Internet and Electronic Resources Use Policy

The Park City Library provides access to the Internet through a connection provided by Qwest and the Utah Education Network. Providing access to this global network enables the Library to greatly expand the information services offered, and to fulfill our mission to meet the educational and recreational information needs of our patrons.

The Park City Library also offers word-processing and access to various databases to which we subscribe annually. Our policies on proper use of electronic resources apply to all workstations, whether networked or standalone.

I. LIBRARY POSITION
It is the intent of the Park City Library to develop electronic information resources which meet the recreational, educational and general information needs of our diverse population. Electronic information resources allow the Library to enhance collections and services by providing access to information and educational materials worldwide.

The Park City Library staff will develop electronic information resources that are consistent with the ethics, principles and goals stated in the Library's Materials Selection Policy. Electronic information resources are subject to the same quality standards, evaluation and materials selection policies as all other Library materials.

The Library's goal is to provide the means for equal access to electronic information resources for all Library staff and patrons.

II. GENERAL POLICY SCOPE
The Park City Library electronic resources use policy applies specifically to computers and networks under direct Library supervision. Employees of the Library will also be subject to computer, Internet and E-mail use policies outlined in the City's Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual.

At all times, Library staff and public users are expected to observe common rules of network etiquette or good manners online, known as "netiquette."

The Library will provide communication links to network resources like the Internet and to subscription databases. External networks on the Internet will, in turn, provide links for accessing additional electronic information resources from individuals, libraries, governments, organizations and commercial entities. It should be noted that the Internet operates in an essentially unregulated environment.

III. SECURITY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Park City Library will utilize appropriate technology to protect the physical integrity of computer hardware, software and databases in the Library. These actions can only provide resistance to disruption and are in no way considered as insurance against loss of data or damage to equipment.

The Park City Library does not provide data storage or the loading of "plug-in" devices on the terminals available to Library patrons. Patrons who attempt to use Library storage devices or load unauthorized software will be at risk of losing their access to the Library's electronic resources.

IV. INDIVIDUAL SECURITY
Park City Library staff and patrons should be aware that electronic and network security measures do not guarantee individual privacy and confidentiality. Individuals must accept responsibility for the integrity of their interactions on electronic networks. Information searches and correspondence on Library terminals may be subject to monitoring by network administrators or by unscrupulous users. Screen warnings should be taken seriously and adhered to.

Library staff are responsible for using prescribed data backup and storage procedures. Library staff with password access to electronic networks are responsible for maintaining the security of their passwords.

V. ACCEPTABLE USE STATEMENT

A: LEGAL USE
Library computers and networks may only be used for legal purposes. The Library considers legal violations as just causes for taking disciplinary actions, including termination of Internet or Library privileges or any other legal remedy.

Examples of illegal use that could lead to legal actions 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; Violations of existing obscenity and pornography laws; Violations of computer system security; Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers; Violation of software license agreements; and Violation of network usage policies and regulations.

B: COMPUTER ETIQUETTE
Computers and networks should be used in accordance with the ethical standards of the Park City Library. The Library considers unethical use to be just cause for taking disciplinary actions, including termination of Internet or Library privileges or any other legal remedy.
Examples of unethical use that could lead to disciplinary actions include, but are not limited to:
Violation of time limits; Violation of another user's privacy; Signing in under someone else's name; Disrupting another user; Repeatedly freezing an Internet terminal.

C: ONLINE ACCESS POLICY[1]
The Park City Library's Online Access Policy prohibits access by minors to Internet or online sites that contain obscene material, child pornography and/or materials harmful to minors. Minors are individuals under the age of 18. This policy was established to meet the requirements of Utah Code Section 9-7-213, 9-7-215 and 9-7-216 for the purpose of preserving the library's eligibility to receive any and all state funding for which it qualifies. In furtherance of this policy, the Library has installed technology protection devices (filters) designed to meet the requirements of the Utah Code as cited above, on all publicly accessible computers. Additionally, in order to meet the requirements of the Federal Children's Internet Protection Act for the purpose of preserving the Library's eligibility for any and all federal funding for which it qualifies the Library has installed technology protection devices (filters) on all staff-only-accessible computers.

Disabling Provision: Any adult (18 years of age or older) patron may request that the technology protection device (filter) be disabled at any time and for any period of time during which the patron is using the computer. Such request can be made to any library staffer. All library staffers have the authority to disable technology protection devices (filters).

The Online Access Policy is enforced by Library staff as follows:

I. Internet users are required to sign in using the electronic reservation system.

II. Users must read and accept the Park City Library Online Access Policy Agreement before being allowed to access the Internet. Users not accepting the Online Access Policy terms will be denied access to the Internet.

III. The Online Access Policy is enforced on a complaint basis as well as by monitoring by Library staff.

IV. If a complaint is reported to Library Staff or a violation is noticed, Library staff first warns the user of their violation of the Online Access Policy. Any verified subsequent report or observed violation of the Online Access Policy will result in immediate termination of that user's Internet privileges.

V. Administrative procedures and guidelines for staff to follow in enforcing the Online Access Policy have been established and are available at the Circulation/Reference Desk.
Administrative procedures to be used to handle complaints about the Online Access Policy or its enforcement have been established and are available at the Circulation/Reference Desk. Complaint forms for patrons desiring to record a complaint concerning the Online Access Policy or its enforcement are available at the Circulation/Reference Desk.

VI. DISCLAIMER

A: CONTROVERSIAL MATERIALS
Electronic information resources like the Internet provide a wealth of education,recreation, and outreach opportunities for the community. A small percentage of information accessed through these resources may prove to be objectionable, offensive, misleading, or illegal. The Library cannot censor access to material nor protect users from offensive information.

B: ACCESS FOR MINORS
As with other Library materials, restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian. The Library encourages parents to learn and explore the Internet with their children and to supervise their use.

C: AVAILABILITY AND VALIDITY
Park City Library staff cannot control the availability of information links to external networks. The Library also has no means of verifying the accuracy, content, or currency of information accessed from computer networks.

D: DAMAGES/RISK
The Park City Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of its terminals or from its connections to external networks. Users use the equipment and network connections at their own risk.

VII. PRINTING CHARGES
Printing from Library electronic resources will be charged at the same rate as photocopying print materials. Current charges are ten cents (.10) per page.

VIII. TIME LIMITS and OTHER RESTRICTIONS
Use of any Library Internet terminal or the computers in the Children's room is limited to thirty minutes or less when others are waiting. The use of the computer in the Children's room is restricted to persons under 18 years of age, or to parents or guardians using the computer with their children. Patrons using the word-processing or research workstation are limited to one hour when others are waiting. All patrons who wish to use the word-processing terminal, Internet terminals or research terminal must sign up using the electronic reservation system. Patrons wishing to use the Internet must read and accept the "Park City Library Online Access Policy Agreement" in order to complete a connection. The Library may provide Library card holders with priority access and/or designated terminals.

The Park City Library thanks the Utah Education Network and public libraries around the country for providing the models upon which this policy is based. The Library is also grateful for the legal review provided by Park City Municipal's City Attorney's Office.

ORIGINAL POLICY CREATED: May 1, 1996 and September 8, 1986 as Computer Use Policy
REVISED : February 11, 1991
REVIEWED: November 19, 1998
December 14, 1998
REVISED: November 8, 1999
REVIEWED, REVISED, ADOPTED AND EFFECTIVE: March 14, 2001
REVISED: Jun 14, 2004