Internet Policy and Disclaimer
Internet Policy
First-time users are required to read this Internet Policy before proceeding.
The Internet is a resource to be utilized in the fulfillment of the Heartland Library Cooperative ("HLC") Mission Statement. Internet access is intended as an information resource. As an information resource, the Internet enables the libraries to provide information beyond the confines of their own collections.
Computer workstations are located within each library. Internet use is limited to sessions with a maximum of 60 minutes. Total Internet use is limited to 120 minutes per day per person.
Wireless Internet Access is offered within each library. Internet use is limited to time periods when the library is open.
Internet users should enjoy their time on the Internet, but remember that many times the information they seek is already available right here in our own collections of books, periodicals, and other materials.
Internet users should have no expectation of privacy, should be considerate of other library users, and refrain from displaying materials that might reasonably be considered objectionable.
HLC receives E-rate and/or LSTA funding. As a result, HLC is required by federal law, specifically the Children's Internet Protection Act ("CIPA"), to block Internet access to visual depictions that are obscene, illegal, contain child pornography, or are harmful to minors. The HLC Board has chosen to block these categories of sites in order to fulfill federal requirements.
- Adult
- Chat
- Social Networking
Additionally, the HLC Board has authorized staff to block sites in the category of Streaming Media when needed in order to better manage the flow of traffic within the HLC local and wide area networks.
Inappropriate use, as determined by the library staff, will result in immediate cessation of the Internet users' access and/or disciplinary action as required. Inappropriate use includes, but is not limited to:
- Accessing, transmitting, uploading, downloading, or distributing pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit material. See Florida Statutes 847.011(1)(a) and 847.0133 (1).
- Violating copyright or otherwise using intellectual property of another individual or organization without permission.
- Harassment of other users; disruption or unauthorized monitoring of other Internet users' electronic access or attempting to gain access to an unauthorized resource.
- Damaging or destroying equipment, software, or data belonging to HLC or individual libraries or persons including adding, altering, or deleting files present on workstations. See Florida Statute 815.05 & 815.06.
- Violating any local, state, or federal statute.
Access by Minors
Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding which Library resources are appropriate for their own children. Parents or legal guardians should guide their children in use of the Internet and inform them about materials they should not use. While HLC affirms and acknowledges the rights and responsibilities of parents and guardians to monitor and determine their children's access to library materials and resources, including those available through the Internet, HLC has taken certain measures designed to assist in the safe and effective use of these resources by all minors.
Parents or legal guardians are advised to supervise their children's Internet sessions. Parents or legal guardians are encouraged to read Child Safety on the Information Highway and to make use of the resources offered by NetSmartz.
HLC urges minors to also keep in mind the following safety guidelines:
- Never give out identifying information such as home address, school name, or telephone number.
- Let parents or guardians decide whether personal information such as age, marital status, or financial information should be revealed.
- Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone via the computer without parents' or guardians' approval.
- Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, threatening, or make one uncomfortable.
- Have parents or guardians report an incident to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 if one becomes aware of the transmission of child pornography.
- Remember that people online may not be who they say they are.
- Remember that everything one reads may not be true.
Internet Disclaimer
In offering Internet access, HLC cannot guarantee that information found through the Internet is accurate, authoritative, or factual. Nor can HLC control access points that often change rapidly or unpredictably. HLC uses a commercial Internet filter to block Internet access to visual depictions that are obscene, illegal, contain child pornography, or are harmful to minors.
In consideration of HLC providing access to the Internet, Internet users and the parents and legal guardians of Minor Internet users agree to hold HLC harmless and agree to indemnify the library from any and all liability arising out of the use of the Internet and/or Library workstations. HLC is not responsible for loss of any data due to service interruptions. HLC is not responsible for any commercial transactions that an Internet user participates in while accessing the Internet.
Adopted 8/18/99
Revised 9/19/01
Revised 8/20/08
The mission of the Heartland Library Cooperative is to provide to the citizens of the member-county service area with enhanced
access to library materials and library services which would otherwise be unavailable under current and anticipated funding. This
cooperative venture has expanded the quality and quantity of library materials to local residents by providing greater access to
regional collections through shared technology, shared resources and cooperative collection development.