Electronic Resources and the Internet Policy

The Free Library of Philadelphia provides equal access to the Internet, computers and various electronic resources for all Library users and in accordance with the Free Library's mission, Materials Selection Policy, and the Child Internet Protection Act. The Library strives to upgrade its technology equipment, related materials, and telecommunications systems on a continuous basis. In defining this policy, the following are assumed:

• Electronic resources are defined as all networked electronic equipment, wired and wireless, that is accessed or used by Free Library users and staff, including, but not limited to, computers, computer lab equipment, the Free Library website, and the various information and social networking resources available through the Free Library website and the Internet.
• All electronic resources that are available through the Free Library support the Library's mission.
• Free Library users have diverse needs and uses for information technology.
• Information technology has changed the public's use of the Library, the services the Library provides, and the nature of staff duties.
• The Free Library provides an array of age-appropriate resources for children, teens and adults

Computer Access

Access to computers in the libraries is free and on a first-come, first-served basis. The sign-up process may include time limits, but no limitations are made based on age or intended use. Some agencies may dedicate public computers for searching the catalog, or for users to do specialized research. The Library expects customers to comply with all usage laws, including copyright. Customers can download information on personal storage devices (e.g. portable drives) but not to Free Library computers.

The Free Library provides free access to its filtered wireless network for the public. The Free Library does not provide technical support to users who use their laptops or other devices to access the filtered wireless network.

The Internet

The Internet expands considerably the Free Library's ability to fulfill its mission and provides the Library with:

• Access to electronic resources purchased for the Library's collection to its users.
• Ability to connect to sites that meet the selection criteria in the Library's Materials Selection Policy.

Access to the Internet, however, allows users to reach sites that may not be viewed in a public place. The Free Library provides filtered access to the Internet, in compliance with the Child Internet Protection Act. Adults who are 18 and over may request an unfiltered session on library computers prior to signing up for a computer. Library users are expected to exercise judgment in determining the reliability and appropriateness of the material they access on the Internet. Library staff will intervene if user behavior is inappropriate and at odds with the Library's "Standards of Acceptable Behavior," or material on display is disruptive or illegal. If a customer believes that a website which is blocked by the Free Library's filter should be made available to the general public, the customer may request that this site be "unblocked" in accordance with the process outlined in the Free Library's Material Selection Policy (PS#56).

The Library will support parents and caregivers in understanding the Internet and how their children can use it safely, and will have in place an Internet Safety policy

Conclusion

The Library reserves the right to revise this policy and procedures through which access to electronic resources and the Internet are provided as technology changes and develops.

Approved by the Free Library of Philadelphia's Board of Trustees April 5, 2011.