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The Anne Arundel County Public
Library supports patrons’ informational, educational, and recreational
interests by providing materials and information in a wide range of formats
including access to information via the Internet.
The Internet is an important
resource enabling library users to access information beyond the walls
of the library. Information links on the Internet change rapidly and unpredictably,
so sites may become unavailable without notice. Because not all sources
on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information, patrons
are advised to use information from the Internet at their own risk. The
library does not warrant the reliability or truthfulness of information
obtained from the Internet.
As a matter of library policy, pornographic images (whether
obscene or not) may not be displayed on PC's in the library building
. Illegal use of computers or other devices in the library”)
will be reported to law enforcement authorities. Since
the Internet is an unregulated and rapidly changing medium, it
is possible to find material that is offensive or disturbing
to some users. All public and staff computers are equipped with
software that is designed to block access to sites that contain
visual depictions and/or information which is unlawful, which
may reasonably be construed as being obscene, child pornography
or materials “harmful to minors” as currently defined by law,
or outside the scope of the library's collection selection policies
and practice. The library is an open environment.
Despite these provisions, patrons may still encounter sites they
find personally offensive. For this reason, patrons must assume
responsibility for their own use of the Internet. Parents who are
concerned about the contents of the Internet are strongly advised
to closely supervise their children's use of this service.
Authorized library staff may unblock sites to enable access for bona
fide research or other lawful purposes. The library provides an administrative
process by which patrons may request that specific sites be blocked
or unblocked. If patrons disagree with a decision regarding their
requests, they may appeal to the Chief of Public Services and Branch
Management. Final authority rests with the Administrator. |
Software may not be loaded from the Internet onto the library's computers.
Adopted by the Anne Arundel County Public Library Board of Trustees
on January 15, 2004
Revised October 19, 2006
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