Internet Policy

(En Español)

Introduction:

In providing opportunities for enlarging informational needs of the public, the Washington County library continues to expand the range of tools available to its patrons. It is difficult to subject information from electronic sources to the same level of scrutiny as is used to select traditional information sources and materials for the library. However, because the information accessed at the library does flow into a public space on publicly owned equipment, there is an inherent obligation to set limits on the use of these resources and to respond to issues related to their use within the context of other library policies, procedures and practices.

It is the intention of this policy to provide equitable access to electronic information sources while maintaining the security of the county library computer systems. The use of electronic sources must also fit within the library’s mission and strategic plan, its commitment to meeting the needs of individual patrons and its role as an agency of Washington County government.

These policies may need to be visited from time to time as changes in technology, software programs, patron expectations, and relevant laws dictate.

Policies:

  1. Electronic information sources are intended to complement other library sources in providing in-depth reference and information services. The library also permits some uses which have become common options for users of the internet although these uses are not directly related to traditional library services. Uses of the internet which are not permitted are chat rooms, and instant messaging. Patrons are prohibited from creating personal folders, bookmarks, system passwords, or other individualized files other than while they are actually using the computer. The downloading of games is prohibited. The library manager has authority to limit permitted uses on individual PC’s as deemed necessary to accommodate a variety of patron needs and to maintain the library’s primary emphasis on the use of the internet to access reference and information sources.
  2. The library has no direct control over the information accessed through the internet. Therefore each individual is responsible for the content of the searches he or she conducts, and parents are responsible for the use of the internet by their minor children. However, the library does take measures, based on legal guidance and within the limits of available technology to restrict minors from accessing, or be exposed to, visual depictions which may be pornographic, obscene or harmful to minors due to sexual content. However, it may still be possible for patrons to encounter information that is illegal, offensive, or incorrect. Therefore, software to protect against these actions is installed on all library PC’s. Such software may be disabled by staff members upon request by an adult but the library staff will manage the computer area in accordance with the awareness that minors frequent the area and the precept that minors should not be exposed to certain types of visual depictions.

    With the advent of wireless communication, electronic devices may be used in locations of the library other than the library patron computer area. All policies listed herein relative to the use of electronic information sources within the library apply to the use of laptop computers or any other wireless technology.

  3. Enforcement of these policies, consistent with the requirements of the Utah Code Section 9-7-215, 9-7-216 UCA, and State Rule 223-2, are based on guidelines and procedures adopted by the Library Board. The guidelines and procedures for enforcement of this policy are available for public review at all branches. Patrons are presumed to have read and agreed to abide by them before proceeding to use such sources. Signage will also clearly indicate that a complete copy of the library’s policies and procedures is available for review upon request.

    In undertaking an effort to provide information sources and to protect minors from harmful exposure, the library remains aware of and promotes the right of adults to access information and to conduct inquiries with as few limitations as possible consistent with the library’s mission, its operation as a public space, and its goals and objectives. Violation of policies and procedures of the library system, or violation of local, State, or Federal law may result in prosecution, loss of library internet privileges, or revocation of library cards.

  4. Patrons may not use equipment owned by the library for purposes which are illegal, which includes but are not limited to gambling, accessing pornographic materials, and displaying such materials which may be harmful to minors due to sexual content. Accessing pornography will result in the suspension of internet privileges.
  5. If you use someone else’s card to access the internet computers, you and the cardholder may lose your internet and other library privileges except for a parent accessing the internet for pre-school age children.
  6. The library cannot guarantee privacy of any information that is viewed on our computers or transmitted via the internet. This includes things like document contents, passwords, account numbers, e-mail messages, etc.
  7. Any person who is disturbing others in the computer area may be asked to leave.
  8. Non-residents and visitors without a library card will be charged a fee. The fee must be paid before the use of the internet begins.
  9. Patrons shall not change any of the hardware of the computer and/or library software contained thereon.
  10. Public library computers may not be used for the operation of a for profit commercial business.
  11. This policy, as revised, is effective as of July 1, 2007. The policy will be reviewed every three years and re-adopted no later than July 1, 2010 as required by Utah State law. This policy was last revised on 7-1-04.

Procedures for use of electronic information sources:

In order to facilitate the use of electronic information in the library, and to guarantee the security of the Washington County library computer system, the following procedures will be followed:

  1. The library may establish time limits for use of electronic information sources in accordance with demand for this resource. The system may vary by branch in light of the differing number of computers available for public access and the demand for use at a given time. Patrons are expected to abide by the time limits, and to end their use of such sources as required by the staff once their allotted time has expired.
  2. Patrons may print from electronic information sources at a price-per-sheet equal to the amount charged for photocopies.
  3. Any information left stored on any computer in the library will be deleted on a daily basis. The library staff is not responsible for any computer disc, flash drive, or CD that may be left in or adjacent to any computer that the patron may have used.
  4. Any user under the age of eighteen must have a parent or a legal guardian sign, the Washington County Internet Policy sign-up sheet for minors.
  5. The internet is a self-service area. Library personnel will try to help patrons if time permits, but they cannot help patrons for extended periods of time. They are not expected to be familiar with every program or feature of the Internet, the particular computer software program, or the computer system itself.
  6. Speaking on a cell phone can be disturbing to other patrons in the library. If you must answer a call, please ask the caller to hold while you take the conversation outside of the library. The library has a policy of no cell phone use.
  7. The library may establish time limits and/or prioritize computer use in accordance with demand and the nature of usage. If you have been on the computer for one hour or more, you may be excused if another patron needs to use the computer.
  8. The Washington County electronic policies and procedures are applicable and valid at all branches of the Washington County library system.

Note: Individuals with concerns or questions relative to these policies and procedures may submit a written request to the Library Director. Any such request will be considered by the Director and/or the Library Board.