GENERAL AND 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. Staff may monitor
Law Library Public PC Stations for possible assistance, security purposes, and enforcement
of Law Library policies and procedures.
Use of the Law Library’s Public PC Stations to access the Internet shall be guided
by the following principles:
- respect for the privacy of others
- attention to the legal protection provided by copyright
and licenses
- consideration for the security and functioning
of the Law Library’s computer networks and of the Internet.
The Law Library has adopted policies and procedures to implement these principles.
To do so, the Law Library may place limitations on time and manner of accessing
the Internet. All electronic traffic originating from or received on the Law Library’s
Public PC Stations shall be in accordance with the
general and accepted principles. Violation of these principles, policies,
and procedures may result in the loss of Law Library privileges.
The LA Law Library reserves the right to enforce all policies and procedures regarding
Public PC Stations usage.
UNACCEPTABLE USAGE
- It is not acceptable to use the Internet on the
Law Library’s Public PC Stations for any purpose which violates Federal or state
laws to transmit threatening, obscene, or harassing materials, to interfere with
or disrupt users of the Law 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 Law Library’s Public PC Stations
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 Law Library expressly disclaims any liability
or responsibility resulting from such use.
PC STATIONS PROCEDURES & GUIDELINES
Before using the Public PC Stations to access the Internet and other electronic
resources, please carefully read the following procedures and guidelines. The purpose
of this document is to ensure that our users have reasonable access to the Law Library’s
electronic resources while respecting the rights of others.
- Access to the Law Library’s electronic resources,
including the Internet, is available from designated Public PC Stations during regular
library hours ending fifteen (15) minutes before closing.
- All Public PC Stations are available on a first
come, first served basis.
- Users must sign-in to use a Public PC Station using
their own library card.
- Users may access the Public PC Stations for up
to two sessions per day, with a time limit of up to one hour per session for Public
PC Database Stations and 20 minutes per session for Public PC Internet Stations.
A user may not sign-in on more than one Public PC Station at a time. If all Public
PC Stations are in use, the user must wait for the next available Public PC Station
to become free using the self-serve reservation kiosk.
- Users accessing the Internet on the Public PC Stations
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 Public PC Station and remain with them
at all times during their session(s).
- By mutual agreement, no more than two persons may
share one Library Public PC Station as long as the user who signed onto for the
Public PC Station is the primary user and their behavior or conversation does not
disturb other users or Law Library staff.
- Interactive services such as games, chat rooms,
newsgroups, streaming audio/video or instant messaging are not allowed. The Law
Library does not provide e-mail accounts.
- Operating a business from the Public PC Stations
is prohibited.
- Soliciting funds or selling products and services
is prohibited.
- Distributing advertising or bulk e-mail from the
Public PC Stations is prohibited.
- The Law Library will provide audio access to web
sites. Audio access is allowable only from websites that fall within the Law Library’s
guidelines and procedures. Personal headphones may only be plugged into a Public
PC Station’s audio adaptor jack and nowhere else.
- Users may not install software on the Public PC
Stations nor may they run any programs from outside storage devices or CD-ROMs.
Users may not alter Public PC Station 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 Public PC Station or printer.
- Files may not be downloaded onto the hard drives
of Public PC Stations. Files may either be downloaded to an external storage device
such as a USB drive or printed out using a Law Library printer.
- The Public PC Stations 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 Law Library staff. Due to staffing limitations, the Library cannot
offer in-depth training concerning the general Internet, computer jargon, or personal
computer use.
- By signing up to use a Public PC Station, users
agree to abide by these procedures and guidelines. If a staff or Security member
notices that a posted Law 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 Law Library for the current day. Should the behavior continue
repeatedly, the user may lose computer terminal privileges.
INTERNET USAGE 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 LA Law Library 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 LA Law 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 or laptop.
By using the LA Law Library Public PC Stations, you agree to abide by Law Library
policies regarding Public PC Station usage and Rules of Conduct. You also agree
and acknowledge that the LA Law Library assumes no liability for, and hereby release
any claims against the LA Law 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 LA Law Library
and agree to hold the LA Law Library free and harmless for your use of the Internet.