General Overview
In keeping with its mission and with advances in information technology, Jacksonville Public Library (JPL) 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. Wi-Fi is available for personal devices at all locations.
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 digital and physical collections, it is unable to vouch for the accuracy of information or endorse the various viewpoints accessed through the Internet. Some customers may find certain sites offensive, controversial, inaccurate or unverified.
In addition, it is the responsibility of the customer to choose and evaluate the content and accuracy of the sources accessed on the internet. Customers need to be discriminating information consumers and exercise good judgment and discretion in the use of the internet information sources.
Staff has identified some links to selected information sources which are on the library’s website. Library staff review links regularly but due to the ever changing nature of the Internet, the library cannot guarantee that these links will remain valid.
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 as well as all local, state and federal laws. This includes customers using personal equipment, including but not limited to laptops, smart phones, tablets. Failure to comply may result in loss of library privileges and/or expulsion from the library.
Customers are subject to Title XLVI, Chapter 847 of the Florida Statues regarding obscenity, prohibited computer and electronic usage.
Customers must comply with U.S. copyright laws and all other applicable laws. Electronic resources, like other library resources, must be used in compliance with library policy and procedures and applicable law. Library staff will not assist with copying music, other sound recordings, and movies to portable devices or email downloaded items to customers, unless a customer is downloading digital content from a JPL subscription site. Per 17 U.S.C., Chapter 1, Section 108, unless a website specifically states otherwise, music or movies may not be downloaded for free using Library equipment.
In the interest of serving all customers, the library reserves the right to set uniform time limits on public computers.
Free library computer access is available to library card holders in good standing. Customers without a library card may purchase a guest pass. The library seeks to allow as many customers as possible an opportunity to use this service through the use of a computer access management system.
Signing in to use a public access computer is required. Time limits per session are enforced if other customers are waiting.
Any malicious damage to library equipment or software is strictly prohibited and may result in loss of privileges and/or expulsion from the library.
Connecting other types of devices to the computer using the USB ports is acceptable. The library and its staff are not liable for any damage to personal equipment or files resulting from use of library computers.
Children and the Internet
As with other library resources, it is the responsibility of parents or guardians to monitor and supervise their children’s access to the Internet and its resources.
In locations with separate, designated children’s areas, the computers located in these areas are reserved for use by children and their caregivers. In locations with separate, designated teen areas, the computers located in these areas are reserved for use by teens (12-18). Adults are expected to use the computers in adult areas.
Privacy Concerns
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.
The library is not responsible for the disclosure, loss, misuse or inappropriate distribution of private information left on public computers as a result of the computer being unattended or failure to correctly logoff.
For a more thorough discussion of privacy concerns, refer to the library’s Privacy Policy.
Internet Filtering
In accordance with a decision by the Board of Library Trustees, the library uses a software filter to prevent access to websites containing material in specific areas. The library filters the following categories of websites:
Illegal
Adult Content
Sex
Peer to Peer File Sharing
Hacking
Proxy Avoidance Systems
The Library has in place security devices and filters that block access to sites associated with spyware, phishing, and malicious software or code.
Viewing prohibited material on public or personal devices at any library location is considered disruptive or unlawful behavior, as described in the Library Code of Conduct.
A research pass for unfiltered Internet is available to adults (18 years or older) upon request. A valid library card or guest pass, proof of age, and a signed Internet & Computer Use Policy are required.
Approved by the Jacksonville Public Library Board of Trustees: May 12, 2005.
Revised: September 9, 2009.
Revised: December 13, 2012.
Revised: February 8, 2018.
Revised: February 20, 2020.
Appendix:
Internet & Computer related fees |
|
| Guest pass | $2.00/day |
| Printing | |
| black/white | $.15/page |
| Printing: color | $.50/page |
| Scanning to USB: | $.05/scan |
