Checklist for Writing Internet Policies
Modeled after "Guidelines for Writing Children's Internet Policies" by Sharon Campbell, American Libraries Jan. 1998, pp. 91-92.
Policy-Making Process
- What is the school's standard procedure for developing and approving policy? Is there a standard policy format?
- What policies are in place? How are they publicized? Who is
responsible for reviewing and revising them?
- Does the library media center have a standard procedure and format
for policies?
- What policies are in place?
- How do policies on the use of computers, CD-Roms, email, Internet, etc. compare to policies on the use of other materials and equipment?
- Are there time limits?
- Are there sign-up sheets?
- Is there a code of conduct?
- Are parents involved?
- Are the existing policies of the library media center consistent with guidelines of national professional bodies like the American Association of School Libraries, the American Library Association,
the Association of Educational Communications Technology?
- Are the existing policies consistent with published guidelines from the State of North Carolina?
- How familiar are you with the policy statements on technology use
developed by other schools?
Philosophy or Procedure?
- Do you want your policy to be brief and procedural or do you want
to
provide some of the philosophy behind the policy statements you have made? For example,
- Will you include an explanation of intellectual freedom?
- Will you include your endorsement of the Library Bill of
Rights?
- Will you emphasize the need for students and teachers to become
knowledgeable information seekers and to take responsibility for selecting
and evaluating material?
- Will you include a statement that you desire to teach children to make
choices, to refine their ability to judge and choose, to gain new skills
in selecting what is valuable from what is not?
- Will you describe boundaries of behavior and specify consequences for
exceeding those boundaries?
- Will you discuss reasons for not using filtering software?
Gaining Support for your Policies
- Consider where you will post your Internet policy and how you
will publicize it.
- Create a Web site that suggests other good Internet sites for
children.
Evelyn Daniel, June 5, 1998