PREAMBLE
It is the mission of the Hennepin County Library to provide an impartial environment in which individuals and their interests are brought together with the universe of ideas and information spanning the spectrum of knowledge and opinions.

The Internet is an evolving yet powerful tool which provides new ways of achieving that mission. Electronic technology has increased the speed and universality of the flow of information. As a result, the universe of ideas essential to a democracy can be made more accessible to each individual. Through the use of the Internet, people will be able to find information not readily available elsewhere, and be able to participate in the electronic community. Library services such as interlibrary loan may be delivered more efficiently, and the role of library bulletin boards and meeting rooms can be expanded beyond the physical boundaries of a single building.

The same principles that made libraries the repositories of the printed word are applied now as public libraries provide access to the Internet. Librarians will continue in their role to identify, collect, organize and provide access to this ever expanding body of knowledge and ideas.

I.	SCOPE OF INTERNET ACCESS It is the goal of the Hennepin County Library to provide the greatest possible access to the Internet within the limits of available resources.

	A.	Current Access. Patrons may access on-line library catalogs, full text and bibliographic databases, electronic documents, and other informational resources.
	B.	Future Access. Future access will be provided as it supports the library's mission.

II.	INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM The library recognizes the right of individuals to determine what is most appropriate for their needs.

	A.	Privacy/Confidentiality. The same standards of privacy and confidentiality endorsed by the American Library Association and outlined in the Minnesota State Data Privacy Act are applied to the Internet where appropriate.
	B.	Equitable Access. A democracy presupposes an informed citizenry and the public library plays an integral role in achieving that goal. In support of that goal, the Hennepin County Library endorses the Library Bill of Rights. It is the policy of the Hennepin County Library to provide information resources (regardless of technology, formats, or methods of delivery) equally and equitably to all library users.
	C.	Content. Users should be aware that information accessed via the Internet may be controversial, inaccurate or dated. The library makes a distinction between access to information via the Internet and selection of library materials. The library acquires materials based on the Materials Selection Policy. Information accessed via the Internet is not subjected to the same review.
	D.	Children's use of the Internet. As with other library materials and services, parents or legal guardians are responsible for the information selected or accessed by children.

III.	LIMITATIONS To ensure equality of access to all patrons, Internet resources are allocated within each agency and across the library system.

	A.	Agencies. Agencies may place time, printing and down-loading limits on Internet use. These limits are reviewed regularly to ensure that they are a realistic reflection of current working conditions. Limits may vary in the system depending on local conditions.
	B.	Technical Services/Systems. Hardware, software, and communication resources are managed to optimize systemwide access.
	C.	Outside Hennepin County Library. Hennepin County Library acknowledges that Internet providers and services such as the Twin Cities Freenet may limit or prevent access to specific Internet sites.

IV.

LEVEL OF ASSISTANCE Staff is available to introduce Internet access and provide initial instructions on its use. Reference assistance is provided within the framework of established service guidelines. To ensure the equitable delivery of all library services, the amount of time staff has available to provide Internet instruction is limited.

V.	ACCEPTABLE USE The same principles that guide the use of other library resources apply to the use of the Internet. The library expects patrons to use these resources in a responsible manner respecting the rights of others.

It is not acceptable to use HCL Internet access to:

• Degrade or disrupt equipment or system performance.
• Vandalize the data of any other user.
• Gain unauthorized access to resources or entities.
• Invade the privacy of individuals.
• Violate Federal, State, or local law or regulation.

REVISION
This policy will be reviewed by the Library Board at least every two years.


Status:
Approved by Internet Team: 8/14/95
Approved by Administrative Committee: 9/2/95
Approved by Library Board: 9/27/95