AGENDA #9
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Consideration of Proposed Library Internet Access Policy
DATE: June 30, 2004
The purpose of this report is to recommend a policy regarding the library’s Internet access.
On June 14, 2004, the Council held a public forum to receive citizen comments regarding proposed changes to the library’s Internet access (Attachment 1). Options presented are listed below:
At the time of the forum, the Manager recommended Option A. The Library Board recommended Option B. No citizens spoke at this public forum.
Because the Manager’s recommendation had not been developed when the Library Board met for its regular meeting in May, the Council deferred action to give the Board time for consideration.
On June 21, the Library Board voted to affirm its earlier recommendation of Option B to provide unfiltered library Internet access. Please see the attached report from the Library Board.
Revision to the current Internet policy is being considered because public libraries were informed in June of 2002 that they must filter all Internet computers or lose eligibility for federal Internet-related funds. The current Internet policy does not meet federal grant requirements.
The Council may choose to accept or not accept federal funds. If the Council chooses to remain eligible for federal grant funds adopt and implement the policy by July 1, 2004. If the Council chooses not to meet federal grant requirements, the Town will lose its eligibility for some Internet-related funds. Annually, we receive an average of $5,000 in applicable federal funds.
The June 14, 2004 report to the Council (Attachment 1) includes a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of the various options identified above.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Library Board: That the Council adopt Option B to provide unfiltered library Internet access.
Manager’s Recommendation: We recommend that the Council adopt Resolution A that would offer a choice of filtered or unfiltered Internet access to adults and offer parents the option to choose filtered-only Internet access for their minor children.
ATTACHMENTS
RESOLUTION A
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A REVISED INTERNET SAFETY POLICY TO OFFER ADULT LIBRARY PATRONS THE OPTION OF CHOOSING “FILTERED-ONLY” INTERNET ACCESS FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR MINOR CHILD (2004-06-30/ R-18a)
WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill wishes to provide adults with options of filtered and unfiltered Library Internet access; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill supports a parent’s or legal guardian’s right to choose the appropriate level of Library Internet access for their child;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council adopts the attached Internet Safety Policy.
This the 30th day of June, 2004.
RESOLUTION B
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A REVISED INTERNET SAFETY POLICY TO OFFER ALL CHAPEL HILL CITIZENS UNFILTERED LIBRARY INTERNET ACCESS (2004-06-30/R-18b)
WHEREAS, the Chapel Hill Public Library Board has recommended that the Town continue its policy of providing unfiltered Internet access;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council adopts the attached Internet Safety Policy.
This the 30th day of June, 2004.
RESOLUTION C
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A REVISED INTERNET SAFETY POLICY TO OFFER ADULT LIBRARY PATRONS THE OPTION OF FILTERED AND UNFILTERED INTERNET ACCESS AND TO REQUIRE CHILDREN TO HAVE FILTERED INTERNET ACCESS (2004-06-30/R-18c)
WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill wishes to provide adults with options of filtered and unfiltered Library Internet access; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill deems it prudent to limit children’s use of the library’s Internet service to materials that are protected under the First Amendment by requiring filtered Internet session;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council adopts the attached Internet Safety Policy.
This the 30th day of June, 2004.