Internet Access

Internet Policy

The Internet is a resource to be utilized in the fulfillment of the Library’s mission, as stated in the Heartland Library Cooperative Mission Statement. The Library System’s 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. Enjoy your search on the Internet, and please remember that many times the information sought is available right here in our own collection of books, periodicals, CD-ROM databases and other materials.

Computer workstations are located in public areas. What patrons view is not private. Please be considerate of other library users and refrain from displaying materials that might reasonably be considered objectionable.

The Library does not provide “Full Internet Access,” so some Internet sites will not be directly accessible. The library uses a commercial Internet filter to restrict access to Web pages, which transmit images, or information, which is pornographic or illegal. The library uses a commercial Internet filter to restrict access to chat rooms. Inappropriate use, as determined by the library, will result in immediate cessation of the patron’s Internet access and or disciplinary action as required. First-time users are required to read this Internet Policy before proceeding.

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 any local, state, or federal statute.
• Violating copyright or otherwise using intellectual property of another individual or organization without permission.
• Harassment of other users; disruption or unauthorized monitoring of other users’ electronic access.
• Downloading to the library computers’ hard drives.
• Damaging or destroying equipment, software, or data belonging to the library or to other users, including adding altering or deleting files on the Library workstation hard drives or other Library computer equipment. See Florida Statute 815.05 & 815.06.
• Internet use is limited to 60 minutes per day per person.

Internet Disclaimer

In offering Internet access, the Library cannot guarantee that information found through the Internet is either accurate, authoritative, or factual. Nor can the Library control access points that often change rapidly or unpredictably. The Library uses a commercial Internet filter to restrict access to Web Pages that transmit images or information that is pornographic or illegal.

Parents or guardians, not the Library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents, and only parents, may restrict their children, and only their children, from access to Internet resources accessible through the Library. Parents are advised to supervise their children’s Internet sessions. For more information read “Child Safety on the Information Highway” which was jointly produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Interactive Services Association that is available on our home page.

In consideration of the Library providing the public with access to the Internet, users agree to hold the Library harmless and agree to indemnify the library from any and all liability arising out of the user’s use of the Internet. The Library is not responsible for loss of any data due to service interruptions. The Library is not responsible for any commercial transactions that a users participates in while using the library’s Internet terminal.

Adopted 8/18/99
Effective 10/1/99

Revised 9/19/01
Revisions Adopted 9/19/01

Floppy Policy Revisited 5/25/05