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Policy Title: Public Internet Use Policy

General Overview

The St. Johns County Public Library System offers limited public access to the Internet for the residents and guest pass holders of the Library system. The Library system strives to uphold the principals of intellectual freedom as expressed in the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights while balancing the interests and standards reflected in the community we serve.

The St. Johns County Public Library System recognizes that the Internet is, for the most part, an unregulated medium. While allowing access to personally and professionally enriching information, it may also enable access to materials that violate local, state and federal regulations as well as materials that are inaccurate, incomplete or that some users find offensive. Just as the St. Johns County Public Library System does not vouch for or endorse the content or viewpoints represented in its collections, it is unable to vouch for the accuracy of information or endorse the various viewpoints accessed from the Internet. All users, especially parents, guardians, caregivers and their children, are strongly encouraged to be good information consumers by evaluating the accuracy and integrity of information used or accessed from the Internet.

Limits to Internet Access

The St. Johns County Public Library System offers limited access to the internet, with restrictions to websites containing material involving illegal activity, pornography, or malware. If a patron feels that a website is blocked in error, he or she may complete a site unblock request form from a link on the block screen, which will result in a staff review of the site to determine whether it was miscategorized. Once a site has been reviewed, it will not be considered again for review.

The St. Johns County Public Library System affirms its commitment to assist Patrons in using the Internet safely and effectively. Therefore, the Library will continue to monitor changes and trends in electronic technology that may improve the ability to provide Internet access, and will revise this policy as deemed necessary.

Acceptable Use

It is the goal of the St. Johns County Library System to provide an atmosphere conducive to the appropriate use of the Library System’s services, resources and facilities. Electronic resources, like other Library resources, must be used in compliance with applicable regulations, policies and procedures.

Patrons and guests accessing the Internet in the Library are subject to local, state and federal regulations as well as this Policy, the Patron Code of Conduct and the Public Computer Use Policy. Failure to comply with any applicable regulation or policy may result in termination of a Library computer session, loss of Library privileges (including expulsion from the Library), notice to law enforcement agencies and/or any other action deemed appropriate under the particular circumstances.

Children and the Internet

The State of Florida defines a minor as a person under the age of 18. For the purposes of this policy, the terms “child”, “minor”, and “youth” are interchangeable.

The St. Johns County Public Library System has elected to use filtering software to manage internet access in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

As with other Library resources, it is the responsibility of parents, guardians and caregivers to monitor and supervise their children’s access to/use of the Internet and its resources. The St. Johns Public Library System affirms the right and responsibility of parents, guardians and caregivers to restrict their children’s access to/use of the Internet.

Parents, guardians and caregivers are encouraged to review resources made available by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at http://www.netsmartz.org. The site provides information related to the safety and security of children using the Internet to access web sites, e-mail, chat rooms, and other forms of electronic communications. As with all Library services, the St. Johns County Library System staff is trained and available to assist parents, guardians, caregivers and children in the safe use of the Internet and its resources.

Public Internet Use Policy Guidelines

Objective:

The Library’s Computer/Technology support staff will keep apprised of developments in this rapidly evolving area and endeavor to acquire the most useful new hardware and software applications for the public to use.

Guidelines:

  1. The Library provides some formal computer training of a basic and introductory nature. Extensive individualized training in individual software applications cannot be supplied by the Library staff. However, staff will direct patrons to resources that may help them use the applications.
  2. All users supply their own storage devices (e.g., flash drive, compact disc, etc.) when needed and any data or equipment loss or damage as a result of faulty equipment, programs, etc., is not the responsibility of the St. Johns County Public Library System, its operators, or employees. Any downloading must be done on storage devices supplied by the computer user. No private files may be stored at the Library or on any Library equipment or software.
  3. From time to time certain staff activities will take precedence over normal computer use. All decisions as to the use of the computers are at the sole discretion of the staff of the St. Johns County Public LibrarySystem.
  4. The St. Johns County Public Library System makes no guarantee, whether expressed or implied, with respect to any equipment, programs or other Library materials, their quality, performance, or fitness for any particular purpose. The entire risk as to the quality and performance of computer equipment/programs/documentation is with the user. In no event shall the St. Johns County Public Library System be liable for actual, incidental, or consequential damage in connection with or arising from the use of any equipment, programs, or other Library materials.
  5. The Library reserves the right to ask a user, including minors, to leave if there is misuse of or tampering with equipment or materials or patron is in violation of the Patron Code of Conduct.
  6. The attachment and connection of peripheral equipment to Library computers is permitted at the discretion of the Library Staff. All peripheral equipment must be removed when the patron’s session has expired. The Library is not responsible for loss or damage to peripheral equipment.
  7. Please advise the Library staff immediately when there is a problem with hardware or software so that the problem can be rectified as soon as possible.
  8. All computer workstations are available to patrons in good standing and guest pass holders on a first-come, first-serve basis. Time limitations will be imposed via time management software. User fees may apply.
  9. The changing of any system or application files is not permitted.
  10. Copyrighted software is available for public use only and may not be copied for personal use.
  11. As with any other Library material, appropriate fees may be assessed for any damage done to computer equipment or files.
  12. Library computers may not be used by patrons, including minors, for any illegal activities.
  13. All branches of the Library System offer free Wi-Fi access. Patrons shall comply with applicable local, state and federal regulations as well as Library rules, policies and procedures when using personal devices to access the Library’s Wi-Fi connections.
  14. Printing may be available from Library laptops or personal devices at certain library locations.
  15. When reserving or logging on to a Library computer, patrons are strictly prohibited from using another’s identification, barcode, or pin number.
  16. Library computers designated for use by children shall be used exclusively by children and accompanying parents, guardians and caregivers.

Effective Date: 6/12/02
Approved by LAB: 7/9/14
Approved by BCC: 8/19/14

St. Johns County Public Library System