Internet and Computer Workstation Use Guidelines

Information Access

The Los Angeles Public Library provides access to information in many formats including
printed material, audio-visual items, electronic databases and the Internet. The library does
not limit access to materials or attempt to prevent users from viewing materials some individuals may find offensive.

Responsibilities of Internet Users

Information found on the Internet is provided by millions of people and organizations from around the world. Not all information found on the Internet is accurate, up-to-date, legal or acceptable to all individuals. The library does not control information found on the Internet and, therefore, cannot be held responsible for its content. Individuals who use the Internet are responsible for evaluating the validity and appropriateness of the information they access.

In Accordance with the library's "Information Access" guidelines (see above), the library does not monitor an individual's use of the Internet; nor does the library utilize filtering software.

Library Home Pages & Links

The library home pages, accessed at www.lapl.org, are designed and maintained by library staff. The library assumes responsibility only for the information provided on its home pages.

The library's home pages also feature links to other Internet sites. In choosing sources to link, staff follows the library's materials selection guidelines. The library has not participated in the development of these other sites and does not exert any editorial or other control over the sites. Links are not endorsements of these sites and the library assumes no responsibility for these sites.

Internet Access and Use

The library does not provide e-mail accounts; however, patrons may access their free, Web-based e-mail accounts through library terminals.

The use of library terminals for the transmission, dissemination and/or duplication of information is regulated by state and federal laws. All library users must comply with these laws. Library policy forbids the access of illegal material on its terminals.

Internet Use by Minors

As with other library materials, supervision of a child's use of the Internet is the responsibility of a parent or legal guardian. The library has created home pages for children (Kids' Path) and young adults (Teen Web) that provide information and links to other web sites designed for children and young adults.

Computer Workstations at LAPL

1. All library facilities offer the public four types of computer workstations:
• Kids’ Path computers: These have a 30 minute time limit and provide age appropriate learning resources and activities for children. No library card is needed.
• Catalog and Database Access computers. There is no time limit on these and no library card needed.
• 15 Minute Internet computers. No library card needed.
• 1 Hour Internet and Word Processing computers. A library card is required.
2. To reserve a 1 Hour Internet and Word Processing computer you must have a valid Los Angeles Public Library card.
• A free library card is available with proper identification at any circulation desk. (Children under 18 require a parent/guardian signature to obtain a library card).
• Patrons may sign up for an Internet computer remotely on the library’s www.lapl.org or in any library building at an available computer.
• Computers are randomly assigned.
• Patrons may sign up for a computer up to three days before intended use. Telephone are not accepted.
• Patrons may use library Internet computer workstations for a maximum of two hours per day.
• Patrons more than ten minutes late will forfeit their time slot.
• Before patrons leave terminals, they are requested to log off their session.

Guidelines for Use of Computer Workstations

1. Printouts from the library’s catalog are free. Printouts from other databases are 25 cents per page.
2. Library staff may limit the number of patrons using the same terminal.
3. Patrons must:
• not remove privacy screens;
• not save files on hard drives or C drives;
• not plug devices into the USB ports due to network security issues;
• not shut off computers;
• not damage computer equipment or software;
• not engage in harassing or defamatory activity on-line;
• not use terminals for illegal activity.
4. Violation of these guidelines may result in the loss of computer access. Unlawful activities will be reported to library security of the Los Angeles Police Department and will be dealt in an appropriate manner.

Wireless Laptop Access

802.11B wireless access is available to laptop users at all library branches. Laptops must have DHCP enabled. LAPL staff cannot assist in setting up personal laptops to work with the wireless access. Users must agree to “Terms of Use” before going online.