Internet Safety Tips for Librarians

The following tips may be helpful to create safe Internet environments in libraries.

• Promote a positive view on Internet usage for library users.
• Understand what filtering devices or labeling tools are set up on the machines in the library. Discuss ideas you might have for improving Internet safety to the public with the computer technicians at your library.
• Be aware of the specific policies that are in place for Internet use. Organise Acceptable Usage Policies for patrons.
• Be aware of the content regulation laws that exist in Australia and what library patrons can do if they find inappropriate content.
• Promote Internet safety messages in obvious places so that patrons can be reminded of what the issues are.
• Offer training and education to patrons in the library, not only for searching online catalogs, but for Internet safety as well.
• Seek advice and assistance from other libraries and Internet safety bodies such as ALIA (www.alia.org.au) and ASLA (www.asla.org.au).

Library Resources

NetAlert has developed resources to help libraries and staff understand and manage the risks associated with Internet use. Find out more download the PDF resource for librarians.