YOUTH ACCESS TO THE INTERNET THROUGH LIBRARIES INTRODUCTIONS

The INTERNET is a vast network of computer networks linking millions
of computers around the world.  The INTERNET is a fluid environment
with the content and format of information accessed from these
networks constantly changing.  Electronic technology has increased the
speed and universality of the flow of information making it possible
for children to travel beyond their geographical, physical or
financial limitations.  Children and youth can communicate with other
schools, colleges and educational organizations and talk directly to
other students throughout the world via E-mail.  They can reach out to
other people and locations to share information, learn concepts and
research subjects.

Using the INTERNET expands the range of information usually available
to children and young people and challenges their intellect.  The
INTERNET however, provides access to information that is inappropriate
for children.  Libraries and librarians are vitally important in their
role as providers, organizers,and facilitators of access to electronic
information and in insuring each child's right to equal access to that
information.

INSTRUCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF LIBRARY PERSONNEL FOR ELECTRONIC RESOURCES

Librarians are entrusted as a profession with ensuring equal access to
information.  The enormous scope of the information available through
the INTERNET requires that librarians both assist children in finding
material and help them analyze and make sense of what theyve found.
Librarians should make students aware of resources available,
introduce them to new formats and illustrate ethical behavior
necessary when using electronic resources like the INTERNET.

It is not possible for library staff to control specific information
children and youth may locate on the INTERNET because the resources
available are constantly changing.  Just as libraries do not vouch for
or endorse the viewpoints of written material in their collections,
they do not do so for electronic information.  Selection policies
which serve to govern a librarys purchase of written materials may not
apply to material accessed electronically.  It is the responsibility
of the user (or the parent, guardian or caregiver) to determine what
is appropriate.

ROLES OF LIBRARY PERSONNEL AND PARENTS IN PROVIDING YOUTH ACCESS

Libraries and librarians have a responsibility to provide material and
information presenting all points of view.  Libraries must support
access to all formats of material the users informational needs,
regardless of the users age or the content of the material.  Parents
concerned about their childrens use of electronic resources are
ultimately responsible for setting standards and establishing
guidelines.  Parents may wish to spend time on-line with their
children to discuss the wealth of information available.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF YOUTH IN THE EDUCATIONAL AND ETHICAL USE OF
ELECTRONIC RESOURCES

All users of electronic information resources such as the INTERNET are
expected to use these resources in a responsible manner, consistent
with the educational and informational purposes for which they are
provided and to follow the rules and regulations of the organization
providing these resources.

Responsible, ethical use of such resources includes the following:

1. Using resources for educational, informational and recreational
purposes only: not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.

2. Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as
another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files,
passwords, or data belonging to others; by not seeking unauthorized
access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software
components of any network or database.

3. Using only ones own account and password, using them only for the
purpose for which they are intended and not letting others use ones
account or password.

4. Making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data.

5. Not sending, receiving, or displaying, text or graphics which may
reasonably be construed as obscene.

GUIDELINES FOR LIBRARIES OFFERING PATRON ACCESS TO THE INTERNET

The constant emergence and change of issues arising from the
still-developing technology of computer mediated information
generation, distribution, and retrieval needs to be approached by
librarians from a context of established policy and constitutional
principles.  In making decisions on how to offer electronic
information, each library should consider its mission, goals,
objectives, cooperative agreements and the needs of the people it
serves.

Before offering patron access to the INTERNET, librarians will want to
the ALA Draft document Access to Electronic Information, Services and
Networks: an Interpretation of the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS.  The
following other suggestions should be considered also:

1. Using a document such as this one, create your own library policy on
patron access, before offering such access.

2. Making available a statement relating the provision of electronic
resources directly to the librarys mission statement

3.  Alert parents  to the possibility of access to material that is
inappropriate for children.

4. Having available a statement on online safety for children such as the
pamphlet entitled Child Safety on the Information Highway which is
available from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

5. Having available a statement relating to online manners and ethics as
related to the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS.

6. Posting time limits for INTERNET use.

7. Combining all of the above in a manual for online use specific to your
library.


Approved, as amended, by the Michigan Library Association, May 95