The LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library System provides access to the Internet as one means of fulfilling its mission to “provide...free, unlimited access to a variety of information using the latest technologies that will enrich the entire community and the enjoyment of our patrons.”  (from the Mission Statement approved by the Leon County Board of County Commissioners on September 28, 1999 )

All Internet resources in the Library are provided equally to all library users. The Library follows the principles set forth in Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks: an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights.  In providing public access to the Internet, the LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library System makes no warranties of any kind, neither expressed nor implied, for the Internet access it is providing. The library is not responsible for the accuracy, nature, or quality of information gathered through library-provided Internet access.

Users are prohibited from viewing or downloading of sexually explicit Internet sites or images on library computers.  For personal safety, users must be cautious when using e-mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, discussion groups and all other forms of communication.  Users may not make unauthorized disclosure of, use of, or dissemination of a minor’s personal information by means of the Internet, e-mail or any other electronic technology.  A minor must have the authorization of their parent or guardian to disclose their own personal information.  

In accordance with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) (Pub. L. 106-554), all library computers are equipped with a technology protection measure to filter and block access to images that are obscene as defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code; or child pornography, as defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code; or harmful to minors as defined in section 1703, Pub. L. 106-554.   It is technically impossible to prevent access to all objectionable resources.  Filters are not 100% effective and may not filter images that should be blocked, and conversely, may block images that should not be blocked.  Designated library staff may, at their discretion, temporarily disable the filter for adult library users for lawful purposes.  The filtering software will not be disabled for minors.

Parents and designated guardians of minor children have the right and the responsibility to direct the use of the Internet by their children.  Parents or designated guardians should personally oversee the use of the Internet and other forms of electronic information by the children in their custody. 

Users of Library computing resources must comply with federal and state laws, Leon County and Library rules and policies, and terms of applicable contracts including software licenses while using Library computing resources. Examples of applicable laws, rules, and policies include the laws of libel, privacy, copyright, trademark, obscenity, child pornography, the Florida Computer Crimes Act, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, the computer Fraud and Abuse Act which prohibit “hacking”, “cracking” and similar activities.