Computer Use Policy

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 Code Rule R458-2, and is reviewed at least once every three years. A summary of the library laws regarding Internet use is provided with circulating mobile devices, on the opening screen of each public internet computer session in the library, and is included in Attachment A.

In-Library Devices: The Library provides public access computers for registered patrons with library accounts and visitors that are available on a first-come, first-served basis including: adult computers, teen computers for youth ages 12-17, and children’s computers for youth ages 0-12.

Circulating Mobile Devices:  The Library provides laptops and mobile devices that may be checked out on a first-come first-served basis.  The Library has received funding from the federal Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) to purchase hotspots, tablets, and laptops.  Any ECF supported equipment and services can only be provided to patrons who declare they do not have access to the equipment or services sufficient to access the internet.

Internet Access:  The internet 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 online: (Utah Code Annotated 9-7-213, 9-7-215, 9-7-216 and Rule R458-2). U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S.Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of fair use. Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs, music files, or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. All responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user; the Grand County Public Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such violations.

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 computers, public access computers, and wireless networks) that is intended to (1) protect against illegal visual depictions that are child pornography or obscene, (2) protect minors against visual depictions that are child pornography, harmful to minors, or obscene, and (3) protect the Library’s network security and ensure equitable bandwidth distribution. The federal Children’s Internet Protection Act and Utah state law specify that patrons may request an exception to filter a specific website.  Library Staff will not allow an exception for any illegal site or for any site blocked that could present a network safety concern including peer-to-peer and file sharing websites. 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: 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, and additional measures are used in the Children’s Room but parents are ultimately responsible for their children, whether they are present or not.

Consequences for violating Library policies may include:

• Verbal warning from staff.
• Ending a computer session or being required to leave the library.
• Suspension of library privileges including access to computers or to the building.
• Police intervention, including possible arrest and prosecution for trespass and other violations.

Assumption of Risk: The Library uses its best efforts to ensure network security, but users assume all responsibility for the use of its networks, including interference with the user’s data and internet traffic, and damage to software or hardware.  The Library is not liable for the loss or compromise of any information, or for any and all damages resulting from that loss or compromise, even if the Library is advised of the possibility of such damages.

Due Process: 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, March 21, 2007, January 9, 2008, October 21, 2009, January 20, 2010, January 19, 2011, November 8, 2012, October 17, 2013, October 23, 2014, May 18, 2016, May 30, 2018, and March 27, 2019. Revised May 24, 2022.

Attachment A

By using this public library internet terminal, you agree to comply with Utah laws regarding use of the internet and the Grand County Public Library Internet Use Policy.

Briefly, the following behaviors are NOT ALLOWED:

• Illegal activities such as gambling, fraud or copyright infringement.
• Viewing obscene materials or materials legally deemed harmful to minors.

Additionally, minors (children under age 18) are NOT ALLOWED to access the internet unless a signed agreement is on file or a parent/guardian is present.

Notice: The copyright law of the United States (Title 17 U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material.  The person using this equipment is liable for any infringement.

The Grand County Public Library will not be liable to any person or persons for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, punitive or consequential damages of any character that arise from use of the wireless network or public access computers.

The Library has received funding from the federal Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) to purchase hotspots, tablets, and laptops. Any ECF supported equipment and services can only be provided to patrons who declare they do not have access to the equipment or services sufficient to access the internet.

The Library’s computer policy is intended to meet the provisions of 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.