Internet Policy for Public Use

The Lee County Library System offers Internet access in support of its mission to satisfy the informational needs of library users. Internet sites are additional sources of information that supplement the library’s print sources and other electronic sources that are available. In offering Internet access, the library does not monitor or have control over information that can be accessed over the Internet. Although the Internet offers access to many valuable local, national and international sources of information, not all sources are accurate, complete, current or appropriate for all users. Library staff have identified, on the Lee County Library’s web site, links to specific sources and sites on the Internet that are consistent with the library’s mission.

PATRON’S RIGHT TO ACCESS INFORMATION
In providing access to the Internet, the Lee County Library System subscribes to the patron’s right to access library information, adopted by the Lee County Board of Commissioners. In addition, the Lee County Library System subscribes to the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read statement, Resolution on the Use of Filtering Software, Statement on Library Use of Filtering Software and its interpretations of these documents.

ACCEPTABLE USE
It is the policy of the library to provide an atmosphere conducive to the appropriate use of library services and facilities. Patrons using the Internet in the library are responsible for reading and complying with the Patron Code of Conduct and the Guidelines for Public Internet Access brochure
posted in the library and on the corresponding library Internet web pages. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in the loss of library privileges and/or subject the user to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

Patrons must comply with copyright law and all other applicable laws. Electronic resources, like other library resources, are to be used to compliance with library policy and procedures and applicable law.

CHILDREN AND THE INTERNET
As with all 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 Internet Highway, the American Library Association’s Especially for Children and Their Parents, GetNetWise - a web site devoted to online safety for children and teens, or SafetyEd International - a web site that provides Internet safety education, child advocacy and child protection.

INTERNET USE AND SAFETY
The Internet provides electronic access to many valuable local, national and international sources of information. Library staff have identified, on the Lee County Library’s web site, links to specific sources and sites on the Internet that may be helpful in searching for information. The staff may also be contacted for assistance with conducting searches and guidance to appropriate and reliable sites.

Before using the Internet, all patrons are encouraged to preview the following sites: The Federal Trade Commission’s Site Seeing on the Internet, or How to Protect Yourself: Internet E-Mail and How To Protect Yourself: Internet Shopping - both created by the Florida Attorney General’s Office.


LEE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM RULES FOR PUBLIC INTERNET USE
There is an enormous demand for Internet access at the Lee County Library System. Please refer to the Guidelines for Public Internet Access to review the rules established by the Lee County Library System.



-Policy adopted by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners, August 27, 2002.

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