Policy Statement
Public access to the Internet and online services has become an integral part of the Helper City Library’s programs and services. The intent of this policy is to adhere to current State of Utah Laws and Utah Administrative Rules as well as provide guidelines for patrons and staff regarding Internet accessibility for online computer use.
The use of computers and computer-based resources is an important part of the operation. This policy is designed to manage the usage by the public of the library’s computer network and the resources it makes available. Library computer resources are to be used to advance the library’s mission. Patrons of the library who use the library’s network and the computer resources made available through this network will abide by the policies and procedures established by the library.
Developed under the direction of the Helper City Library Board of Trustees, this Internet and Online Access Policy was discussed and adopted during an open meeting of the Library Board. This policy supersedes all previous Internet and Online Access Policy statements of the Helper City Library and is effective on May 26, 2022. All computer policies will be forwarded to the Helper City Council for their approval. This policy will be reviewed by the Helper City Library Board annually and a copy of the new policy will be sent to the Utah State Library Division as required by Administrative Rule R458-2. As a matter of policy, the Helper City Library will abide by all laws governing or regulating Internet use as such legislation relates to library policy or service.
Helper City Library will comply with current State of Utah Law 9-7-215 regarding Internet access, content standards and procedures for reporting unlawful access.
The public may only use computing resources for purposes that are lawful. The intent of this policy is to adhere to current State of Utah Laws and Utah Administrative Rules. Anyone violating the computer use policies and practices may result in the loss of library privileges. Illegal acts involving library computing resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.
The library provides a wide variety of licensed databases for public use. The library will comply with the licenses and agreements pertaining to each of these products. The library will allow or disallow the general public use of these products in accordance with the licenses and agreements for each of these products.
The internet is a global electronic network. There is no local or state control of its users or content. The internet and its available resources may contain material of a controversial nature. The library cannot censor access to material nor protect users from all offensive information.
Helper City Library’s policy of Internet safety for minors, includes the operation of a technology protection measure, hereafter called “filtering software” on all publicly accessible devices with Internet access. The filtering software protects against access to visual depictions that are child pornography and sites harmful to minors as defined by Utah State Code. However, an authorized library representative may disable a technology protection measure at the request of an adult patron to enable Internet access for research or other lawful purposes.
The library cannot control the availability of information links, which often change rapidly and unpredictably. Not all sources on the internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Users should question the validity of the information found on the internet in the same way they question information found in books and other informational resources.
The library will allow the general public access to online communication tools such as e-mail (electronic mail) instant messaging, chat rooms and other online communication tools through the use of the library’s computer equipment and internet connection. Established library rules and practices will govern online communications. The library shall not be responsible for providing users with online communication accounts or assisting users with using their accounts. Library staff will make reasonable efforts to answer online communication related questions, but cannot be expected to be knowledgeable about the variety of systems and accounts available. The library does not endorse or promote any online communication provider, but may provide quick and easy access to common providers. Printing of online communication messages will be charged at the same rate as other printing from public computers.
The library has no control over the content of messages a patron receives. Any illegal online communications activity may be reported to the appropriate authorities in accordance with the computer use policy and Utah State Law. All policies governing acceptable use of internet sites shall apply to online communication. Because internet sites are often part of online communication messages, patrons may access those sites, provided they comply with the acceptable use policy as established by the library. Users shall be responsible for their own actions. Parents of minors shall be responsible for their child’s activities and online communication access.
All patrons using the Library’s public access computer equipment, online resources and licensed databases agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the library governing such equipment and resources. Violating these rules and regulations could result in loss of the library patron’s computer privileges, their general library privileges and use of their library card.
The Library Board has established procedures and guidelines to handle complaints about this policy, enforcement of this policy by library staff, and what a patron should do if they observe inappropriate behavior by another library patron. A notice of the availability of these procedures for public review will be posted, as well as the policies made readily available to all staff members. These procedures and guidelines will be adhered to by library staff.
Revision History
Adopted July 10, 2014
Revised May 31, 2018. Approved by Helper City Council June 7, 2018
Revised May 26, 2022