ACCESS TO INTERNET RESOURCES

Purpose

Part of the mission of the Bellingham Public Library is to ensure that the citizens of the City of Bellingham have free and open access to information and an impartial environment in which to explore the universe of ideas. To that end the Bellingham Public Library will protect intellectual freedom, promote literacy, encourage lifelong learning, and provide library materials and information resources. In introducing the Internet as an information resource, the Library's goal is to enhance its existing collection in size and depth and, as a public access agency, give opportunity to any citizen who wishes to participate in navigating the Internet.

Throughout its history the Bellingham Public Library has made information available in a variety of formats, from print to film to compact disc. Integrating electronic resources from outside networks with the Library's many other resources allows access to ideas, information and commentary from around the globe, and demonstrates what the age of electronic information and communication can mean to all the citizens of Bellingham, regardless of education, occupation, economic status or age.

The freedom to access information is also a responsibility. The Internet enables the Library to provide resources not available within confines of its own collection. Currently, however, the Internet is an unregulated medium. It offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, but it also enables access to some material that may be offensive and/or illegal. Internet resources are not subject to the same selection criteria which the Library uses for other materials. To assist the user in his or her use of Internet resources, Library staff will provide a Bellingham Library home page which will identify specific starting points for searches which are appropriate to the Library's mission and service roles.

The Library will also provide an Internet station in the Children's Room, reserved for youth, and will mount a "Kids Page" with appealing and age-appropriate reading levels and links. Library staff will be available to provide assistance and to help identify appropriate sites for children exploring the Internet, but the Library also upholds and affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children's use of all Library materials and resources. Library users, whether children or adults, are the final selectors in using the Internet and are responsible for their individual choices and decisions.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees, May 21, 1996