A public library that receives state money must prohibit, including through the use of available software filtering technology or other effective methods, adult access to material that under federal or state law is reasonably believed to be obscene or child pornography. A public library may remove a person from the library if the person gains access or attempts to gain access to materials prohibited under this section by intentionally bypassing the filtering technology or other method used by the library.
-- MN Statute 134.77 Subd. (c)
GRRL recognizes and affirms the rights and responsibilities of parents/guardians/caregivers to control the use of library materials and resources by their own children. The Internet is an unregulated medium, and as such contains text and/or images which are inappropriate for children. Kid's Corner and Teen Zone are provided for guidance in navigating the Internet, and are designed by GRRL staff with links to age‑appropriate sites. However, due to the transitional nature of the Internet, GRRL cannot guarantee restriction of access to sites which may or may not be deemed inappropriate to minors. It is up to the parent/guardian/caregiver to monitor their own children regarding their Internet use. The library is committed to making every possible effort within constitutional limits to prevent minors from viewing materials that could be deemed harmful.
GRRL avoids maintaining records that could compromise the privacy of customers. Internet users must be aware, however, that personal identification information should only be shared with caution. Parents/guardians/caregivers should discuss with minors the dangers of relaying personal facts over the Internet.
It is essential that each user of Internet services recognize the responsibilities that stem from having access to vast services, sites, people and quantities of uncensored information. Users are advised to be considerate of others when viewing material which may be considered offensive to some library users. The use of the library's Internet workstations is a privilege and users are advised that the following conduct is considered inappropriate
- placing or viewing unlawful information or images on the system;
- placing files or programs on the library's computer equipment;
- using library equipment to access material that is obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors consistent with any applicable state or local law;
- Library users may not disseminate, exhibit or display to minors materials that are harmful to minors.
- altering files or programs on the library's computers;
- use of abusive, harassing or otherwise objectionable language in either public or private messages;
- sending any files or portions of files likely to result in damage to the recipient's databases or networks or the library's databases or networks;
- sending unsolicited "chain letters" or "broadcast" messages;
- violation of copyright or licensing agreements;
- other use that would cause excessive congestion of the network or interfere with the use of other users.
Many of these proscriptions are part of a commonly accepted code of etiquette appropriate to users of the Internet. Others are designed to allow the most efficient use of GRRL automation and staff resources in providing Internet services. All users of Internet services at GRRL are expected to abide by the terms of this code. Users who misuse computers or Internet access will have computer privileges revoked
Users should further note that library staff can often help with basic computer use, but cannot provide support or information for specific software. The library will provide the training in Internet services to public service staff. Due to library scheduling, however, Internet-trained staff may not always be available to users.