The Miami Public Library maintains computer workstations that are used for Internet access to members. There is a ten dollar charge per month per person to obtain membership. Members are allowed to use a workstation during normal operating hours of the library, provided there is a free workstation.
The Internet is an unregulated medium. As such, while it offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, it also enables access to some material that may be inaccurate, offensive, disturbing, and/or illegal. Individual users and parents of minor children must accept responsibility for their and their children's use of the Internet through the Miami Public Library's connection. When a minor obtains a new membership, a parent or legal guardian is required to sign a disclaimer varifying knowledge and acceptance of the above statement.
The following are the guidlines each individual must agree upon in order to be provided with Internet membership.
BY USING A PUBLIC INTERNET WORKSTATION AT THE MIAMI PUBLIC LIBRARY YOU AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES:
All users of Internet electronic information resources are expected to use these resources in a responsible manner for informational or education purposes and to follow these rules and regulations:
It is not possible for library staff to control specific information which may be located on the Internet. Just as libraries do not endorse the viewpoints of written material in their collections, they do not do so for electronic information. Selection policies which serve to govern a library's purchase of written materials may not apply to material accessed electronically.
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.
Library staff is available to assist you briefly in the use of these resources, but will not be familiar with every application you might wish to use.
Persons wishing to use the Internet on a regular basis will be issued a membership card by the Library. Membership fee is $10.00 per month, subject to change.
Children under the age of 18 must have parental permission to have an Internet membership card. The Miami Public Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by children. It is the responsibility of the user (or the parent, guardian, or caregiver) to determine what is appropriate. Children under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian in person to be issued an Internet card.
Use of the Internet is limited to one hour when others are waiting.
Cost for copies is $.25 for each color visual print; $.10 for each text print.
Patrons will not be permitted to access material that may be considered offensive to other patrons or to the library staff.
Persons using this equipment agree not to make any changes to setup or configuration of the software or hardware.
Misuse or abuse of any computer or Internet access will result in suspension of Internet access privileges and/or possible legal action.
