Grand County Public Library

Computer Use Policy

Adopted July 10, 2003 and Revised March 21, 2007

The Grand County Public Library offers a variety of computer services to the community.  This Computer Use Policy was developed under the direction of the Library Board of Directors in order to meet the provisions of Utah Code Section 9-7-215. The policy includes rules for use and is guided by the Federal Children’s Internet Protection Act and portions of the Utah Code described in UCA 9-7-213, 9-7-215, and 9-7-216 and Administrative Rule 223-2, and is reviewed at least once every three years. This revision was adopted in an Open Board Meeting on March 21, 2007 and became effective on that date and is posted on the library bulletin board and on the library website ( www.moablibrary.org ). A summary of the library laws regarding internet use is provided on the opening screen of each public Internet computer session in the library. Specific information about the library’s various computers and user groups are listed in Attachment A.

Internet Access:  The Internet, a world-wide network of computer networks, is an essential medium for obtaining and transmitting information of all types.  Therefore, public access to the Internet is germane to the Library’s mission.  However, the Internet is an unregulated medium, and may provide access to information that is inaccurate, illegal, or that some may find offensive or disturbing.  To initiate a session using the Internet, all users must agree to the library’s use policy, which appears on the browser’s opening screen. The Library prohibits illegal activity on Internet computers and takes no responsibility for content of materials viewed on the Internet.  Briefly, illegal activity under Utah law includes gambling, fraud, and viewing materials legally defined as child pornography, obscenity, and materials harmful to minors.  For the complete text of the Utah code that pertains to Internet use in the Library, please ask the library staff or find it on the world wide web: (Utah Code Annotated 9-7-213, 9-7-215, 9-7-216 and Rule 223.2).

         Technology Protection Measures:  The Library, pursuant to Federal laws and Utah code 9-7-215, imposes a technology protection measure (filtering software) on all library computers with Internet access (including staff and public access computers) that is intended to (1) protect against illegal visual depictions that are child pornography or obscene, or (2) protect minors against visual depictions that are child pornography, harmful to minors, or obscene, and will be enforced on any computer with Internet access used by a minor.  However, the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act and Utah state law specify that patrons age 18 and over may request a library staff member to disable the filter during that patron’s Internet session.  Users need not give a reason for disabling the filters, but are responsible for their sessions at all times. Administrative procedures and guidelines for staff to follow in enforcing the policy have been established and are described herein, and procedures to handle complaints about this policy and its enforcement, and about observed patron behavior, are included below and are available at the library for public review.

Children’s Computers: For a complete explanation, see the Children’s Library Policy.  Parents must sign the “Children’s Library Policy Agreement” in order for their children to use the library computers.  The Library takes no responsibility for content of materials that children view on the Internet, games they may play on the computers, etc.  Staff members oversee computers as much as possible, but parents are responsible for their children, whether they are present or not. Additionally, children are not allowed to engage in Internet “chat rooms.” There are exceptions for educational and therapeutic chat sites, which must be arranged in advance with a parent or guardian and the children’s library specialist or the Library Director.

Consequences for violating Library policies may include:

Library patrons who have questions or concerns about this or any Library policy and enforcement of these policies may contact the Library Director or the Library Board of Directors (Trustees).   Adopted by the Grand County Public Library Board of Directors on July 10, 2003, and revised May 13, 2004 and March 21, 2007.

Policy reviewed: May 13, 2004

Policy reviewed: March 21, 2007

Effective date: March 21, 2007

Attachment A

Library Computer Use by Patron Type and Computer Type

These computer use guidelines may be revised by the library staff, as needed. The Library Code of Conduct applies to acceptable behaviors for computer users.

Facilities for Adult Library Card Holders: The Library provides public access computers for registered patrons that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Patrons obtain passwords at the information desk for 45-minute "Internet" computers. Patrons may obtain a maximum of four (4) 45-minute codes per day.

Research Computers:  The Library offers computers which may be reserved for up to two hours.  A library card is not required for these workstations.  These machines may not be used for "social" e-mail, chat, or games. Patrons obtain passwords at the information desk for 2-hour "research" computers. Patrons are limited to two (2) 2-hour codes per day. 

Visitor Terminals: The Library provides Internet machines, primarily for email, that do not require a library card to use.  These machines are for persons 18 years and older unless a parent or guardian is present and have a 15 (fifteen) minute limit if others are waiting.  These computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Visitors request a 15-minute code from the checkout desk.

Computers for Young Adults: The Library provides computers specifically for young adults (ages 12 to 18) that are available on a first-come, first served basis. Young adults request passwords at the information desk for 45-minute "Internet" computers. Young adults may ask for a maximum of four (4) 45-minute codes per day.

Attachment A was amended March 21, 2007 by the Grand County Public Library Board of Directors at their regularly-scheduled meeting.

Policy reviewed and  revised: March 21, 2007

Effective date: March 21, 2007

This policy is subject to revision. The Library staff and the Library Board have developed the policy and it has been approved by the Library Board. Comments regarding this policy should be directed to the Library Board.

Grand County Public Library
Policy revised: May 2004