Our Internet Usage Policy

Effective: April 10, 2012

Reviewed: March 13, 2023

OC Public Libraries provides free Internet access in fulfillment of its mission and values.  Use of the Internet access computers requires a library card number.

While the Internet offers access to a wealth of valuable information, not all of its resources provide reliable, complete, or current materials.  Because the Internet is unregulated, OC Public Libraries has no control over the information and cannot be held responsible for its content or accuracy.

Filtering shall be applied to depictions of material deemed harmful to minors.  OC Public Libraries will employ content control filtering software but does not assume responsibility for the reliability and/or accuracy of the filtering software.

Unfiltered access is available on OC Public Libraries’ adult computers upon request for adults ages 18 and older and to children under 18 years of age with a parent or legal guardian present.  Staff will verify identification of person(s) claiming to be a parent or legal guardian for purposes of allowing a child under 18 years of age to have unfiltered Internet access.  Parents and legal guardians, not library staff, are responsible for providing guidance to their children in using the Internet.

All wireless access to the OC Public Libraries’ network will be filtered and cannot be disabled.

Internet privileges may be suspended or revoked if the user engages in any activity that violates Federal, State, local and/or other applicable law.

This policy shall be made available to members of the public at every branch of OC Public Libraries.

This policy is adopted in accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), 20 U.S.C.A. § 9134 and California Education Code section 18030.5.

4.17.2012 BOS