Public Services – 328
Approved by the Board of Trustees September 25, 2025
ST. JOSEPH PUBLIC LIBRARY
PUBLIC COMPUTERS AND INTERNET POLICY
St. Joseph Public Library (SJPL) provides computers and Internet access to library users for informational, educational, and recreational purposes. A library user accepts responsibility for the appropriate and legal use of library equipment, the Internet, and related online services. Misuse may result in the loss of public computer and Internet access privileges.
Use of SJPL computers and Internet should be consistent with SJPL’s policies and procedures, as well as with all applicable local ordinances and state, federal, and international laws.
Internet sites and other graphic material that could be defined as obscene, pornographic, harmful to minors, or inappropriate for viewing in a public setting should not be accessed. If such sites are accessed, library staff will take appropriate action. Allowing minors to view inappropriate materials may be a crime under Missouri Law and may be reported as such.
SJPL also expects that users shall make no effort to interfere with the operations and integrity of its systems.
Internet users ages 9 – 17 must submit a signed parental release form, available at all branches. Parental release forms must be signed by a parent or legal guardian for Internet access to be granted. An exception may be made for emancipated minors. Parents or legal guardians accompanying their minor child may give verbal permission for an Internet session on that day. Children eight years old and younger are only allowed to use public computers if supervised by a parent or legal guardian.
AWE computers, designated for children, do not have access to the internet. AWE computers provide limited access to educational activities and are reserved for users under the age of 18. AWE computers do not require user login or parental permission to use. AWE stands for Advanced Workstation in Education.
SJPL expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or information obtained through its Internet access and computer, or any consequences thereof.
Any use of an SJPL computer or Internet access point constitutes acceptance of this policy.
Content Filtering Measure
SJPL utilizes content filtering software via a WatchGuard Firewall to help prevent online access to visual depictions that are obscene, pornographic, or harmful to minors. Content filtering software does not block inappropriate material 100% of the time.
Guidelines for Library Computer Use
1. Patron ID numbers located on the back of library cards allow users access to library computers and the Internet. Patrons must use their own library card. Guest passes are one-time use access numbers and individuals are permitted one guest pass per day. Library users may be issued a guest pass for a variety of reasons:
• Library accounts must be in good standing for patrons to be allowed to have up to 3 hours access per day on Internet computers. Patrons with remaining balances for lost or damaged items require a monthly payment of no less than one dollar ($1) per month for the account to be in good standing. Patrons with remaining balances in good standing will be issued a guest pass to access the Internet for up to 3 hours a day. Individuals unable to make payments on accounts with bills, or who have neither photo ID nor a library card will be given a guest pass limited to one hour per day.
• Individuals who do not have an SJPL card, but do have a photo ID, will be given a guest pass.
• Minors ages 9-17 who do not have a parental permission form on file but do have verbal permission from an accompanying parent or legal guardian to use the public computers will be given a guest pass. Minors ages 0-8 can be issued a guest pass to use the computer if the parent or legal guardian agrees to remain with the minor during public computer use.
o NOTE: All guest passes are filtered access only.
2. Users are assured one hour of public computer use per day. If there are no other patrons waiting to access a computer, a user may have up to three hours total computer time per day, unless limited for reasons stated above or deemed necessary by library staff.
3. There is a limit of two users per computer, one of whom must be the owner of the library card or guest pass used to access the computer. No individual will be required to share their computer or computer time with another user.
4. Users may not attempt to add, modify, or remove any system element.
5. Users may not impede public use through the monopolization or overload of resources.
6. Users should conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the SJPL Behavior policy and their computer use should not interfere or impede other patrons using the library or staff conducting library business.
7. If SJPL policies and guidelines are not followed or inappropriate sites are accessed, the following steps will be taken:
a. First Instance: user will be asked to exit site.
b. Second Instance: user will lose Internet privileges for the day.
c. Third Instance: user will lose Internet privileges for one week.
d. Fourth Instance: user will lose Internet privileges permanently.
Any loss of privileges applies to use at all SJPL branches. Further disciplinary action may be taken in accordance with SJPL Behavior Policy.
Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi)
All SJPL branches provide wireless Internet access. It is solely the responsibility of the wireless device owner/user to provide up-to-date antivirus protection and anti-malware software, and to configure personal equipment with appropriate security settings to control access from other wireless devices within library facilities and the Internet itself, while using the library’s network. Wireless users assume all risks in this regard. Content filtering software is applied to all Wi-Fi sessions.
Unacceptable Computer and Internet Use
Unacceptable use of computers and Internet includes violations of international, federal, state, or local law, or any use that violates SJPL policy or guidelines. Examples of unacceptable use include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Adding to, removing, damaging or otherwise misusing library property.
2. Behaving in a manner that disrupts the orderly conduct of the library, prevents other patrons from using library resources, or interferes with library employees performing their duties.
3. Viewing content online that is obscene, pornographic, harmful to minors, or inappropriate for viewing in a public setting.
4. Perpetrating cyberbullying and other forms of online harassment.
5. Transmitting or reproducing copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder.
6. Hacking or accessing other computers or information networks without proper authorization.
7. Intentionally engaging in the distribution of malicious software.
8. Using another individual’s library card for access.
9. Using false identification to mislead others.
10. Using another individual’s personal information.
11. Unplugging SJPL hardware or network cables and plugging them into non-SJPL devices.
*Previous Approval Date: July 25, 2024