Internet Access Policy
Adopted: Month DD, YYYY
Revised: May 22, 2025
Policy Statement:
The internet is a worldwide computer network that enables the library to provide access to information, ideas, and commentary far beyond the scope of its local collections. By including the internet as an information resource, the library’s goal is to enhance its existing collection in breadth and depth. Offering public access to the internet has become an integral part of the Summit County Library’s programs and services. The intent of this policy is to meet the requirement of Utah Code Sections 9-7-215 and 9-7-216, and Utah Administrative Code R458-002. This policy supersedes the May 19, 2022 Internet Access Policy of the Summit County Library and becomes effective on May 22, 2025.
Developed under the direction of the Summit County Library Board, the Internet Access Policy was discussed and adopted during an open meeting on May 22, 2025.
It is a matter of policy that the Summit County Library will abide by all laws and regulations governing internet access and usage. This document will be reviewed by the Summit County Library Board at least every 3 years and a copy of the new policy will be sent to the Utah State Library Division as required by Utah Administrative Code R458-2-3.
1. The Summit County Library will:
1.1 Comply with Utah Code Sections 9-7-215 and 9-7-216 by creating and enforcing Internet Access Sections 76-5c-101 and 76-5c-102. Filtering software will provide internet safety for all library computers connected to the internet and devices connected to the library’s Wi-Fi network.
1.2 Use filtering software to limit access to certain sites, including gambling, obscenity and/or pornography. Currently the internet is an unregulated and unrestricted medium. As such, while it offers access to a wealth of material that is enriching to individuals of all ages, it also enables access to material which may be inappropriate, offensive, unsafe, and/or illegal. Filtering is done in an attempt to make internet content accessed at the library closely match the types of materials that are selected for the library’s collection. However, upon request by an adult patron, the library staff may unblock a specific website to enable access for bona fide research or other lawful purposes after completion of the “Filter Unblocking Agreement” (see Attachment D). The children’s internet stations will be permanently filtered in an attempt to eliminate sites intended for mature audiences (this filtering software is currently the same that is used in Utah’s public schools). Access by minors to sites that contain obscene or pornographic materials is prohibited.
1.3 Assist patrons in using the internet to the extent that time and other patron demands allow.
1.4 Provide access to the internet as part of our mission to inform, educate, inspire, entertain, and provide an environment for lifelong learning for individuals in our county.
1.5 Provide patrons with a “Patron Request for Internet Access Policy Review” form if requested (see Attachment A).
1.6 Provide staff with a procedure to be used to handle complaints about observed patron behavior.
1.7 Provide “Staff Guidelines” for enforcement of this policy (see Attachment B).
1.8 Develop internet aides, such as its homepage, to provide guidance and to help identify current, correct, and authoritative content. Endorse the practice of cooperative computing. This practice includes: regular deletion of unneeded files; refraining from overuse of connect time, printing, or processing capacity; refraining from the use of sounds and visuals which might be disruptive to others; and refraining from using the computers in an irresponsible manner.
1.9 Comply with a policy of internet safety for minors by providing and enforcing the operation of a technology protection measure on any publicly accessible computer with internet access to protect against access to visual depictions that are child pornography, harmful to minors, or obscene. This policy follows the restrictions to materials considered to be obscene under the definitions established by 20 U.S.C. Sec. 9101, Utah Code Sec. 76-5b-103, and Utah Code Sections 76-5c-101 and 76-5c-102.
1.10 Comply with a policy of internet safety, including the operation of a technology protection measure, hereafter called “filtering software,” on any publicly accessible computer with internet access that protects against access to visual depictions that are child pornography, harmful to minors or obscene. This policy follows the restrictions to materials considered to be obscene under the criteria established by 20 U.S.C. Sec. 9101, 47 U.S.C. Sec. 254(h)(6), Utah Code Section 76-5b-103, and Utah Code Sections 76- 5c-101 and 76-5c-102.
2. The Summit County Library will not:
2.1 Be responsible for the availability or accuracy of information accessible via the internet. The internet is an unregulated medium, with access points and content which change rapidly and unpredictably.
2.2 Guarantee that its filtering software will be totally effective.
2.3 Accept responsibility for the use of the internet by children and young adults. Responsibility for the use of all library materials, including internet resources, rests with parents and legal guardians. Parents are encouraged to work closely with and supervise their children to ensure that any use of internet resources is consistent with their family’s values.
2.4 Accept responsibility for damage to any user’s storage device or computer, or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron use of the library’s electronic resources, the library’s internet connection, or any malfunctioning library hardware or software.
3. Users of our internet service agree that they will:
3.1 Comply with internet rules: such as sign-ups, time limits, and printing charges (currently 30-minute time limit and a $.10 per sheet printing charge for black & white, and $.50 for color) developed by library staff to provide equitable use for all patrons.
3.2 Accept responsibility for determining that the information they access is acceptable, reliable, and suitable to their and/or their children’s needs. Users should also be aware that some sites do not provide a secure medium for transmitting personal information, such as name, address, or credit card number.
3.3 Respect copyright laws and licensing agreements. Material obtained or copied from the internet, including software may be subject to copyright law, which prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of fair use. Any responsibility for consequences arising from copyright infringement or any other illegal use lies with the user.
3.4 Avoid exposing others involuntarily to material that they or, if under 18, their parents might find unsuitable. The library computers are in public areas, and privacy cannot be guaranteed.
3.5 Respect the privacy of other users of electronic resources. This includes not representing oneself as another user, not attempting to view what others are accessing or doing without their permission, not trying to gain access to someone else’s data, and not “hovering” over other users while waiting for a turn.
4. Furthermore, users agree that they will not:
4.1 Modify any Summit County Library System hardware, software, or settings (this includes loading or downloading programs). Misuse of library computers may result in fines or loss of internet and/or library privileges. Users who intentionally damage library computers may be prosecuted.
4.2 Load personal files or software on library computers. Creating personal folders, bookmarks, passwords, or other individualized files is prohibited.
4.3 Use library computers to display or disseminate visual images containing pornography, obscenity, graphic violence, or other images inappropriate in a public library setting. While respecting an individual user’s right to privacy, staff has the right to monitor use of internet workstations to ensure compliance with this policy. Inappropriate use of these resources is prohibited and may result in the loss of computer and/or library privileges. The Summit County Library reserves the right to revoke access if it is causing operational challenges such as excessive use of bandwidth, etc.
4.4 Use library computers to violate any federal or state law. Illegal acts involving library computing resources may be subject to prosecution by local, state, and federal authorities.
5. Patron request for internet access policy review
5.1 Any concerns regarding this policy or its enforcement may be addressed by filling out the appropriate form (Attachment A). All requests for review will be addressed by the Library Director, and perhaps the Library Board and County Manager as necessary.
5.2 This policy will be revised as technology, sources, and use patterns change. This policy will be available at the library’s front desk, posted on each of the computer tables, and an abridged version (Attachment C) will also appear as a link on all patron workstation screens.
5.3 The Summit County Library System thanks public libraries around the state for providing the models upon which this policy is based. The Library is also grateful for the legal review provided by the Summit County Attorney’s Office.