Policies and Other Important Information

The Internet is a global computer network which allows millions of people to communicate and share information. It is also a reference tool with constantly changing resources. These resources provide access to a wide variety of government, academic, cultural, scientific, educational, business and recreational information. The Internet is one of many print and electronic resources available at the Library, Arts & Culture Department. Library staff are dedicated to educating patrons about how to find the most reliable and up-to-date information and to guiding patrons to the most appropriate source to meet information needs. The Library, Arts & Culture Department has chosen to make the Internet available to the public because of its value as a reference and educational tool.

The staff at the Library, Arts & Culture Department invites you to explore and enjoy the Internet.

CHILDREN & THE INTERNET

Parents are responsible for their own children's use of all Library materials, including the Internet. The Library staff does not take the place of a parent and cannot monitor children's use of the Internet or any information or materials obtained through such use. To ensure a positive and productive experience, parents and their children should explore the Internet together. Parents need to be aware that not all sites are appropriate for their children.

The following suggestions for parents are for their children's safety while accessing the Internet:

• Establish your own family rules and guidelines for Internet use.
• Teach your children never to give out their names, addresses, phone numbers or other personal, identifying or family information.
• Get to know the sites your children use by viewing them.
• Encourage discussion about all sites including those that make your children feel uncomfortable.
• Make sure your children never arrange a face-to-face or telephone meeting with another Internet user, regardless of how "nice" or "friendly" the user may seem.
• Teach your children never to respond to messages or bulletin board items that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, threatening or make them feel uncomfortable.
• If you or your children become aware of the transmission, use or viewing of child pornography while online, immediately report it to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by calling 1-800-843-5678.

The Library recommends that parents read these brochures:

• Kids on the Internet available at the Library, Arts & Culture Department.

POLICIES FOR INTERNET USE

Age Requirements

• Internet workstations in the adult areas are to be used by patrons in the ninth grade and above.
• Internet workstations in the children's areas are to be used only by patrons through eighth grade.
• Children under nine years old using any Internet workstation must be accompanied by a parent at all times.
• Children's area workstations are designed to begin Internet access at sites specifically recommended for children. However, the Library cannot guarantee that children's Internet access will be limited to only these sites and assumes no responsibility for sites that may be accessed, or for the method or manner in which any information or materials obtained is used.

Patron Conduct

• Every person using an Internet computer must use their own library card or eCard. Library card privileges are not transferable, and can only be utilized by the registered owner of the library card. 
• Patrons must respect all Internet rules including time limits and must cooperate with others to share the workstations.
• The same rules of conduct which govern use of all Library, Arts & Culture Department facilities and collections apply to the use of the Internet workstations.
• Abuse or misuse of Library equipment, such as modifying or tampering with computer hardware or software, is a violation of California Penal Code, Section 502, et seq.
• Use workstations with care. Make no attempt to fix problems. Immediately report any problems to Library staff.
• There is a limit of two people per workstation.
• Patrons may not reserve computers for others.
• The City of Glendale does not condone, authorize, or permit any person to send or receive any materials over the Internet that may be classified as indecent, obscene, incitement to riot, or which have otherwise been declared unlawful or unconstitutional by any state, local or federal court of law.
• The Library, Arts & Culture Department reserves the right to revoke Library or Internet privileges for violation of these or other Library or City policies and procedures or of any local, state or federal law.

Availability

• Internet workstations are available during all open hours. There is no charge to view the Internet.

Reserving a Computer

• Reservations are for same-day use only, and must be made in person using the PC Reservation System or asking staff for assistance.
• A valid Glendale library card or eCard is required to reserve computers at all sites. Internet workstations allow two sessions up to one hour each per day, library system-wide. Some locations have 15-minute Express Internet workstations that are limited to one session per day.
• Download a list of free Internet computers, laptops and Chromebooks at library locations.

Staff Assistance

• Limits on staff time allow the Library to offer only brief one-on-one assistance. The Library offers free computer classes.

Downloading

• Downloading to diskette or flashdrive may be permitted at some Library workstations.
• The Library assumes no responsibility for any data which may be downloaded by the user or for the reliability of such data.
• Warning: anti-virus software is installed on the Library's computers, but it may not find every virus. The Library, Arts & Culture Department is not responsible for damage to patrons' diskettes, data or computers that may occur from use of the Library's workstations.

Printing

• Printers are available at Internet workstations for a cost per page.
• Patrons should check the length of a document before printing it. Many home pages are very long and may print multiple pages. To print a portion of the document, the approximate page number(s) should be specified in the print window.

Limits On Internet Service

• The Library cannot guarantee privacy in using the Internet.
• The Library does not provide e-mail accounts. However, patrons may access their own accounts or register for free e-mail services available on the Internet.
• Patrons may not create bookmarks.
• Downloading any programs, graphics or other computer codes onto the Internet workstation hard drive is not permitted.
• Some features may not be available on Library workstations. Audio capability, chat rooms and sites that collect personal information (such as ones that employ cookies) are examples of special features that may not be available.

CHOOSE SITES WISELY

While the Internet makes a world of resources available to users, not all information sources on the Internet provide complete, accurate or current information. Due to the unstructured nature of the Internet, some search results may be misleading and/or inappropriate to your needs or your child's needs. Patrons can learn to be wise information consumers by asking the following questions about each Internet site:

Usefulness

• Is the site relevant to the search?
• Is this the best site to answer the question?

Reliability

• What is the authority, expertise and intention of the author?
• Does the site present facts or opinions?
• Is the source of the information given?
• Is the site an advertising tool?
• Has the site been recommended by a reliable source?

Appropriateness

• Who is the intended audience?
• Is the content appropriate for children or adults?

Timeliness

• How up-to-date is the information?
• When was the site last updated?

Organization

• Is the information clearly presented?
• Is the format easy to follow?

Cost

• Are there fees?
• Is the information available elsewhere at no charge or for a lower price?

PLEASE BE AWARE

The Internet is unregulated and its contributors represent various points of view. The Library does not control or monitor the information available through the Internet and assumes no responsibility for its content, accuracy, timeliness or the method or manner in which the information, once obtained, is used. Some patrons may find information and/or materials that they feel are controversial, unlawful or personally objectionable. Access to the Internet is permitted at the sole risk and discretion of the user.

The City of Glendale expressly disclaims any liability for injuries and/or damages of any kind whatsoever, including consequential damages, arising out of the use of the Internet, the obtaining of any materials from or over any Internet connection and the fitness for use or purpose of any materials, programs or information obtained through access to the Internet.

The accessing or use of the Internet through any equipment or service offered by the City of Glendale shall constitute acknowledgement of this waiver and disclaimer and shall be deemed acceptance of its terms and conditions. All users shall expressly assume the risk of receiving incorrect, inaccurate, defective, fraudulent or unlawful information while accessing the Internet through any equipment or service offered by the City of Glendale.

Copyright

• Materials obtained or copied from the Internet may be subject to copyright laws. United States 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."
• Responsibility for all consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user. The Library, Arts & Culture Department disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.