West Florida Public Library

Internet Use Policy

The West Florida Public Library endeavors to develop resources and services that meet the informational, educational, and recreational needs of the community, and the Internet is such a tool for patrons.

The West Florida Public Library has Internet computers and printers which are available for use by patrons with a valid library card in good standing.   Upon presentation of photo identification, visitors and other non-residents may obtain a Temporary Internet Pass valid for one week.  Computers are available during library hours except for the last 15 minutes before closing.  The Computer Lab at Pensacola Public Library is open only during posted times.   There is no fee for the use of the computers.  The library asks for a donation of $.10 per printed page.  Patrons printing in excess of 15 pages, without making a donation, may be asked by staff to forfeit their computer time.

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 users 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.

Because of scheduling, knowledgeable staff may not always be available.   The Pensacola Public Library provides computer classes on a regular basis.

In order to use the Internet computers unattended, a person must be at least 13 years of age.  Those between the ages of 13-17 must have a parent or guardian, in view of a staff member, complete an Internet permission slip.  A parent or guardian must accompany users under the age of 13.

Patrons may use the Internet computers for one hour per day. Temporary Internet pass holders may use the Internet computers for 30 minutes per day.  Patrons are assigned computers on a "first come, first served" basis. Users are required to sign-in at the desk.  If no one is waiting to use the computer, the current user may continue until another user registers.  A user may not request a current user to relinquish or shorten their time.  Users must wait for their scheduled time.  Interference with a scheduled user is prohibited and may result in the loss of computer time for the offender.

The Internet computer equipment and software must be used as installed.  Users are not permitted to delete, add, or modify the installed hardware or software.  Personal data may be copied to CDs or "thumb drives" if individual machines are so equipped.  Copies of library software cannot be made.  Patrons cannot save to the hard drive.

The following is the Code of Conduct for using the Internet computers (also applies to Wireless Users).  Repeated violations of these rules will result in the revocation of library privileges:

• Users may not use the Library computers to make unauthorized entry into any other computer or network.
• Users 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.
• Users may not represent themselves as another person nor use Internet access to transmit obscene, threatening, or harassing materials.
• Users must respect the legal protections to data and software provided by copyright and license law.
• Users who are disrupting the library will be asked to leave.
• Use of the Internet workstations to display or disseminate sexually explicit or sexually suggestive materials in any library building is prohibited.

The West Florida Regional Library Board adopted this policy on April 9, 1997.

Updated on May 29, 1998 

Revised on September 9, 1998 by the West Florida Regional Library Board. 

Updated on January 24, 2001. 

Revised on October 18, 2002 by the West Florida Regional Library Board. 

Revised on July 14, 2004 

Revised on March 8, 2006  

Revised on August 1, 2006

Children's Internet Policy

A West Florida Public Library card in good standing is required for all computer usage.

A child under the age of 13 may use his/her own card or that of his/her parent or guardian for computer usage.  Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

Youths ages 13 through 17 will need to present their own West Florida Public Library card for computer usage. An Internet permission slip needs to be signed by a parent or guardian also.  The West Florida Public Library card and the Internet slip can be signed by a parent or guardian at the Circulation desk of every branch of the West Florida Public Library. If a youth can not present his/her West Florida Public Library card or if the Internet Permission slip has not been signed by a parent or guardian, then the youth will be denied computer usage.  

Computer Lab Policy

• The lab is available to the public during open lab hours.
• All users must sign in with a Library Computer Technician.
• No food or drink allowed.
• Children under the age of 13 who wish to use the Computer Lab must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Patrons intending to save their work must bring their own formatted diskette, USB memory storage device, or a CD-Rom.
• The West Florida Public Library asks for $.10 per printed page. Patrons printing in excess of 15 pages, without paying, may be asked by Computer Lab staff to forfeit their computer time.
• Users are requested to observe both the West Florida Public Library Internet Policy and its Code of Conduct.  Copies of those policies are available upon request. 
•  People acting in a loud or otherwise obnoxious manner will be asked to leave.  Please work without disturbing others. 
•  The West Florida Public Library expects computer resources to be used in an ethical and responsible manner that does not damage or disable equipment. 
•  Individuals must comply with the Federal Copyright Law.
• The computing and network resources of the West Florida Public Library must not be used for an illegal purpose or to harass another person. 
•  Any person who compromises network security or who used the West Florida Public Library Internet connection for unintended purposes will be asked to leave the Lab. 
•  The West Florida Public Library reserves the right to monitor all network use. 
•  The West Florida Public Library reserves the right to update and or/ change computer lab policies and procedures at any time. 
   

Computer Class Policy

The West Florida Public Library offers free introductory computer classes in the Computer Lab. A West Florida Public Library card in good standing is required to attend classes. Classes are two-hours long and completed in a single session. Registration is required. Registration is handled on a first come, first served basis.
 
If you register for a class and cannot attend, please call 436-5088 or 436-5060 ext. 2235 or email pclab@ci.pensacola.fl.us as soon as possible. Patrons who fail to give 24 hours notice of cancellation may be barred from registering for the following month's workshops.

Classes begin promptly at their designated times. Please check in at the Computer Lab desk at least 10 minutes before the workshop begins. Classes and lab hours are subject to change or cancellation.
 
For more information, email the Computer Lab at pclab@ci.pensacola.fl.us or call 436-5088 or 436-5060 ext. 2235

Patron Code of Conduct

• Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied at all times by a parent, guardian, or other responsible person.
• The Library Director may restrict adult use of Children's areas in order to ensure the adequate protection of the Library facilities and of persons and property therein.
• Shirts and shoes or other footwear are to be worn while in the building.
• Persons under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed drugs are not allowed on Library property.
• All libraries are smoke free including lobbies, restrooms, hallways, stairwells, employee eating areas, conference rooms, all open-air balconies, and entrances and exits adjacent to the building.  Smoking may occur only in designated smoking areas posted outside of library buildings. 
• People, animals, or property must not block aisles, doorways, stairways, elevators, or ramps. Large objects such as carts, bicycles, and luggage may not be brought into Library facilities. Personal property must be within sight of the owner.
• Weapons of any kind are prohibited on Library property with the exception of duly sworn law enforcement officers.
• Persons who remain at Library facilities after closing and who need assistance to return home may be referred to the police in order to ensure their safety.
•  Roller skates, scooters, skateboards, or other similar devices must not be used on Library property.
• Sleeping or lying on the floor or furniture is prohibited.
•  Indecent exposure, including but not limited to having sex and/or exhibiting lewd and offensive nakedness, is prohibited.
• Vandalizing or abusing Library materials, equipment, or facilities is prohibited.
• Soliciting money, donations, or signatures is not allowed.
• Selling of merchandise without the prior authorization of the Library Director is prohibited.
•  Unreasonable use of rest rooms, including laundering and bathing, is prohibited.
•  Blocking library entrance areas or interfering with the free flow of pedestrian traffic in such areas is not allowed.
•   Entering or attempting to enter a Library building while suspended from another library is not permitted.
•  Any activity that unreasonably interferes with Library user or staff comfort, safety, use, or quiet and peaceful enjoyment of the Library is not allowed including but not limited to:
  • Harassing or threatening Library users or staff;
  • Staring at, following, or photographing Library users or staff;
  • Strong, pervasive odors including odors caused by perfume or cologne;
  • Making any loud or unreasonable noise or other disturbance, including disruptive use of personal communication or entertainment devices including cell phones.