Internet Use Policy

GENERAL OVERVIEW

In keeping with its mission and with advances in information technology, Jacksonville Public Library provides the community with access to the Internet to enhance the Library's existing collection in size and depth and to provide access to information available only on the Internet.

The Internet is a worldwide network of information. Its content reflects the diversity of human experience and thought. This content is continually expanding. It changes frequently and its sources are limitless. Just as the Library does not vouch for or endorse the content or viewpoints in its collections, it is unable to vouch for the accuracy of information or endorse the various viewpoints accessed through the Internet.

LIMITS ON ACCESS

Full access to the Internet is not provided. In accordance with a decision of the Board of Library Trustees on November 13, 1997, the Library uses a software filter, WebSense, to prevent access to websites containing material in specific areas such as illegal activities and pornography.

• Accessing and viewing pornographic sites is prohibited and staff will enforce this policy.
• Persons using Library computers shall not use the Internet for conversation groups such as chat rooms, with the exception of interactive services provided by the Jacksonville Public Library.
• In the interest of serving all customers, the Library reserves the right to set time limits on any workstation.

ACCEPTABLE USE

It is the policy of the Library to provide an atmosphere conducive to the appropriate use of Library services and facilities. Customers using the Internet in the Library are subject to the Code of Conduct posted in the Library and on the Library website. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in loss of Library privileges and/or expulsion from the Library.

Customers must comply with copyright laws and all other applicable laws. Electronic resources, like other Library resources, will be used in compliance with Library policy and procedures and applicable law.

CHILDREN AND THE INTERNET

As with other Library resources, it is the responsiblity of parents or guardians to monitor and supervise their children's access to the Internet and its resources. Parents and guardians are encouraged to read Child Safety on the Information Highway, distributed with permission of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, including My Rules for Online Safety, also a good source of information.

PRIVACY CONCERNS

The Library collects non-personal information from visitors to the website for statistical analysis, site assessment, server performance, troubleshooting and other management purposes. There is no inherent link to personally identifiable information in computer communications, unless you have provided that information in the content of your transaction.

Examples of non-personal information collected include:

• Internet Protocol (IP) address (like an Internet “phone number’) of your computer
• Type and version of browser and operating system your computer uses
• Domain name (.com, .net, .edu, etc.) of the Internet service provider or website from which you linked to our site
• Geographical location of the network used to link to us, and time and date of access

Our website contains links to external websites and licensed databases. The Library is not responsible for the privacy practices, security or content of these external sites. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the privacy and security information for any site you visit.

For a more thorough discussion of privacy concerns, refer to the Library's Privacy Policy.

GUIDELINES FOR COMPUTER & INTERNET USE

In the face of an enormous demand for Internet access, the Library asks customers to abide by the following Guidelines. The Library seeks to allow as many customers as possible an opportunity to use this free service, and to insure that every customer's experience is a positive one.

1. The library Code of Conduct applies to use of the Internet workstations. As stated in the Code of Conduct, "Any unlawful or disruptive activity is prohibited on library property and may be subject to appropriate and necessary action, ....harassment of library staff or customers is prohibited on library property." Customers whose behavior or action at the Internet stations constitutes a nuisance to others may be asked to end their Internet session or leave the library.
   
   
2. The Library does not accept advance reservations for a specific time for the Internet stations. They are available on a first come, first served basis. Signing in to use an Internet station is required. Time limits of 30 minutes per session are enforced if other customers are waiting.
   
   
3. Printing from Internet stations is limited to 5 free pages per day. There will be a charge for additional pages and/or color pages in accordance with the current Fines and Fees Schedule.
   
   
4. Destruction of library materials or equipment is prohibited. Any alteration of existing hardware or software configurations or malicious damage to library equipment or software is strictly prohibited and may result in loss of privileges and/or expulsion from the library.
   
   
5. Internet use is subject to all applicable laws. Illegal use of library Internet stations may subject the user to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.
   
   
6. The Library and its staff are not liable for any damage to personal equipment and files resulting from use of Library workstations.
   
   
7. If problems are encountered during an Internet session, a library staff member should be notified immediately. Customers should not turn off the equipment or attempt to correct any equipment problem.
   
