1.1 Access to the Internet and Intellectual Freedom

The City Library considers electronic technology to be a powerful tool and an effective means to extend open access to information and ideas. As a community institution of learning and knowledge, The City Library is dedicated to the concept of intellectual freedom and the rights of freedom of speech and expression under the United States Constitution.

 

The Internet and other electronic resources offer access to a wide variety of material, information, beliefs, and opinions, and The City Library recognizes the growth and evolution of the Internet as an open forum for the exchange of information and ideas. As a resource, the Internet offers an unprecedented level of access to the full scope of human achievement, and The City Library will attempt to provide as broad of access to the Internet as possible within the parameters outlined by this policy.

 

1.2 Internet Use for Illegal Activity

Use of City Library equipment or network access for illegal purposes is expressly prohibited. Internet users shall not access material that is obscene, pornographic, or child pornography, and in addition minors shall not access material that is harmful to minors under Utah law. Users are required to use The City Library’s computers in a manner that does not have a detrimental impact on the stability and functionality of The City Library’s computer system and its ability to connect to and use other networks and resources. The following activities are specifically prohibited:

• Installing, uninstalling, or altering any software or hardware without the express permission of authorized library staff.

• Engaging in any activity intended to compromise the security or proper operation of computers or network systems, whether internal or external, compromise the privacy of other users, or obstruct the work of others.

• Sending forged bulk, unsolicited, voluminous, or frequent electronic mail; violating copyright or other intellectual property laws; or fraudulently misrepresenting one’s identity in any communications.

 

A violation of the provisions of this Policy may result in the withdrawal of access and may subject the user to disciplinary action consistent with library policies and procedures. All criminal activities will be referred to police, state, and/or federal agencies. The City Library has adopted (1) administrative procedures and guidelines for staff to follow in enforcing this Policy, and (2) procedures for use by patrons and staff to handle complaints about this Policy and its enforcement or about observed patron behavior. Such procedures and guidelines are available for review at The City Library.

 

1.3 Internet Filters

In accordance with Utah Code Section 9-7-215, The City Library employs the use of Internet filters designed to block visual depictions that are child pornography or obscene as defined by state and federal statutes. The use of such filters does not guarantee the appropriateness of all resources available through library computers. The City Library strongly encourages parents to supervise their children’s use of the Internet. 

 

1.4 Access to Internet Features

Every attempt will be made to offer as wide a range of Internet features as is legal, practical, and appropriate in a public library setting and which is affordable and compatible with The City Library’s computer network. The Creative Lab is designed to provide users with software options that are not available on other library computers and to offer users assistance in using those software options.

 

1.5 Equitable Use of Resources

In order to provide open, equitable access on a finite number of City Library computers, users are limited in their number of sessions per day. Computer sessions can be made using a regular library card, an Internet access only card, or a guest pass. The use of multiple cards to access the Internet by a single user is prohibited and may result in the loss of Internet access privileges.

 

1.6 Access for Minors

As with all library resources and collections, The City Library affirms that parents and legal guardians are ultimately responsible for monitoring their minor child’s access to The City Library’s computers and the resources available on the Internet. The City Library strongly encourages parents to supervise their children’s use of the Internet and other electronic resources.

 

In accordance with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and Utah Code Section 9-7-215, The City Library employs the use of Internet filters designed to block sites containing visual depictions that are child pornography, harmful to minors, or obscene as defined by state and federal statutes on all publicly accessible computers with Internet access 

 

To the extent practical, The City Library shall take steps to promote the safety and security of users of The City Library’s computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications, and to restrict the access of minors to materials harmful to minors. Specifically, as required by CIPA, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet; (b) unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking,” and other unlawful activities; and (c) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.

 

1.7 Children’s On-line Privacy Protection Act

In support of the Children’s On-line Privacy Protection Act, library employees will not assist patrons under the age of 13, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, to set up an account that involves two-way communication. Examples include, but are not limited to, chat rooms and electronic mail.

 

1.8 Disabling Internet Filters

Although every effort is made to ensure the only material blocked by the Internet filters employed by The City Library is that which violates this policy, the continuous and rapid evolution of the Internet makes the use of Internet filters an imperfect solution to a difficult problem.  At the request of a library patron, sites blocked by the Internet filter will be reviewed to determine whether they are in accordance with this policy and Utah Code Section 9-7-215.  

 

1.9 Education, Supervision, and Monitoring

It shall be the responsibility of The City Library to educate, supervise, and monitor appropriate usage of its computers and network in accordance with this Policy, CIPA, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and other applicable laws. Procedures for modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the library director. 

 

1.10 Responsibility for Damages

The City Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of its computers or network or from its connections to other Internet or electronic resources.

 

1.11 Development, Review, and Availability

This policy was developed under the direction of the Salt Lake City Public Library Board, was adopted on March 22, 2012 following public notice, in an open public meeting at which the proposed policy was addressed, and has an effective date of March 22, 2012. The Library Board shall review this policy at least every three years.

Notice of the availability of this Policy shall be posted in a conspicuous place within The City Library for all patrons to observe.

(See “Resource Selection Policy:” Appendix G2 American Library Association’s Interpretation of the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS ON ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC INFORMATION, SERVICES, AND NETWORKS)

Approved by Board of Directors 6/27/22