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Hialeah Public Libraries

Internet Safety, Computer and Wireless Use Policy

• Public libraries and all users of library computer resources and the Internet must comply with the Federal Child’s Internet Protection Act effective April 20, 2001 (47 USC 254 (h) and FCC (Federal Communications Commission) Final Rule 47 CFR Part 54 and FCC Second CIPA Order (FCC 03-188 effective August 14, 2003)
• Library computers are equipped with a technology protection measure to filter and block access to images as defined by state and federal laws
• Minor users may not use library computers for viewing, sending or receiving materials which are lawfully determined to be harmful to minors
• 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 other electronic technology
• A minor must have the authorization of their parent or guardian to disclose their personal information
• For personal safety, users must be cautious when using e-mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, discussion groups and all other forms of communication
• Under Florida Statute Chapters 847.011(1)(a), 847.0133, 857.0135, 847.0137, 847.0138 the display of obscene materials to minors, viewing child pornography and the printing of such materials is illegal and punishable

Computer and Wireless Use

By choosing to log on to the Library's network, users agree to abide by the Internet Safety, Computer and Wireless Use Policy. Users of Library computing resources must comply with federal and state laws and Library rules and policies.   Examples of applicable laws, rules and policies include:

• Computer Crimes Act Chapter 815, Florida Statutes
• Federal Electronic Communications Privacy Act
• Federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act which prohibits hacking, cracking and similar activities
• Fraud, including using another person’s library card to obtain computer use time
• Threats of violence/endangerment of others, obscenity, child pornography, gambling, and harassing communications as defined by law
• Violation of US copyright laws
• Violation of software license agreements
• Intentional propagation of computer viruses
• Attempting to change Library computer equipment, software settings, or files belonging to the Library, other users, or external networks and Web sites
• Attempting, or assisting, unauthorized access to any library computer system or other network or external system

Use of Filtering and Parental Responsibilities

• The Hialeah Public Libraries supports the right and responsibility of parents to direct use of the Internet by their children, and provides convenient access to filtered Internet workstations and wireless access with the intent of filtering pornographic sites
• Filtering software (which is produced by an outside vendor and is not completely under library control) may restrict access to sites which could be deemed objectionable, but may also limit access to sites which have legitimate research value
• No filtering system is completely effective or efficient and unsuitable sites may still be occasionally accessed for which the library takes no responsibility
• Parents and legal guardians of children under eighteen are responsible for both determining the limits of their children's access to the Internet and providing the respective guidance to them

Limits and Disclaimer

• Staff members are not permitted to give legal, financial, or medical advice and are not case workers
• Library staff cannot advise patrons as to the identification of forms or actions needed to obtain government services
• Staff members can assist patrons in finding E-Government materials that pertain to a specific subject in order to enable patrons to make informed decisions
• Library staff cannot submit forms for patrons
• Hialeah Public Libraries is not responsible for the content found on other government agencies’ websites, for any failure in transmission of online applications or forms to other government agencies, or for accurate submission of forms or information
• Hialeah Public Libraries cannot guarantee that other government agencies receive forms or information submitted from library computers or act on them appropriately. No agreement or contract is created between the patron and the library staff or the library system
• Hialeah Public Libraries assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library's network
• The Library's wireless network is not secure. Information sent from or to your laptop can be captured within three hundred feet
• Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance and no guarantee can be provided that you will be able to make a wireless connection

Privacy

• Patrons are advised to keep documents containing personal information secure and private
• Patrons should be aware and careful when providing personal information using library computers, completely exiting websites and closing the web browser when finished
• Patrons are urged to collect all of their documents from around the computer and printer
• Hialeah Public Libraries takes measures to secure our network, but cannot guarantee against all security intrusions

Internet Signup Procedures

Computer use is limited and subject to availability. Ask staff about computer times and use. Reservations are made in-person using a PC Reservation station. If all computers are in use, then you may make a reservation for the next available computer at the SELF SERVICE STATION located next to the Reference Desk.  A reservation will be held for 5 minutes past the start time.

You must have a library card to make a reservation. If you do not have one, or have not brought it to the library, a guest card may be purchased at the Circulation Desk for $2.00.