The Internet and
the Library’s
mission: In response to advances in
technology and the changing needs of the community,
the South Pasadena Public Library endeavors
to develop collections, resources, and services
that meet the needs of South Pasadena’s
diverse population. It is within this
context that the South Pasadena Public Library
offers access to the Internet and acknowledges
that the Library’s endorsement of the
Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read and
Free Access to Libraries for Minors applies
to electronic information as well.
The Nature of Information on the Internet: The
Internet is not controlled or governed by any
single entity, hence, the South Pasadena Public
Library cannot verify accuracy, timeliness, usefulness,
validity of information, availability of sites,
or content of information found on the Internet. As
with other sources, patrons themselves must evaluate
the information. Availability of information
via library terminals does not constitute the
library’s endorsement of the information. If
a patron believes that information obtained from
the Internet is inaccurate, illegal, or offensive,
the patron is advised to contact the original
producer or distributor.
Statement of Parental/Guardian Responsibility: The
South Pasadena Public Library’s policy
is that parents or legal guardians are responsible
for deciding what library resources are appropriate
for their minor children. As with other
library resources, supervision or restriction
of a child's access to the Internet remains the
responsibility of a parent or guardian. For
children under the age of 13, a signed parental
permission slip is required before Internet access
will be made available. It is recommended that
parents and children attend the Internet training
class offered on a monthly basis by the Children=s
Department. More information on children's
and the Internet can be found in Librarian’s
Guide to Cyberspace for Parents and Kids by
the American Library Association (http://www.ala.org/parentspage/greatsites/guide.html)
and in Child Safety on the Information Highway from
the National Center for Missing and Exploited
Children (call 1-800-843-5678 for a free copy)
or access online at http://www.missingkids.com.
Acceptable Use and Disclaimer: All
users of electronic resources are to act in a
responsible and ethical manner, consistent with
the educational and informational purposes for
which they are provided. In accordance
with federal and state laws and regulations,
patrons of all ages are not permitted to use
terminals for any illegal or criminal purpose,
including, but not limited to, accessing legally
obscene materials, harassment or stalking, unauthorized
access to computer systems, or in a manner that
disrupts the work of other patrons. The
Library staff member may immediately end a customer’s
Internet session if material is displayed that
is inappropriate to a public library setting
where people of all ages and sensitivities congregate. Inappropriate
materials include but are not limited to pornography
and visual content that is sexually graphic or
features nudity or extreme violence.
The library expressly
disclaims any liability or responsibility arising
from access to or use of information obtained
through electronic information systems, including
any activities by a user found to be illegal. Patrons
who violate policies risk losing their computer
and library privileges.
Wireless Access:The
Library established wireless access to the
Internet for laptop users to enhance and expand
access to this important tool in the library. Laptop
users with a wireless network connection can
use the Library’s wireless access to browse
the Internet. Wireless users are expected
to adhere to the Library’s Internet Use
Policy and violations of our policy will result
in the loss of library and computer privileges. The
Library does not monitor the use of the Internet
by laptop users. Parents need to be aware
that wireless access is free and unrestricted.
Access and Privacy Restrictions: It
is likely that the number of Internet terminals
will never equal demand. Access restrictions
and time limits are essential for equitable and
orderly use. The library reserves the right
to enforce time limits, to limit the number of
users per terminal and to charge for printing. Due
to the location and configuration of terminals,
patrons’ privacy cannot be ensured.
Staff Internet Assistance: Librarians
are only able to provide brief help on basic
computer use. Lengthy one-on-one tutorials
are not possible due to staffing constraints. We
highly recommend that new users inquire about
our Internet training class which is offered
on a monthly basis.
Additional Information: For
more detailed information, patrons should request
a copy of Internet Procedures for Children and
the Internet User’s Agreement.
