GENERAL AND ACCEPTED PRINCIPLES ON PUBLIC INTERNET USAGE
In order to ensure that the patrons of the LA Law Library have adequate access to the resources of the Internet, the Board of Law library Trustees of Los Angeles County adopts the following General & Accepted Principles on Public Internet Usage.
Access to the Internet is provided for the purposes of researching the law, conducting one’s legal affairs, and accessing government information sites. The Library will not place limitations on the content of information patrons are seeking on the Internet. Due to First Amendment considerations, the Library will not install software filters nor will its staff systematically monitor usage. However, staff may monitor Library terminals for possible assistance, security purposes, and enforcement of Library policies and procedures.
Use of the Library’s public terminals to access the Internet shall be guided by the following principles: (1) respect for the privacy of others; (2) attention to the legal protection provided by copyright and licenses; (3) consideration for the security and functioning of the Library’s computer networks and of the Internet.
The Library may adopt policies and procedures to implement these principles. To do so, the Library may place limitations on time and manner of accessing the Internet. All electronic traffic originating from or received on the Library’s public terminals shall be in accordance with the general and accepted principles. Violation of these principles, policies, and procedures may result in the loss of internet privileges.
The Library reserves the right to enforce all policies and procedures regarding public terminal usage.
Unacceptable Use
- It is not acceptable to use the Internet on the Library’s public terminals for any purpose which violates Federal or state laws to transmit threatening, obscene, or harassing materials, to interfere with or disrupt users of the Library’s materials, services or equipment, or to interfere with or disrupt the Internet or its users. Disruption includes, but is not limited to, propagation of computer worms and viruses, and using the Internet to make unauthorized entry into any other computer. Illegal acts using the Library’s public terminals may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or Federal authorities.
- United States copyright law (Title 17 U.S.C.) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principle of “fair use.” Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials, including but not limited to electronic mail, text, images, programs, or data, without the explicit permission of the copyright holder, except as permitted by the principle of “fair use.” Responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user. The Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.
TERMINAL PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES
Before using the Library’s terminals to access the Internet and other electronic resources, please carefully read theses procedures and guidelines, the library’s General & Accepted Principles on Public Internet Usage and Public Internet Use Disclaimer. The purpose of these documents is to ensure that our users have reasonable access to the Library’s electronic resources while respecting the rights of others.
- Access to the Library’s electronic resources, including the Internet, is available from designated terminals at each Library at all times that the library is open, up to five (5) minutes before closing.
- Terminals are available on a first come, first served basis.
- Users must personally sign in to use a terminal showing an acceptable form of photo identification.
- Users may use the terminal for one hour. A user may not sign-in for more than one public terminal at a time. If a user wishes to use the terminal for another hour, user must re-sign in for the terminal. There is a maximum of two sign ins per day, per user. If all terminals are in use and there is a request for a terminal, the user must wait for a terminal to become free.
- Users accessing the Internet on the Library’s public terminals may not represent themselves to be another person.
- A parent or legal guardian must consent to use for person under 18 at the time of using the terminal.
- By mutual agreement, no more than two persons may share one Library terminal as long as the user who signed up for the terminal uses the terminal and their behavior or conversation does not disturb other users or Library staff.
- Interactive services such as games, chat rooms, newsgroups, or Instant Messaging are not allowed. The Library does not provide e-mail accounts.
- Operating a business from the public terminals is prohibited.
- Soliciting funds or selling products and services is prohibited.
- Distributing advertising or bulk e-mail from the public terminals is prohibited.
- The Library will provide audio access to web sites. Audio access is allowable only from websites that fall within the Library’s guidelines and procedures. Personal headphones may only be plugged into a terminal’s audio adaptor jack and nowhere else.
- Users may not install software on the terminals nor may they run any programs from outside storage devices or CD-ROMs. Users may not alter terminal or printer hardware or alter the configuration of any software in any way. Peripheral devices such as an iPod or outside printer may not be attached to a Library terminal or printer.
- Files may not be downloaded onto the hard drives of public terminals. Files may either be downloaded to an external storage device such as a floppy disk or USB drive or printed out using a Library printer.
- The public terminals and printers may not be used in any way that damages the hardware or software.
- Users are expected to use the Internet with minimal guidance from the Library staff. Due to staffing limitation, the Library cannot offer in-depth training concerning the general Internet, computer jargon, or personal computer use.
- By signing up to use a public terminal, users agree to abide by these procedures and guidelines as well as the library’s General & Accepted Principles on Public Internet Usage and Public Internet Use Disclaimer. If a staff member notices that a posted Library procedure or guideline is not being followed, the user will receive one warning. If the user continues the behavior, they will be asked to leave the Library for the current day. Should the behavior continue repeatedly, the user may lose computer terminal privileges.
PUBLIC INTERNET USE DISCLAIMER
The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population and information content. Its resources contain a wide variety of materials and opinions from varied points of view. It offers access to materials that may be personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals, as well as access to some materials that may be offensive, disturbing and/or illegal. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, and current information. The Library does not monitor and has no control over information accessed through the Internet. It is not responsible for changes in content of the sources to which it links, nor for the content of sources to which it links, nor for the content of sources access through secondary links.
Parents or legal guardians are solely responsible for deciding which Internet resources are appropriate for their children. The Library will not filter or electronically monitor anyone’s use of the Internet.
The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, loss of data, or loss of privacy, arising from the use of the Internet resources. Files downloaded from the Internet may contain viruses and you need to have virus-checking software on your home or business computer.
By signing up and using the Library public terminals, you agree to abide by Library policies regarding public terminal use. You also agree and acknowledge that the Library assumes no liability for, and hereby release any claims against the Library for any loss or damage to any personal data or damage or injury arising from invasion of privacy in personal computer accounts, programs, or files, or in the case of minors, for their access to inappropriate visual or other materials. You agree to release any claims against the Library and agree to hold the Library free and harmless for your use of the Internet.