[Michlib-l] Wireless Internet--Minors Access

Knox,Sheryl Cormicle knoxs at cadl.org
Fri Sep 27 11:14:30 EDT 2013


I'd like to suggest that "based on P.A. 212 which says minors cannot use unfiltered Internet in library without parent/guardian sitting next to child" is not accurate. Here is a summary of the implications of the Michigan law posted by the Library of Michigan at the time of its amendment:

Public Act 212 of 2000(SB 936) effective October 1, 2000, was signed by Governor Engler on June 26, 2000. This amendment to the Library Privacy Act requires local library boards to adopt and enforce a policy that restricts minors from Internet access to obscene or sexually explicit matter harmful to minors. The new section of the act requires filtering software or some system or method designed to prevent a minor from viewing objectionable material be used. Libraries established by community college districts, colleges or universities are exempt from this new requirement, as are private libraries open to the public.
http://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/0,2351,7-160-18668_18689-54462--,00.html

Here's the act itself: http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-397-606

It might be accurate to say that your library's system for preventing minors from viewing objectionable material is to require their parent to sit next to them, but that system is not required by Michigan law.

From: michlib-l-bounces at mail.mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces at mail.mcls.org] On Behalf Of BillieJo Bluemer
Sent: Thursday, September 26, 2013 6:07 PM
To: michlib-l at mail.mcls.org
Subject: [Michlib-l] Wireless Internet--Minors Access

Quick question:

My library has unfiltered Wireless Internet that is password protected. On advice of our attorney, who is a library law specialist, we deny minors access to the Wi-Fi based on P.A. 212 which says minors cannot use unfiltered Internet in library without parent/guardian sitting next to child. In order for a minor to use our Wi-Fi, a parent must obtain the password and stay near the child. It seems we are getting screamed at every day by angry parents because of our policy.

I'd like to know what other libraries' policies are when it comes to Wi-Fi: do you block minors' access if  your Wi-Fi is unfiltered?

BillieJo Bluemer
Library Director
Rauchholz Memorial Library
1140 N Hemlock Rd
Hemlock MI 48626
989-642-8621
billiejo at rauchholzlibrary.org<mailto:billiejo at rauchholzlibrary.org>

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