Oakland Public Library Internet Policy

The Mission: The Oakland Public Library informs, inspires and delights our diverse community as a resource for information, knowledge, and artistic and literary expression, providing the best in traditional services, new technologies and innovative programs.

Oakland Public Library offers free and open access to the Internet, in accordance with its mission, the American Library Association's "Library Bill of Rights" and the associated interpretation "Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks." The Internet offers access to many valuable information sources. However, not all sources provide accurate, complete, unbiased or current information.

The Library does not monitor or control the content of the material accessed through the internet and cannot be held responsible for its contents. Not all information found on the internet is accurate, complete, or up-to-date, legal or philosophically acceptable to all individuals. The Library assumes no responsibility and shall have no liability for any direct, indirect or consequential damages arising from the use of information found on the internet or any communications sent through the Library's Internet computers. The Library does not monitor an individual's use of the Internet; nor does the Library employ filtering software.

As with other Library materials, restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. The Library does not provide any monitoring or supervision.

Use of the Library's computers for the transmission, dissemination, and/or duplication of information is regulated under various state and federal laws. The Library expects all users to comply with such laws.

Illegal activities, as well as any other activities that are intended to interfere with or disrupt network users, services, or equipment are prohibited and may result in suspension of access to computers at the Oakland Public Library.

The Library has developed "PC and Internet Guidelines" and all users of the Library's Internet computers must follow them.

Procedures : PC and Internet use guidelines

SIGN-UP:

Check in with Library staff before beginning your session. (This is not necessary if you have made a reservation through the computerized reservation system.)

Some computers are available to be reserved in advance while others are first-come, first-served. Contact staff at your branch for more information.

USE:

There is no charge to use the computers. There is a fee of 10 cents a page for each page printed after the first 5 pages per day.

Only one person to a computer at a time.

Only library-owned software applications may be used on library computers.

If you experience problems with a computer or printer please report it to the staff person at the closest desk.

Please finish using the computer 15 minutes before closing time. Computers will be turned off 15 minutes before closing.

SAVING YOUR WORK:

You may download to a pre-formatted diskette on most computers. Downloading to some other forms of portable storage media is planned as an option in the future. You may not save any data to the computer’s hard drive. The Library is not responsible for any data loss or damage to personal disks when downloading.

TIME LIMITS:

There are time limits on computer use, per session and per day. In general, the maximum total daily computer use per person is one hour. Time limits may vary according to location, computer type, and level of demand.

HELP:

The library offers classes on basic computer and Internet use. See staff for a list of classes.

Library staff cannot provide in-depth on-the-spot computer training, but we may be able to answer basic questions and help you to locate resources on the Internet. The Library has many instructional books on computers and the Internet available for checkout. A staff person can help you to find these.

Some links to online tutorials are available on the Library's web site.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Please respect the privacy of those using computers.

Materials obtained or copied on library computers may be subject to copyright laws. Materials protected by copyright may not be copied without permission of the copyright owner unless the proposed use falls within the definition of "Fair Use".

Close the Internet browser program when you finish using the computer.

Illegal activities and any activities that are intended to interfere with or disrupt computer networks, Library services, or equipment are prohibited.

DISCLAIMER:

The Library assumes no responsibility and shall have no liability for any claims or damages which result from the provision of computer and Internet access to the public.