Electronic Access Policy

AUTHORITY: The Library Mission Statement PPM #CLO-001; the Collection Development Policy PPM #CLO-1100; the American Library Association's Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights; Federal Public Law 106-554, Title XVII, the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA); Florida Statutes, Chapter 815; Florida Statutes, Chapter 847.

POLICY:  The Library provides electronic access to information through the Internet, the World Wide Web, or other global information services and networks in accordance with the Library's Mission Statement. The Internet offers access to a wealth of information that can be useful and appropriate for individuals of all ages. It is, however, an unregulated medium with a highly diverse user population. Providing information through the Internet is not the same as selecting and purchasing materials for the Library's collection. Some information provided through the Internet may not meet the Library's selection criteria or guidelines. Information on the Internet may be reliable and current or it may be inaccurate, out-of-date, or incomplete. The Library cannot monitor or control the vast amount of material accessible through the Internet.

The Internet and its resources may contain material of a controversial nature. It is the responsibility of users to determine what information is appropriate for their own use. It is the responsibility of parents and legal guardians to determine what information is appropriate for their children. As with other library materials, parents and legal guardians are encouraged to monitor and supervise their children's Internet use. The Library also suggests that parents and legal guardians read "Child Safety on the Information Highway" and "Teen Safety on the Information Highway," available through the Library and on the Internet at www.safekids.com. Electronic access is available at Library locations through designated public workstations and free wireless access.

The Library's workstations and wireless connection are filtered to discourage access to explicit sexual content. In accordance with the Children's Internet Protection Act, workstations designated for children are filtered for materials harmful to minors and for inappropriate materials, as determined by the Library. These filters are not foolproof. Parents or legal guardians retain the right and responsibility to determine what use is appropriate for their child. Internet workstations located in Youth Services areas are for use by children or children accompanied by a parent/caregiver.

The Library encourages users to be responsible and considerate of others when using the Internet and World Wide Web in a public setting. Parents and legal guardians are responsible for determining what information is appropriate for themselves or their children. Disregarding the following guidelines may result in loss of computer privileges, potential loss of library privileges, and possible prosecution:

1. The Library's computer equipment and software must be used as installed. Users are not allowed to delete, add to, or change the installed hardware and software.

2. Users may not use the Library's computers or wireless connection to obtain unauthorized access, including hacking, into any other computer or network, or participate in other unlawful online activities.

3. Users may not disrupt or interfere with other computer or network users, services, or equipment. Intentional disruption of the operation of computer systems and networks is a violation of Florida Statutes, Chapter 815, and users may be held responsible.

4. Users may not represent themselves as another person or use Internet access to transmit obscene, threatening, or harassing materials.

5. Users may not send or display obscene materials or materials harmful to minors in accordance with Florida Statutes, Chapter 847.

6. Users must respect the legal protection of data and software provided by copyright and license law.

7. Users should be aware of computer viruses and other destructive computer programs, and take steps to avoid being a victim or unwitting distributor of these problems. All wireless access users should have up-to-date virus protection on their laptop computers or wireless devices. The Library will not be responsible for any information that is compromised, or for any damage caused to hardware or software due to electric surges, security issues or consequences caused by viruses or hacking. The
Library cannot guarantee that a device will work with the Library's wireless access points.

8. Users of electronic mail (e-mail) systems or other forms of direct electronic communications should be aware that these communications may not be secured and are extremely vulnerable to unauthorized access and modification. Parents/caregivers should instruct children on using these types of communication safely and to refrain from disclosing personal information online.

9. The unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identification information regarding children are prohibited.

10. For reasons of equipment security, users may not install or download any program on the hard drive of a Library workstation. Copying to disc or USB devices is allowed on Library computer workstations when floppy drives or USB ports are available.

11. Printing is not available via the wireless connection. Work may be saved to a disk or a USB device or e-mailed to a patron's account. The users may then use a Library workstation to access the file and send a print job to the public printer.

Due to the high demand for electronic resources, each library location may establish time limits in order to accommodate patrons who are waiting.

The Library has established identification requirements for using computer workstations within the Library. Children under the age of eighteen are restricted to the use of filtered Internet workstations. Patrons who provide a picture I.D. showing that they are eighteen years of age or older may use unfiltered Library workstations. All wireless access is filtered.

Library staff may refuse to assist a patron in accessing explicit sexual materials. Staff are required to report these incidents to a supervisor.

Ultimate responsibility for problems related to the invasion of the user's privacy or loss of data rests with the user. The Library assumes no liability for loss or damage to the user's computer, software, data, or for any damage or injury arising from the use of the Library's Internet connection.

As with most public wireless "hot spots," the Library's wireless connection is not secure. Any information being transmitted could potentially be intercepted by another wireless user. Cautious and informed wireless users should choose not to transmit personal information or confidential data while using any wireless connection. Users should take appropriate precautions when using this service.

The Library may recommend interesting and useful Internet destinations and resources for library users to explore. Library staff, however, cannot provide in-depth individual instruction on the Internet or personal computer use, nor can they troubleshoot problems related to wireless devices, device network settings and/or hardware configurations. The Library offers classes and formal training on access to the Internet at designated times and places and provides general information and handouts for connecting devices to the Library's wireless connection.

Staff Use of Electronic Resources

Staff are encouraged to become familiar with electronic resources in keeping with the Library's mission. Staff may use electronic resources to carry out their assigned duties as library employees.

The County has a written policy concerning the staff's use of computers. Staff must adhere to the guidelines established in the Countywide PPM #CW-R-008, "Internet Use Policy". Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

Revisions

This is a working document. Changes in state or federal law, usage, or available technology may require frequent revisions.

Contact Person: Collections Development Coordinator

APPROVED BY: John J. Callahan III, Library Director

Supersession History:
PPM CLO-1107 Issued March 21, 1997
Revised May 26, 1999
June 1, 2001
August 22, 2005

Florida Public Records Law

Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.