• How will the library handle false accusations

about illegal or improper use?

• Does the library’s insurance coverage address

matters arising from providing access to theInternet?

• How will the library handle access to functions

such as chat and email?

• How can the library instill practical “street

smarts” on the part of librarians and users?

• How does the library train the governing board

itself on the promise and perils of the Internet?

• How do the library and its governing board

transmit concerns about Internet access to itsfunding authority?

• Will the library involve the local community

through focus groups, public hearings and othermeans in the development of Internet usepolicy?

• How will the library seek legal review of its

Internet policy, both from its own legal counselas well as from other legal experts?

NCLIS Resolution, adopted in Seattle,Washington, December 3, 1998The U.S. National Commission on Librariesand Information Science feels strongly that thegoverning body of every school and publiclibrary, in order to meet its trustee responsibilities, should establish, formally approve, andperiodically review a written acceptable usepolicy statement on Internet access.

E INTERNET

RILS

Internet presents

ies, especially when

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eroded when children

on about themselves

to register for certain

mation may be

ve because it appears

y be offended by the

display of objection

s.

 email and chat

r pedophiles who

vulnerable young

ccess to material,

m, and hate speech,

their children to

illegal activities such

ng, stalking,

s, extortion, and

nt staff appropriately

ual assistance to

.

f all ages – been able

ation in support of

ize what some have

e Internet.’ ... The

e to how these issues

 Simon, NCLIS Chair

POLICY ISSUES

NCLIS believes that it is the responsibility of locallibrary governing boards to develop Internet usepolicy and it appreciates that each board mustanswer a number of questions regarding thelibrary’s approach to Internet access. While NCLIScannot presume to suggest individual answers tosuch questions – that, after all, is the responsibilityof the local community – it can provide thefollowing questions for consideration in developingan “acceptable use policy.”• Can children use the Internet independently or

do they need parental supervision or permission?

• Will the library adopt a code of conduct that

must be signed by a parent and child before thechild accesses Internet?

• Will the library provide a gateway to guide its

patrons?

• Will the library adopt a clear statement that

Internet terminals may not be used for illegalactivities?

• How does the library define illegal activities?• Will users have to sign up to use Internet

terminals?

• Will there be time limits on the use of Internet

terminals?

• Will the results of users’ research be visible to

other users or will the library install privacyscreens or other means to restrict publicviewing?

• What does the library do when a user is

discovered using an Internet terminal for illegalor improper use?

• How does the library handle user and staff

complaints about others gaining access to illegalor objectionable sites?
BOUT

 INTERNET

earing on Kids and

formation on both

his new technological

eetings, members of

ential solutions and

hearing.

inary summary

access to the Internet

ssion will publish a

 will contain the

l testimony and

sted parties, and a

 contact NCLIS for

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ssional library

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nd the Congress on

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NCLISU.S. National Commission onLibraries and Information Science

KIDS AND THE INTERNET:

THE PROMISE AND THE PERILS

Practical Guidelines for Librarians

and Library Trustees

On November 10, 1998, NCLIS held a hearing onKids and The Internet: The Promise and The Perils.After listening to the testimony and reviewingsubmitted statements, NCLIS decided to issue thesepractical guidelines to assist librarians and librarytrustees (or other governing bodies) in their effortsto evaluate and respond to the promise and theperils of Internet access for children.NCLIS recognizes that such decisions must belocal ones, based on the culture, customs andcharacter of each community. Thus, the Commission recommends strongly that each library have awritten “acceptable use policy,” approved by itsgoverning structure and reviewed periodically toadjust to the continuous changes in the Internet.

COMMISSIONERS

AS OF OCTOBER 1, 1998

Jeanne Hurley Simon, Chair

Makanda, IL

Martha Gould, Vice Chair

Reno, NV

C.E. Abramson Mary S. Furlong

Missoula, MT San Francisco, CA

Walter Anderson José-Marie Griffiths

New York, NY Ann Arbor, MI

Rebecca T. Bingham Frank J. Lucchino

Louisville, KY Pittsburgh, PA

LeVar Burton Bobby L. Roberts

Los Angeles, CA Little Rock, AR

Joan R. Challinor Joel D. Valdez

Washington, DC Tucson, AZ

James H. Billington Diane B. Frankel

Librarian of Congress Director, Institute of Museum

& Library Services

Robert S. Willard

Executive Director

U.S. National Commission onLibraries & Information Science

Suite 8201110 Vermont Avenue, NWWashington, DC 20005Telephone: 202-606-9200Fax: 202-606-9203E-Mail: info@nclis.govWeb: www.nclis.govRevised April 1999

NCLIS