Mt. Pleasant Public Library
Online Access Policy

I. Access to Internet resources

A. The mission of the Mt. Pleasant Public Library is to provide a center of community life, offering opportunities for people of all ages to learn, know, gather and grow.

B. The library’s computer system provides the opportunity to integrate electronic resources from information networks around the world with the library’s other resources. The Internet, as an information resource, enables the library to provide information beyond the confines of its own collection. It offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages.

C. In introducing the Internet as an information resource, the Mt. Pleasant Public Library’s goal is to enhance its existing collection in size and depth and as a public access agency give opportunity to any citizen who wishes to participate in navigating the Internet, both in the library and at home.

D. Library staff will identify specific starting points for searches on the library’s home page which are appropriate to the library’s mission and service roles. The library cannot control or monitor other material which may be accessible from Internet sources. It is not possible to apply the same selection criteria which are used for other materials.

E. When feasible, the library will implement software and hardware control mechanisms to prohibit information which the library has determined to be inconsistent with its mission and service roles. Such controls will be implemented to the extent feasible given budgeting and programming limitations.

II. In-Library Access

A. The library upholds and affirms the right of each individual to have access to constitutionally protected material. The library also affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children’s use of library materials and resources.

B. Library staff is available to provide assistance and to help identify appropriate sites. The user, however, is the selector in using the Internet with individual choices and decisions.

III. Conditions and terms of use

A. In an effort to ensure that the use of this medium is consistent with the mission of the Mt. Pleasant Public Library, and to meet and enforce the requirements of Utah Code section 9-7-215, UCA 9-7-216, and administrative Rule R23-2, the following regulations shall apply:

1. Designated Internet stations are located where they can be better monitored by staff for assistance and security.

2. The Library has no direct control over the information accessed through the Internet. Therefore, each individual is responsible for the content of the searches he or she conducts, and parents are responsible for the use of Internet by their minor children. However, the Library does take measures, based on legal guidance and within the limits of available technology and of administrative capacity, to have internet filters activated on all library computers to ensure that access by minors to sites that contain child pornography, obscene or materials harmful to minors is restricted. Measures include the use of the software Net Nanny which has been installed on all computers in the library, which blocks access to electronic information that may be harmful to minors. Such software is installed on all Internet accessible PCs used in the library: however, such software is to be disabled by staff members upon request by an adult patron.

3. The Internet is available on a first come, first serve basis. If other patrons are waiting, current users will be asked to limit searches to 15 minutes or less.

4. Chat lines, instant messages, and computer games are not allowed on any library computers.

5. Patrons are asked to sign-in first and last names with time-in and time-out and computer number posted.

B. Patron fees are as follows:

1. Use of the Internet is free.

2. Hard copies cost ten cents per page.

C. Failure to use the Internet stations appropriately and responsibly may result in revocation of Internet use privileges.

1. Signs and other notifications are posted, informing patrons of penalties for inappropriate Internet usage. Copies of this policy are available at the front desk.

2. First infraction results in suspension of Internet privileges for 1 month. A record is kept by library staff. A second infraction results in a 3 month suspension. A third infraction results in a 6 month suspension. Any further infractions may result in permanent suspension from Internet privileges. This is decided on a case by case basis by the Library Board.

D. Enforcement of these policies, consistent with the requirements of Utah Code Section 9-7-215 and State Rule 223-2, are based on guidelines and procedures defined by the Library Director and Library Board. Methods of endorsements include but are not limited to: First infraction results in suspension of Internet privileges for 1 month. A record is kept by library staff. A second infraction results in a 3 month suspension. A third infraction results in a 6 month suspension. Any further infractions may result in permanent suspension from Internet privileges. This is decided on a case by case basis by the Library Board. Patrons with concerns about the policy, the guidelines and procedures for its enforcement, or the staff’s efforts to enforce the policy may direct comments, either verbally or in writing, to the staff, the director or the Library Board. Response to any expressed concerns may be made verbally or in a letter from the Director of the library or the Library Board Chair, depending on the nature of the problem being addressed.

E. If a patron wishes to question the suitability of a particular site not filtered by the library’s system, the following procedures will be followed:

1. The patron may make a verbal complaint to the librarian, who will check the material. If the librarian is unable to determine the appropriateness of the material, the patron will then be requested to fill out a “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form (attached) and return it to the librarian.

2. A review board consisting of the Library Board and/or Mayor or City Council Representative will be convened to examine and evaluate the material in question. Appropriate action will follow the recommendation of this Board.

3. If the patron is not satisfied and demands that the material be removed, it will be necessary for him to institute court proceedings and sustain the cost thereof to determine if, indeed, the material does not meet community standards and therefore must be removed from the system.

4. Any patron who objects to this policy or the way it is enforced can submit those objections in writing to the Library Board.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees on
July 19, 2007, Revisited April 8, 2008