St. Petersburg Public Library Computer Use and Reference Policies

Customer Internet Access Use Policy and Internet Usage Disclaimer

In keeping with the St. Petersburg Public Library's ("SPPL") mission "to provide materials, information and services to meet the educational, recreational, cultural, and social needs of our diverse community" SPPL offers access to computer workstations.

In its effort to provide access to viable sites on the Internet, SPPL has provided links to resources from its home page. However, the Intern et is an unregulated source of information which contains materials which may not always be accurate, current or complete. Users should assess the validity of any materials found.

Not all sites on the Internet are selected by the SPPL for viewing. If you wish to recommend a site currently not selected by the SPPL, or if you feel a site you have accessed is inappropriate for the SPPL, contact a librarian with the name and address of the site in question. You may be required to fill out a resource request form for review.

Disclaimer Users access the library computer hardware, software and documentation at their own risk. The library is not responsible for equipment malfunction, loss of data, any damages to the user's disks, data etc. or electronic transactions of any type which are related to the public use of library computer resources.

• Monitoring Anyone using this system expressly consents to monitoring by system personnel and is advised that if such monitoring reveals possible evidence of unlawful activity, system personnel may provide the evidence of such monitoring to law enforcement officials.

Acceptable and Unacceptable Use The Internet workstation is to be used for information retrieval purposes only and is limited to the software that is installed by the SPPL.

• Accessing pornographic or otherwise objectionable material at the workstation is prohibited.
• Access to "Chat" and "Instant Messaging" is prohibited on library computers.

Users must adhere to SPPL rules of conduct. Failure to abide by the rules of conduct and the computer use policy may result in the loss of computer workstation privileges and/or criminal prosecution.

Responsible and ethical use of Intern et workstations includes the following:

• Making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data.
• Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; by not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.
• Users may not use the SPPL's computers to make any unauthorized entry into any other computer or network, and 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 Statute 815.05.
• Copyright U.S. Copyright law (Title 17, U.S.C.) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by principles of fair use. Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the users; the SPPL expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.

• Internet Safety Librarians are partners with parents in guiding children to safe and appropriate use of the Internet. Parents and guardians are responsible for supervising their children's Internet sessions and for letting their children know if there are materials children should not use or view. The SPPL assists parents and guardians who desire guidance for their children's use of the Internet through their technical expertise and guidance. Parents and guardians are directed to the "Child Safety on the Information Highway" produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Inter-active Service Organizations for assistance on protecting their children.

• One Hour Workstations In order to provide service to the greatest number of users, computer workstations are booked on the hour. Reservations may be made in person or by phone. The person making the reservation must be the one using the workstation. A reservation will only be held 10 minutes after the hour if others are waiting.

  Access and time limits may vary depending on level of use at a particular library.

  All users are expected to demonstrate courtesy toward the next user by vacating their station promptly at the end of their appointment.

• 30 Minute Workstations At selected sites, some Internet workstations are designated "first come, first served." 30 minute time limit, no reservations accepted. Sites available: Mirror Lake Branch, North Branch and Main Library.

• Printing There is a $.10 fee for each black and white page printed. Main Library and North Branch provide Color printing at $.50 per page. Printing must be completed by the end of the hour.

  Failure to comply with this policy may result in loss of computer or Library privileges in addition to any appropriate legal action including criminal prosecution.

Specialized Equipment

• 2 scanners
• 2 CAPI (Committee to Advocate for Persons with Impairments) computer stations for patrons with special needs
• 1 magnifying reader
• 2 microfilm readers (printouts $.25 per page), plus microfiche readers
• 1 color copier/printer ($.50 per page)
• 2 black & white copier/printers ($.10 per page)
• 1 typewriter
• 1 TDD (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) telephone
• Wireless access

Services Fees

• Fax service ($.50 per page for local number, $2.00 per page for long distance)
• Obituary research ($2.00 per request)
• Exam proctoring ($5.00 per exam)

Please see the St. Petersburg Public Library Website for more information.