Hyrum Library Internet and Online Access Policy

Effective Policy Date: May 30, 2007

The mission of the Hyrum Library is to make a positive difference in the lives of our patrons by providing materials, information, and services at our library, which includes Internet use. The Internet Policy for the Hyrum Library is posted within the library as well as on each public computer terminal. This policy is intended to meet the provisions of Section 9-7-213, 9-7-215, and 9-7-216 UCA, and Administrative Rule R223-2. This policy supercedes all previous Internet and Online Access Policy statements of the Hyrum Library. As a matter of policy, the Hyrum Library will abide by all laws governing or regulating Internet use as such legislation relates to library policy or service. This Policy document will be reviewed by the Hyrum Library Board at least every three years, and a copy of the new policy will be sent to the Utah State Library Division as required by Administrative Rule R223-2. A form is available from the director for anyone wishing to file a complaint about the policy or enforcement of rules pertaining to the use of the Internet.

Disclaimer:

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 or pornographic nature. The Library cannot censor access to material nor protect users from offensive information. Parent’s of minor children (up to age eighteen) must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet through the Library’s connection.

Library staff 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 the same as they do with information found in books and other informational resources.

The Hyrum Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of its Internet service.

A. Legal Requirements:

The Hyrum Library has in place a policy of Internet safety for minors, including the operation of a technology protection measure on any publicly accessible computer with Internet access that protects against access to visual depictions that are child pornography, materials harmful to minors, or obscene. The filtering software will be enforced to provide Internet safety during any use of a computer by a minor.

B. Technology Protection Measure:

The policy of the Hyrum Library is to restrict access to Internet or online sites that contain material described in Section 9-7-215, thus bringing us in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). NetNanny as well as Symantec products filter all Internet stations, including those intended for staff use only. The Library intends to meet and enforce these requirements, using software to assist in restricting this access, as well as staff intervention when required.

C. Rules and Regulations:

Access to the Library’s computer reference services is limited. The number of individuals using the computer services is controlled by the library staff. The Library Director reserves the right to establish a scheduling system as needed.
The operating hours of the program are from the posted library opening to 10 minutes before scheduled closing of the Library.
Use of the computer reference access computers is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those using the computers may have time limits imposed, based on the number of individuals waiting to use the computers.
Librarians and staff have priority over library patrons accessing the public access computers. Library staff may at times, need to use or maintain the computer and the library patron will relinquish the computer immediately upon notification by the library staff.
Library patrons will make no changes to any files, programs, settings, or passwords on library computers. Copying of commercial software to or from the Library’s computers is forbidden.
Because of the limited availability of resources, using the Internet connection to access chat rooms and posting messages to news groups is prohibited.
Library policy restricts access to Internet sites that contain visual depictions that are child pornography, harmful to minors or obscene, and may also limit Internet access or otherwise protect against materials other than the materials specified in Utah statute. Filtering software will provide Internet safety for all library computers connected to the Internet. 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. Other unacceptable purposes of Internet use include, but are not limited to the following: Harassment of other users; libeling or slandering other users, destruction of, or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the library or other users, disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications; unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material.
Unauthorized access to the Library’s computers, databases, network or software/hardware settings and/or damage to these resources is prohibited.
Patrons must sign-in and sign-out when they are using the computers.

D. E-Mail:

The Library will allow the general public access to e-mail (electronic mail) through the use of the library’s computer equipment and Internet connection. The Library shall not be responsible for providing users with e-mail accounts. Library staff will make reasonable efforts to answer e-mail related questions, but cannot be expected to be knowledgeable about the variety of systems and accounts available. The Library has no control over the content of messages a patron receives. Any illegal e-mail activity may be reported to the appropriate authorities in accordance with the computer use policy. Printing of e-mail messages will be charged at the same rate as other printing from the online reference computers.

E. Wireless Internet Access:

The Hyrum Library provides wireless Internet access to our patrons on their laptops or other wireless enabled mobile devices for web and e-mail access, as well as designated Internet workstations.

Any use of the Library’s network (wired or wireless) must be in accordance with the Library’s Acceptable Use Policy. Activities deemed illegal or offensive apply to patrons whether using their own computer or a library owned computer. All network activity is monitored, with respect to your own privacy and protection.

Be advised that you use the Library’s Internet access and wireless network at your own risk. The public wireless network is encrypted for your protection, but encryption is not a guarantee. Any information you send to or from your laptop, PDA, etc. could potentially be intercepted by a third party who might be within range and using the appropriate hardware/software.

The Library will not be responsible for any information (i.e. credit card, account numbers) that is compromised, or for any damage caused to your hardware or software due to power surges, security issues, viruses, theft, etc. Anti-virus and security protection are the responsibility of the patron.

Any library staff member who observes a person abusing any of the rules or accessing pornographic materials will direct that person to remove the material from the computer screen and refrain from viewing such material in the future. Any person who refuses to comply with these directions will be asked to leave the Library premises. Law enforcement officials may be called to enforce compliance with such a request.

Failure to comply with these rules and regulations may result in loss of library privileges in addition to any appropriate legal action, including criminal prosecution.

Revised and Adopted by Hyrum Library Board and Director on May 30, 2007