this our patron records in our ILS have the option of blocking Internet usage and DVD borrowing for minor cards. Internet on our public access computers may be blocked by a setting on our ILS.

However, our Computer/Internet Access, Use, & Safety Policy states:

1.	Parents or legal guardians of users under the age of 18 are responsible for Internet use by the minor.
2.	Users are encouraged to bring their library card for convenience in logging onto a computer.
	A.	Temporary guest Internet passes are available for non-resident, temporary visitors. Resident library patrons should apply for a library 
		card rather than regularly requesting guest passes.

What this means in practice is minors may ask for a guest pass rather than using their library card, thus overriding the guardian’s selection of not allowing them to use the Internet via their registered library card.

Having said that, the technology has evolved over time and VBDL offers wifi both inside and outside its facilities, and many, if not most minors now own mobile devices. All of VBDL’s networks are filtered, so we’re CIPA compliant regardless of the means of access.

Which brings me to my question, are there any class 5 or 6 libraries in Michigan that have an active mechanism for disallowing Internet use by minors if their guardians request it, or is your default that all minors may access the filtered Internet; it is their guardians’ responsibility to accompany said minors to the library and personally supervise their library use if they don’t wish them to access the library’s Internet connection?

Thank you,

Dan Hutchins
Executive Director
Van Buren District Library
200 North Phelps Street
Decatur, MI 49045
dhutchins at vbdl.org
W: 269-423-4771
M: 248-895-7240
www.vbdl.org





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