ATTENTION ALL INTERNET USERS

The Arkansas Legislature, in its 2001 session, passed legislation relevant to a minor's use of the Internet in public libraries. These became Arkansas law when signed by the Governor.

Therefore the Clark County Library changed its policy regarding the use of the Internet by minors. The Arkansas Attorney General's Office has found that public libraries may comply with the laws' requirements by adopting and implementing written policies which contain the following:

A. A policy which establishes a system to prevent minors from gaining access to materials harmful to minors as that term is defined in A.C.A. and Act 5-68-1553
B. Provides for suspending user privileges of minors who violate that policy
C. Provides for revoking computer use privileges of minors who repeatedly violate the policy
D. Provides that before an individual may use a library computer system he/she sign a use agreement form outlining proper and improper use of public access computers A.C.A. 5-68-1553 defines a minor as any person under the age of seventeen (17) years. It also defines what is “harmful to minors.”

While neither endorsing nor condemning these laws, the Clark County Library recognizes its obligation to make every effort to comply. Consequently, we have initiated actions whereby those patrons fourteen(14) years and under may have to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or use a filtering system when using the Internet. We have also adapted our policy to provide for the same penalties for all users of the Internet when violating the Library's policy or the Arkansas law. We hope that you understand these actions.