Internet Use Policy | Internet Policy for Kids

Internet Use Policy

In conjunction with the Library’s mission to be an information center, the Pasadena Public Library offers access via the Internet to a vast array of information available to all library customers. While the Internet offers unprecedented opportunities, it is an unregulated medium on which any person, institution, or group can post data.

The Library does not monitor and has no control over the information available on the Internet and cannot be held responsible for the content, accuracy, or quality of the information retrieved or images viewed. The Library does not limit access to sites on the Internet or censor information that some may find offensive.

The user is ultimately responsible for selecting which sites to visit but should be aware that others may be involuntarily exposed to what is displayed. Users are asked to respect the privacy of others and adhere to the Library’s Standards of Behavior. Violation of the Standards may result in the loss of library privileges.

The following laws govern the use of the Library’s public Internet workstations:

• HARMFUL TO MINORS
  Computers are located in public areas where minors may be present.  California law defines a violation as “every person who, with knowledge that a person is a minor, knowingly exhibits or offers to distribute or exhibit by any means, matter which is deemed harmful to minors,” (Penal Code 313 et. seq.).
   

• CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
  California Penal Code Section 311.3 prohibits the sexual exploitation of a child.  “A person is guilty of sexual exploitation of a child if he or she knowingly ...duplicates, prints or exchanges any representation of information, data or image, ...that depicts a person under the age of 18 years engaged in an act of sexual conduct.”  Should library staff observe the occurrence of such activity, law enforcement will be alerted.
   

• COPYRIGHT
  Materials obtained or copied from the Internet may be subject to laws which govern the making of reproductions of copyrighted works (Title 17 U.S. Code).  Any responsibility for the consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user.
   

• TAMPERING WITH EQUIPMENT
  It is illegal for users to physically or electronically modify library computer equipment, or to tamper with hardware or software (California Penal Code, Section 502 et. seq.)
   

• CONFIDENTIALITY
  The Library maintains confidentiality of patron usage records for the Internet as it does for any materials.  However, the library will cooperate with law enforcement in providing access to patron records under the terms of the California Public Records Act (California Government Code, Title I, Div. 7, Chapter 3.5, Section 6267) and other applicable State or Federal statutes.
   

• HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT
  Displaying explicit, graphic or obscene images on library computers may create a hostile workplace environment for library staff and may constitute a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits sex discrimination in the workplace.

Internet Policy for Kids

What's It All About?
The Internet is a system of computers all over the world that are connected to each other. Anybody or any group can put information on the Internet. The Internet allows you to explore resources beyond what the Pasadena Public Library can hold within its buildings.

What Does That Mean To You?
The Internet is a great place to explore information and ideas from all over the world. The Pasadena Public Library's Kids' Page is a good starting point for Homework Help and fun, interesting sites to explore. As you start to explore the Internet on your own remember that the Pasadena Public Library has no control over the information you might find on the Internet. Just because it's on the Internet does not mean it's true or valuable.

What Do You Need to Know?

• Length of time you may use the Internet varies by site.  Please check with the librarian to sign up. 

• You are responsible for the sites you visit. Be aware that others may see what you are viewing.

• Use the computer equipment with care. If you are having a problem, ask library staff for help.

• If you are not finding the information you need, ask library staff for help.

• An article protected by copyright may not be used word for word without the permission of the copyright owners. If you use a part of an article word for word, you need to put it in quotation marks and cite the source in your bibliography.

• When you are finished using the Internet, please click on the "Home" page.

Personal Safety Rules for the Internet
Do not give out personal information such as name, address, telephone number about yourself or others to a site or a person you do not know.

Tell your parents or the librarian right away if you come across any information that makes you feel uncomfortable.

                                                                                Last Updated:  03/13/2006