THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Adopted this order on       November 16, 1999     , by the following vote:

             RESOLUTION NO.     99/596    

SUBJECT: IN THE MATTER OF ADOPTING A POLICY FOR ACCESS TO AND USE OF LIBRARY ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCES

     Upon recommendation of the Acting County Librarian, this Board adopts the following policy for Access to Electronic Information Resources in the Library.

Contra Costa County Library
POLICY FOR ACCESS TO AND USE OF LIBRARY ELECTRONIC RESOURCES

Consistent with the library’s mission, "Bringing People and Ideas together," the Contra Costa County Library provides collections, resources, and services to meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of Contra Costa County’s diverse community. In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the Contra Costa County Library provides access to electronic information resources, including the Internet. This policy affirms the safeguarding of library users’ First Amendment rights, intellectual freedom, equity of access and confidentiality.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONTENT

Electronic information resources include, but are not limited to, the Internet as well as databases and indexes in electronic format. The Internet is a global entity with an enormous variety of information and opinion, such as governmental and educational databases, commercial and non-profit organizational resources, as well as individual creations. The Library does not monitor or control information on the Internet, and thus the library cannot be held responsible for the content of the Internet. The Contra Costa County Library makes no warranty, expressed or implied, for the timeliness, accuracy, or usefulness for a particular purpose of information accessed via the Internet.

ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC INFORMATION

All library users have equal access to all library resources, regardless of format. Internet terminals located in the children’s areas have commercially-produced filtering software. The Library cannot and does not guarantee that the filter always blocks objectionable sites. The Library does not monitor the use of electronic information resources by any library user. Responsibility for and restriction of a child’s use of electronic information resources, including but not limited to the Internet, rest solely with parents or legal guardians. Parents and guardians should work closely with their children in selecting and using all library materials and resources.

USE OF LIBRARY EQUIPMENT TO ACCESS ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCES

Access to and use of electronic information resources shall be in accordance with the Policy for Standards of Behavior for Use of the Facilities, Equipment and Materials of the Library. Use of computers to access electronic information resources is subject to restrictions based on time, place and manner.

Library users may not employ library computers for the purpose of libel, slander, harassment, illegal activity or any of the following:

• violation of applicable federal, state or local laws
  
• usage to gain access to restricted networks or computer systems
• violation of copyright laws or licensing agreements
• violation of another user’s privacy
• tampering, altering or damaging equipment, software or data
• conducting a business or commercial enterprise

RULES FOR ACCESS AND USE

County Librarian shall promulgate Rules for the Implementation of this Policy. Such rules may contain branch specific rules. The County Librarian may deny access to electronic information resources when such use is in violation of this Policy or when the user has violated the rules promulgated by the County Librarian.

	I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
	ATTESTED:   November 16, 1999
	PHIL BATCHELOR, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and County Administrator