Services Free Computer Use To meet the Sarasota County Library System's mission of providing equal access to information for all citizens of Sarasota County, all of the Sarasota County libraries provide the use of computers to the public at no charge. Internet access, Microsoft Word, Excel and Publisher are available on all computers.  Black and white printing is provided at ¢.15 per page. Computer access is managed by software that requires either a current library card or a Guest Pass that can be requested at the Reference Desk. Library card holders may have two 1-hour sessions per day which can be extended if there is not a waiting list.* Guests may have two 15 minute sessions per day. *Some libraries may have shorter session lengths due to demand and number of computers available. All Sarasota County Library locations offer wireless Internet access (or wi-fi) to patrons using their own appropriately equipped wireless devices. For more information, please refer to the Libraries Unplugged flyer (PDF). Policies Patron Guidelines for Computer Use All users of the Sarasota County Library System's Public Access computers are expected to adhere to the following guidelines: Use of library computers implies acceptance of the Sarasota County Libraries Internet Policies and Rules of Use. Computer users are asked to be considerate of other library patrons and refrain from displaying materials that might reasonably be considered objectionable. The library reserves the right to ask individuals to discontinue the display of inappropriate information or images. The library staff does not consistently monitor public Internet use. Computer users are required to observe posted time limits and sign-in procedures. Computer users are expected to be alert to others who may wish to use the computer. Individuals may not intimidate or otherwise discourage others from exercising their right to use the computer. No food is permitted on or near the computers. Beverages may be consumed if the beverage container has a lid. (see Code of Conduct). Computer users are expected to provide their own clean diskettes if they wish to save files. All files are to be downloaded onto diskettes, not the computer's hard drive. The library is not responsible for any lost data or damage to diskettes, nor does the library guarantee any supplied program. Computer equipment must be used with proper care. Violations of these guidelines should be reported to a library staff member. The library reserves the right to terminate computer privileges of anyone abusing the above mentioned policies, rules and guidelines. Disruptive or inappropriate behavior will result in the loss of computer privileges. Computer Use [Florida Statutes] All users of the Sarasota County Library System's Public Access Computers should be aware of the following Florida Statutes, which define the noted acts as offenses: A. Florida Computer Crimes Act--Offenses against intellectual property; "Whoever willfully, knowingly, and without authorization modifies data, programs, or supporting documentation residing or existing internal or external to a computer, computer system, or computer system network commits an offense against intellectual property. Whoever willfully, knowingly, and without authorization destroys data, programs, or supporting documentation residing or existing internal or external to a computer, computer system, or computer network commits an offense against intellectual property." Florida Statutes, Ch. 815.04 (1) (2) B. Florida Computer Crimes Act--Offenses against computer equipment or supplies: "Whoever willfully, knowingly, and without authorization modifies equipment or supplies used or intended to be used in a computer, computer system, or computer network commits an offense against computer equipment or supplies. Whoever willfully, knowingly, and without authorization destroys, takes, injures, or damages equipment or supplies used or intended to be used in a computer, computer system, or computer network; or whoever willfully, knowingly, and without authorization destroys, injures, or damages any computer, computer system, or computer network commits an offense against computer equipment and supplies." Florida Statutes, Ch. 815.05 (1) (a) (2) (a) C. Prohibition of certain acts in connection with obscene, lewd, etc., materials: "Any person who knowingly. . .show[s]. . .or has in his or her possession . . .any obscene picture. . .photograph. . .image for obscene use or purpose, or purporting to be for obscene use or purpose. . . is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree." Florida Statutes, Ch. 847.011 (1) (a) D. Protection of minors; prohibition or certain acts in connection with obscenity; "It is unlawful for any person knowingly to . . .transmit or show any obscene material to a minor. A 'minor' is any person under the age of 18 years of age." Florida Statutes, Ch. 847.0133 (1) (2)   Revised 7/2011