Northwest Regional Library System
Headquarters: Bay County Public Library
898 West 11th Street Panama City, FL 32401 
Tel: (850)522-2100 Fax: (850) 522-2138

 Internet Access Policy

The Northwest Regional Library System offers its members free public access to the Internet. The library is not responsible for the accuracy, currency or appropriateness of material found online. The library maintains a list of recommended and reliable web sites and library staff is available to assist in evaluating the information found on the Internet. Library staff can assist with computer use as time allows but for in-depth training, users are encouraged to participate in computer workshops offered at the library and elsewhere.

An automated Reservation system is in use at the downtown Panama City Library and Port St. Joe Library (see below.)  At branch libraries patrons must sign in to use the computers and their time will be limited according to the limits set by each library. These limits may change depending on usage. Some of the branch libraries have wireless access. USB devices and CD disks may be used in these libraries. At present the Parker, Springfield, Panama City, Port St Joe and Panama City Beach libraries have these capabilities.

The libraries’ computers are set up for use by a single person. A maximum of two persons may sit/work together on one computer, except in special cases. Illegal activities or activities that interfere with or disrupt the network, services, equipment or other users are prohibited. Illegal activities include, but are not limited to, fraud, gambling, and displaying obscene images or engaging in child pornography. The library does not routinely monitor public computers but may do so when a violation of this policy or illegal activity is suspected.

Software and other files downloaded from the Internet may contain viruses or spyware that may infect other computers. The library does not permit downloading of any executable files.

Misuse of library computers may result in loss of computer privileges, loss of library privileges and/or prosecution. Patrons who violate this policy and/or engage in misuse of the computers will be warned and then banned from using the library computers.
Misuse includes but is not limited to:

       ·        Viewing material that violates federal, state or local laws or regulations, including those  regarding accessing, viewing and distributing obscenity or child pornography.

·        Hacking into the library computer system or any other computer system.

·        Mishandling, damaging, or attempting to damage computer equipment or software; tampering with computer settings.

·        Engaging in any activity that is deliberately offensive to librarians or patrons or creates an intimidating or hostile environment.

•   Using the library's computers to display materials which are obscene. Obscenity   is legally defined as material that predominantly appeals to the prurient interest in sex and depicts or describes, in a patently offensive manner, sexual conduct and that lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. WARNING: the libraries of the Northwest Regional Library system are public places. Displaying sexually suggestive objects or pictures may be a violation of State and Federal Obscenity laws (Florida Statutes 847.001, 847.0133, 847.0135; Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252).

·        Violating copyright laws or the policies of the individual websites that you view. U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of "fair use". Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user, the library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.

·        Failing to pay for printing.

·        Refusing or ignoring a staff person’s request to give up a computer.

·        Failing to sign up for an Internet computer; failing to log in using your own library card number or Public Computer User card number.

·        Failing to comply with time limits.

  Public Computers -- PC Reservation Policy

A valid library card (or Computer Use card)  is required in order to use the Public Computers in the Port St. Joe and Panama City downtown library and . Time on these computers is monitored by software and limited to 2 sessions per day (1 session at a time).  Because the software automatically closes at the end of a session, you will lose your work if you do not save it to a disk. The computers will automatically close 10 minutes before the library closing time each day. If you do not bring a disk, you may purchase one at the Circulation desk for $0.50 (Fifty cents). The library is not responsible for “lost” information because of computer shut down.

Printing is available from all Internet computers. The cost is 10 cents per page for black & white copies, 75 cents per page for color copies. Before you print, you will be informed of the cost and prompted to agree.

The person using the computer must be the person named on the library card. Customers may not use other family members’ cards or their library card numbers to extend time on the computer past the session limits or past the two session maximum limit per day. 

Cardholders who are under 14 must have the written signature of a parent or legal guardian on file in order to use the Internet computers. The Bay County Public Library does not censor your access to materials or protect you from information you find offensive. There is sexually explicit material and other information which you may find personally controversial, inappropriate, or offensive. Parents and guardians are responsible for providing guidance and monitoring their children's use of the Internet. See the reference Librarian for permission forms.

A visitor who does not have a library card may receive a Public Computer User card by applying at the library circulation desk and showing photo identification. Visitors who are under 14 must have the written signature of a parent or legal guardian in order to use the Internet. YOU MUST HAVE A CARD IN ORDER TO USE the PC Reservation system. A NWRLS library cardholder may not receive a Public Computer User card and no visitor may receive more than one Public Computer User Only card. Your first card is free. If you lose your card, a new one will cost $2.00, whether a traditional card or a Computer User only card.

Customers should see a staff member at the Reference Desk if they need to take a test or fill out a form that requires more than an hour of computer use.

August 2008