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Internet Use Policy -
Frequently Asked Questions

Internet Use Policy

This FAQ refers to the New Internet Use Policy which will be implemented in the Library on April 21, 2004.
What are the choices for Internet access at the TRL libraries? The three Internet access options are:
  • Filtered access
  • Unfiltered access
  • No Internet access
What is the Children's Internet Protection Act? The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) was passed by Congress in 2000.  If libraries want to receive federal funding for their Internet Access costs, CIPA requires them to filter all Internet access.  They are required to filter out access to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography or harmful to minors as defined by CIPA.
What does "filtered" access mean?
 		 TRL uses the Websense Internet filter.  The filter is set to block access to sexually explicit sites.  The filter may not block all material that is offensive to all patrons.
Are all the computers in TRL libraries filtered?
 
  • The computers in designated children's and teen areas in the libraries are always filtered.
  • In larger libraries there are some filtered and some unfiltered computers in the adult areas of the library. 
  • In smaller libraries all computers are unfiltered unless there are separate children's computers.
  • Patrons 17 years and older have the option of choosing filtered access on an unfiltered computer in an adult area.
Can minors turn off the Internet filter? Minors 16 and under cannot turn off the Internet filter and staff cannot turn it off for them. 
Can parents restrict their minor children to "No Internet"? Yes, parents can restrict their minor children to "No Internet" by logging in to the TRL Computer Signup system using the child's library barcode and selecting "No Internet" under "My Internet Filter Settings".  Or, parents can ask the staff to set the "No Internet" option.
Can adults turn off the Internet filter? Patrons 17 years and older can turn off the Internet filter by selecting the "Unfiltered" Internet under "My Internet Filter Settings".
Can parents restrict their 17-year old children to "No Internet"? No, parents cannot restrict Internet access for their 17-year old children.
 

What if a child asks for a "one-time use" number to use the Internet in the library?

 If a child asks for a "one time use" number, library staff asks for his/her name.  We then check to see if she/he has a library card and we print out the card number to use to login to the Internet.

If the child does not have a library card, give him/her a filtered "one-time use" number. 

"One-time use" numbers are always "Filtered" Internet unless the patron is an adult and asks for an "unfiltered" number.   If the patron asking for an unfiltered number looks like he/she may be a minor, library staff will require an ID to get an unfiltered number.

How can we protect our children's access on the Internet?
 		 You can protect your children's access on the Internet by:
  • Talking to your children about safe Internet access and teaching them not to give out personal information on the Internet.
  • Asking a librarian for information on classes and written materials available at TRL libraries on Internet use, recommended web sites and Internet safety for parents and children.
  • Checking out the TRL website
    www.trlib.org for more information.
The TRL Internet Use Policy was approved by the TRL Board of Trustees at their February 18, 2004 meeting.  The Internet Use Policy complies with the Children's Internet Protection Act and the Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act.

Revised 02/24/08

For Information or to Ask a Reference Question:  Ask A Librarian
Or, Call 704-INFO (360-704-4636) in the Olympia area or 1-800-562-6022

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Timberland Regional Library serves Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties in Western Washington State.