How to Use the Library's Internet Access

1. Internet access is available on public access workstations located in the adult services area of the library and WiFi in the Library Commons on the third floor.
2. Internet users must abide by the terms of the Library's Internet Use Policy posted online here at this link.
3. Internet users are expected to limit their session to the posted time limit as the workstations are to be readily available for others.
4. Patrons are asked to check-in at the Reference Desk before beginning their sessions and notify the Reference staff when leaving.
5. The Library does not offer electronic mail accounts. Users may access their own e-mail accounts if the account is accessible via the web. Users are encouraged to set up an account with a service that offers free e-mail if an address is needed for sending and receiving messages. Printing is ten cents per page.
6. The Library cannot protect users from materials which some may find offensive, inappropriate, or inaccurate. Florida Statutes 847 makes it unlawful to display obscene materials or images. Because the library is a public place, the library staff has the authority to end an Internet session at any time as a result of misuse or abuse of Internet access.
7. The library will disable the filter for adult patrons 17 and over upon request. The requesting patron need not explain why they are asking that the site be unblocked or that the entire filter be turned-off. This policy intent is to prohibit the intentional viewing of sexually explicit imagery, including 'visual depictions that are (a) obscene; (b) child pornography; or (c) harmful to children' as defined by CIPA.
8. The Fort Myers Beach Public Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by children. The library recommends that parents supervise Internet use by their children. With the filter disabled the adult patron may assess the appropriateness of the blocked material. Minors may request to have a filter disabled for bona fide research or other lawful uses. No library patron, regardless of age, is to disable the filter with the intention of viewing visual depictions prohibited by this policy.
9. The Fort Myers Beach Public Library is not responsible for any damages, direct or indirect, or for any liability that may arise from patron use of the library's Internet service. The Fort Myers Beach Public Library is bound by an agreement with an access provider that prohibits the unlawful use of the Internet, and seeks to be in full accord with the Federal Communication Commission order updating regulations pertaining to the Children's Internet Protection Act for libraries.
10. Library staff or volunteers may be available to assist in the use of the Internet, although the level of assistance may vary with time of day. Staff members or volunteers have varying levels of Internet expertise and work schedules do not allow for in-depth instruction. The library seeks to have in its collection tutorials, books and videos for patrons without computer experience. Patrons needing in-depth training are encouraged to seek instruction from local schools, colleges or commercial vendors.

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Internet Safety Policy

The Fort Myers Beach Public Library provides Internet access to the public in order to make available a wide range of information resources, in support of the library's mission to make information available in a variety of formats, and to enable members of the public to become familiar with state-of-the-art information technology.

Fort Myers Beach Library District Internet Access and Safety Policy No. FMBLO-803, effective September 23, 2003, establishes guidelines for use of the library's Internet workstations or WiFi.

Authority: Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read, and the Freedom to View documents; Mission Statement, Fort Myers Beach Library District Board, CIPA, Florida Statutes.

Beach Library Internet Use Policy