CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act) Compliance

The Malden Public Library shall serve as an informational, educational, cultural and recreational resource for all patrons through its collection of books, magazines, audio-visual and technology services which are administered by the staff. The Internet is an integral part of the resources available to assist library patrons in finding the resources they need.

The Malden Public Library complies with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act by addressing the five key requirements:

  • Prohibits access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web
  • Protects the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications
  • Prohibits unauthorized access including “hacking” and other unlawful activities by minors online
  • Prohibits unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors
  • Incorporates measures designed to restrict minors’ access to materials harmful to minors

The MPL currently restricts access by minors to inappropriate matter with the use of filtering software. Their safety and security when using electronic mail and unauthorized access including “hacking” and other unlawful activities is addressed by insuring that minors in our libraries are never left alone at a computer. Children alone are allowed to use the computers in the children’s areas and a children’s librarian or other appropriate library staff is always present in the room. Children must present a library card, which is validated against our patron database. Parents are also encouraged to supervise their children’s Internet sessions.

Adults, defined by the law as over the age of 17, may request to use unfiltered computers in the adult room for Internet access. The Malden Public Library uses a computer control system. In order to use a computer in the adult area a library card number and PIN are required. The information provided is validated against our patron database.

Use of the Internet is also governed by the Library Courtesy Code and the Malden Public Library Computer Policy.  The patron may not use the Internet for any illegal activity or place any material on the Internet related to any illegal activity.  It is the responsibility of the patron to respect copyright laws and licensing agreements and assume responsibility for payment of fees for any fee-based service.

The Malden Public Library also has a Patron Privacy Policy that addresses the unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal information regarding both adult and minor patrons.

The Malden Public Library is committed to patron confidentiality. The confidentiality of library records is a core part of library ethics and the Malden Public Library follows the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association. Under the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 78, Section 7 “That part of the records of a public library which reveals the identity and intellectual pursuits of a person using such library shall not be a public record…” Confidentiality extends to information sought or received, and materials consulted, borrowed, and include database search records, reference interviews, circulation records, interlibrary loan transactions, registration records, and all other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, or services.

The Malden Public Library does not sell, lease, or otherwise distribute or disclose patron name, email address, postal address, telephone number, or other personal information to outside parties.

The Internet is a continually evolving resource and the information and links on the Internet change rapidly and unpredictably.  The library cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information on the Internet.  Patrons should carefully evaluate the information they find when using this resource.  The Malden Public Library does not encrypt data sent or received through our Internet services.

-Approved May 10, 2007 by the Trustees of the Malden Public Library