   
8. In libraries with separate, designated children's areas, the computers located in these areas are reserved for use by children and their caregivers. In libraries with separate, designated teen areas, the computers located in these areas are reserved for use by teens. Adults are expected to use the computers in adult areas of the library. To the extent possible, customers should use the computers in the areas reserved for their use. Exceptions may be made in order for all customers to have computer access in a timely manner.
   

EXTERNAL DEVICES ON PUBLIC COMPUTERS AT JPL

With the growing portability of technology in today’s world, use and access to many data storage and peripheral devices becomes an important part of completing one’s activities. Although computer users may not save their data on the hard drives of the Jacksonville Public Library computers, they may download to their own storage devices on any public workstation. Such devices include floppy disks, ZIP disks, flash/jump drives (USB keys), etc. Guidelines for usage of these devices:

Floppy/zip disks

The Library allows usage of normal 3.5” floppy disks in its public computers. Disks are not sold in the library. The library is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged disks. Zip drives and disks are not provided, nor supported.

CD-ROMs/-RWs

The Library does allow usage of CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory) but NOT CD-RWs (Readable/Writable CDs) in its public computers. Discs are not supplied for public usage. Discs are not sold in the library. The library is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged discs. For a list of libraries with CD-ROM-enabled computers, click here.

Flash/ jump drives (USB keys)

The Library allows usage of USB keys in its public computers. Also called flash or "jump" drives, these can be purchased at many stores. Make sure the drive purchased requires no device drivers or special software to be installed for use with Windows 2000/XP. View additional help with USB drives.

USB Ports

Connecting other types of devices to the computer using the USB ports is not recommended. The Library is not responsible for any damage, loss or destruction of any personal device connected by customers. View additional help with USB drives.

ABOUT INTERNET FILTERING

The Library filters inadmissible Internet websites on all library computers using a filtering service provided by WebSense. The WebSense Internet Filtering System allows the Library to regulate Internet access on the library's public access computers. Featuring the largest database of categorized websites in the technology industry, WebSense maintains a master database that has flagged over 4 million sites.

The Library filters the following categories of websites:

Pornography

Illegal

Web Chat

WebSense automatically updates its database of websites every night. This nightly update allows the Library to filter out prohibited sites as they are identified. However, new sites are added to the Internet daily, and they are not always identified immediately. No Internet filtering system is 100% foolproof.

If you find a site that is questionable, please report the address of the website to the unit manager or senior librarian. The Library can then send the address to WebSense to evaluate.

WebSense searches the Internet for websites and then determines the category of the content. From time to time, a legitimate site is filtered accidentally. If you discover a legitimate site has been filtered, please alert the unit manager or senior librarian, and the Library will investigate unblocking the site.

Viewing prohibited material on the Internet on a public access computer at any Library location is considered disruptive behavior, as described in the Library Code of Conduct. Library customers viewing inadmissible material on the Internet will be asked to end their Internet session or to leave the library.

DISCLAIMER

The Internet provides electronic access to many valuable local, national and international sources of information. However:

• The Internet is not subject to any form of regulation and therefore it also provides access to sites that some customers may find offensive, controversial, inaccurate or unverified.
• The Library assumes no responsibility for damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of its computers and network facilities.

In addition, it is the responsibility of the customer to choose and evaluate the content and accuracy of the sources accessed on the Internet. There are millions of World Wide websites and sites change daily. The Internet provides access to sites that some customers may find offensive or controversial. The information may also be out of date, inaccurate, unreliable or incomplete. Customers need to be discriminating information consumers and exercise good judgment and discretion in the use of the Internet information sources.

The Library does not control information on the Internet and cannot be held responsible for content or availability of information. Books and periodicals about the Internet are available in the Library. While library reference staff cannot offer advanced training in office applications and in-depth Internet skills, workshops focusing on these skills are occasionally offered at various library locations. Please see our Programs, News & Events page for current workshop offerings. Reference staff are available to answer basic questions and to offer searching suggestions.

Approved by the Jacksonville Public Library Board of Trustees: May 12, 2005.