Quick facts

• Internet filtering policies:
  • Internet stations in children's areas of the library have filtered internet access only.
  • Youth ages 12 and younger have filtered access to the internet.
  • Teens ages 13 and older have a choice of filtering.
  • Parents/guardians can change filtering settings for their child by filling out the Parental Filtering Choice form. Staff will forward that completed form to Jen Steward at 635/OPS/INTS.
• In rare circumstances, parents/guardians can request that all internet access be blocked for their child. They can contact Jen Steward at jennifes@multco.us or voice/text 971.401.3687.
• Contact ints-access-services@multco.us with questions.

How filtering works

A filter is a software program that tries to limit or block access to websites based on content. The filter used by Multnomah County Library evaluates websites by looking for particular words, combinations of words and the context in which they are used. It then blocks access to sites that it determines may be inappropriate. When the filter is activated, library computers block material that the filtering software determines may be pornography.

Filtering software is imperfect. Material that should be blocked can and sometimes does slip through the filter. Filters can also over block, barring access to material that your child or teen may need for school or personal use. Filtering software is not a substitute for parental involvement in a child's use of the Internet, either in the library or at home.

Procedure

• Filtered or choice Internet access will be automatically determined by age or parental choice for juvenile patrons.
• To block or unblock a website, follow the procedure for patron requests to block/unblock a website.
• If a parent wants to change their child's filtering option:
  • The parent must be present, unless an accommodation is required, and have the child's library card or card number in hand, or must bring the child, who may obtain his library card number from staff.
  • The parent must fill out and sign a Parental Filtering Choice form. The form notes the name, age and library card number of the child. The parent attests that they are the custodial parent, legal guardian or foster parent of the child. See Foster families.
  • If the patron is a teen, update the User Profile to FILTER_Y in the patron record.
  • Send completed forms to Jen Steward at 635/OPS/INTS.
    • Pharos will updated to reflect the change in filtering choice.
    • Teens with filtered access only will be given a User profile of Restricted, in order to block laptop/chromebook checkout. They may use Pharos desktop computers for internet access.
• If a patron record does not contain a birthdate, the patron will have filtered access to the Internet only.
• In rare circumstances, parents/guardians can request that all internet access be blocked for their child. They can contact Jen Steward at jennifes@multco.us or voice/text 971.401.3687.

Policy

The library's policy on Internet filtering has been affirmed by the Board of County Commissioners.

Internet filtering options are determined by age or parental choice for juvenile patrons:

• Adults (18 and over) can choose filtered or unfiltered Internet access each time they use a library computer.
• Teens (13 - 17) have the choice of filtered or unfiltered Internet access unless a parent or guardian designates filtered access.
• Children (12 and younger) have filtered Internet access unless a parent or guardian designates they can choose between filtered and unfiltered access.
• All designated children's computers in libraries will allow for filtered Internet access only.

See Filter form, Acceptable use of the Internet and library public computers and Parents' guide to filters and the Internet

Rationale

Multnomah County Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents to make choices about their own children's level of Internet access. Parents may choose to override the default Internet access options for their child.