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 to prevent access to websites containing material in specific areas such as:

• Accessing and viewing illegal activities and/or pornographic sites is prohibited.
• 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 responsibility 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 our 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.

ABOUT INTERNET FILTERING

The Library filters inadmissible Internet websites on all Library computers using a filtering service. The Library filters the following categories of websites:

Pornography
Illegal
Web Chat

If you find a site that is questionable, please report the address of the website to the unit manager or senior staff. The address will be evaluated for content. If you discover a legitimate site that has been filtered, please alert the unit manager or senior staff.

Viewing prohibited material via 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.

Approved by the Jacksonville Public Library Board of Trustees: May 12, 2005.
Revised: September 9, 2009.