The library administration or the committee responsible for drafting an Internet use policy must first verify if pertinent laws at the federal, provincial and municipal levels allow the library to establish rules concerning the use of an Internet service.

The administration or committee must then follow the recommendations of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Bill of Rights in order to establish what privileges users have. The Canadian Library Association adopted the Statement on Intellectual Freedom in 1974, which was amended in 1983 and 1985. This statement declares the fundamental right of all Canadians

“to have access to all expressions of knowledge, creativity and intellectual activity, and to express their thoughts publicly.”[1]

As well, it is important to identify all activities that are considered illegal according to the Canadian Criminal Code: obscenity, juvenile pornography, hate literature, Internet child stalking, etc. To become aware of these activities, link to the Canadian Criminal Code - Overview in the right sidebar.

Finally, the administration or the committee will need to become informed about the municipal laws relating to adult entertainment.

By taking all these issues into consideration, libraries will protect themselves from being associated with illegal activities, as well as demonstrate that they are concerned about the safety of children using the Internet.

The administration or the committee responsible for drafting an Internet use policy may also have it looked at by a lawyer, in order to have a legal opinion and to ensure that it follows protocol.

[1] Canadian Library Association. Statement on Intellectual Freedom in Net Safe; Net Smart: Managing & Communicating About the Internet in the Library, 2000. p. 2. Consulted online, April 30, 2004

Managing the Internet in the Library
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Communications and Promotion Toolkit