PURPOSE:
OPL provides access to computers and a broad range of online information resources. The internet is a largely unregulated medium of information and communication. OPL does not monitor information provided through the internet. Information on the internet is not necessarily current, accurate, or complete. While valuable information is available, OPL must attempt to balance the desire for free, unrestricted access to varying information sources against the need to avoid material that may be considered obscene, offensive, or harmful (especially to minor children) as defined by applicable state and/or federal laws.
DEFINITIONS:
For this policy, minors are defined to include all individuals under the age of 19.
POLICY:
OPL is not responsible for any damages, direct or indirect, or any liability that may arise from a patron’s use of any library technology. OPL staff may assist patrons with technology needs and may handle patrons' personal devices when deemed necessary to facilitate patrons' full access to OPL's technology services. Neither an individual staff member nor OPL assumes any responsibility for any damages arising from negligence or lack of ordinary care in OPL's handling of patrons' personal devices. Individuals assume the risk of OPL assistance.
User Responsibilities
OPL expects patrons to use resources in a responsible manner. Responsible use of the Internet at the library includes, but is not limited to:
- complying with OPL’s Rules of Conduct
- refraining from illegal use of the Internet
- respecting copyright laws by making only authorized copies of copyrighted materials
- adhering to library's established time limits
- not sending, receiving, or displaying materials, whether text or graphics, which may reasonably be construed as obscene, as defined by applicable state and/or federal laws
- not altering hardware or software
- not misrepresenting oneself by access code, password or signature
- respecting the privacy of others
- abiding by federal, state, local laws and library policies
Filtering
OPL uses software that limits exposure to some internet materials that may be considered obscene, offensive, or harmful as defined by applicable state and/or federal laws. Software is used to block internet sites that could be harmful to minors to the extent possible. Filtering software may not block all information that may be harmful to minors or has visual depictions of materials deemed obscene or child sexual abuse. Filtering software may also block content that is deemed appropriate.
Any patron over the age of 19 who wishes to have access to an unfiltered computer must submit a request to staff for consideration.
Internet Access by Minors
OPL provides computer access to minors, which includes filtered access to the internet and software to support academic achievement. OPL participates in the federal E-rate funding program and complies with the requirements set forth by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), opens a new window.
Parents and guardians are responsible for monitoring their minors’ computer and internet sessions. Filtering software may not be able to filter all information that parents and legal guardians may deem harmful to minors.
IMPLEMENTATION:
OPL staff and security are responsible for enforcing this policy.
Violations of this policy could result in loss of library privileges or access. Unlawful activities will be referred to the appropriate legal authority.
Approved by the Board of Trustees
of the Omaha Public Library
August 20, 2025
Download a PDF of this policy