Internet Use Policy

West Florida Public Libraries endeavor to develop resources and services to meet the informational, educational, and recreational needs of the community, and the Internet is such a tool for patrons. West Florida Public Libraries has computers with Internet access and printers available for use by patrons with a WFPL library card in good standing. Visitors and other non-residents may request a free Computer Guest Pass at a service desk. Computers are available at all library locations during library hours except for the last 15 minutes before closing. 

It is our policy to (a) prevent patron access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)]. 

To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information. 

Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors. 

Subject to available staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled for adults or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. 

To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the West Florida Public Libraries’ online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communication. 

The Internet offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages. It is, however, an unregulated medium with a highly diverse user population. Consequently, the Library cannot control or monitor the vast amount of material accessible via the Internet. It is possible that individuals might access information they personally find offensive or disturbing. Individual patrons must accept responsibility for determining the suitability of content for themselves and their children.  

Sources on the Internet do not always provide accurate, complete, or current information. As with any material provided by the Library, the user must take responsibility in questioning the validity of the information found.  

Knowledgeable staff may not always be available, but West Florida Public Libraries strive to provide computer classes on a regular basis.  

All files saved to the computer are automatically removed at the end of each session and cannot be recovered. Personal data must be saved to a personal storage device or online account if needed for future use.  

The following rules apply to library computers, equipment, and networks [wired or wireless (Wi-Fi)]. Repeated violations of these rules will result in the revocation of Library privileges.  

• Patrons may not use the Library computers to make unauthorized entry into any other computer or network.  
• Library computer equipment and software must be used as installed. Patrons are not permitted to copy, delete, add, or modify the installed hardware or software.  
• Patrons may not disrupt or interfere with other computer or network users, services, or equipment. Intentional disruption of the operation of computer systems and networks is a violation of Florida state law and users may be held responsible.   
• Patrons may not represent themselves as another person nor use Internet access to transmit obscene, threatening, or harassing materials.  
• Patrons may not use library computers, equipment, or networks to display or disseminate sexually explicit or sexually suggestive materials.  
• Patrons must respect the legal protections to data and software provided by copyright and license law.  
• Disruptive patrons will be asked to leave.   

Patrons may use the Internet computers for one-hour sessions. Patrons are assigned computers on a “first come, first served” basis. If no one is waiting to use the computer, the current patron’s time will be automatically extended until another patron registers. A patron may not request another patron to relinquish or shorten their time. If all computers are in use, patrons must wait for their scheduled time that is assigned by the PC Reservation system. Interference with a scheduled patron is prohibited and may result in the loss of computer time for the offender.  

Printing Fee Schedule 

• Black and white printing costs are $0.10 per single-sided page
• Black and white printing costs are $0.15 per double-sided page
• Color printing costs are $0.50 per single-sided page
• Color printing costs are $0.75 per double-sided page
• Wide format printing cost is $2.00 per foot in length

Definitions 

Children’s Internet Protection Act, enacted by Congress in 2000, defines the following terms:  

1. Child pornography, as that term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code.  
2. Harmful to minors means any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that – (i) taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion; (ii) depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and (iii) taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.  
3. Minor means any individual who has not attained the age of 17 years.  
4. Obscene means as that term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code.  
5. Sexual act and sexual contact have the meanings given such terms in section 2246 of title 18, United States Code.  
6. Technology protection measure means a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions during any use of such computers by minors.  

For further information on Child Internet Safety:   

A List of Articles regarding Family Life and Media by the American Academy of Pediatrics founded 1930. “Every day children are inundated by endless messages intended to educate, entertain, or influence their behavior. It takes commitment and effort on the part of parents to monitor and help interpret these external influences on children.”  

Revised and approved on May 6, 2024 by the West Florida Public Libraries Board of Governance.