It is the policy of the Kanawha County Public Library system to:

1. Prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate materials via the Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications;
2. Prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity;
3. Prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and
4. Comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) [Pub. L. No. 106-554- and 47 USC 254(h)].

Key terms are as defined in the Children's Internet Protection Act.*

To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or Internet filtering) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information.

Specifically, as required by CIPA, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.

Subject to KCPL and its affiliate's staff supervision, technology protection measures (Internet filtering) may be disabled or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Kanawha County Public Library system online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.

Specifically, as required by CIPA, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes:

1. Unauthorized access, including so-called 'hacking', and other unlawful activities; and
2. Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.

It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Kanawha County Public Library system and its affiliate staff to educate, supervise and monitor appropriate usage of the KCPL online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.

Procedures for disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Automation & Technical Services Manager in conjunction with the Associate Director for Public Services.

Adopted by the Kanawha County Public Library Board of Directors April 8, 1996,

Amended by the Kanawha County Public Library Board of Directors on October 13, 1997; September 10, 2001; and August 10, 2009.