INTERNET USE GUIDELINES

• The Internet is provided as part of the Library’s mission and is shared by many. Please observe Internet rules.
  
• A valid Santa Monica Public library card, or Internet card, in good standing is required to use the Internet. Please ask for details at a public service desk.
• Internet information may be printed or downloaded.
  
• Use of the Internet should conform to the Library’s Rules of Conduct and should not be disruptive, malicious, or destructive.
  
• As with other Library materials, restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the sole responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.
  
• Time constraints do not permit staff to offer one-on-one Internet instruction. The Library offers free computer classes for the public. Please inquire at the Main Library's Reference Desk, second floor.
  
• Privacy screens installed on the workstations may not be removed.
• Users may not attempt to alter software configurations or to install software. 

INTERNET USE PROCEDURES

• Starting Monday, May 14, 2007, use of the Internet - and select electronic resources and software applications - is limited to a maximum of 90 minutes a day per person at the Main Library, or 60 minutes at the Fairview, Montana Ave., or Ocean Park Branches.
• Maximum time limits depend on the Library location where you are currently logged in and by any use of Library Internet time today prior to your current session. For example:
  • If you log on at a branch and use 30 minutes, you can then log on at the Main Library and receive an additional 60 minutes of Internet time. However, if you first log on at the Main Library and use 15 minutes and then go to a branch, you will be limited to a 45-minute session at the branch library.
  • If you log on first at the Main Library and use 30 minutes and then go to a branch and log on, you are limited to an additional 30 minutes. If you resume your Internet use at the Main Library, you could receive 30 minutes in addition to the 60 minutes you have already used.
• Internet users must log on with their Santa Monica Public Library card number and PIN. Other I.D. may be required.
• Internet use is on a first-come, first-served basis. If an Internet computer is available, simply log on and begin using it.
• If all Internet computers are in use, go to the SAM Sign-Up Station and reserve the next available one. When a computer becomes available, a portion of your last name will be displayed, along with the computer number assigned to you, and the system will hold your computer for 5 minutes. You must begin your session within the 5-minute "grace" period, or the Internet computer becomes available to the next user.
• You may split your daily Internet use into four sessions provided an Internet station is available.
• To preserve time remaining on your daily session, click the End Session button at the end of each use.
• Do not remove the privacy screens on Library Internet stations.
• Do not alter software configurations or install software on any Library computer.
• Internet computers automatically shut down 10 minutes before closing and cannot be reset by staff.
• The Library cannot guarantee that an operating Internet station and/or printer is available for use.
• Failure to observe Internet Use Guidelines and Procedures or Library Rules of Conduct may result in suspension of Library privileges.

LIBRARY INTERNET POLICY

• In keeping with the Santa Monica Public Library mission to help support an informed and educated community, the Library provides free public access to resources on the Internet.  The Library adheres to the American Library Association’s policy statement: Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks: an interpretation of the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS, which supports the right of individuals to choose library materials for themselves, including those in electronic formats.
• As with all other library materials, children’s access to and use of the Internet is the sole responsibility of the child’s parent or legal guardian. The Internet may provide access to information, content and services some of which parents may feel is inappropriate or objectionable for their own children. The Library and its staff cannot censor access to materials or prevent users from encountering materials on the Internet that they may find offensive. Parents should let their children know about information, content and services on the Internet that they do not want them to access or use.  Or, parents should supervise their own child’s Internet sessions at the Library. For more information on children and the Internet, visit GetNetWise: Kids' Safety http://kids.getnetwise.org.
  
• The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national, and international sources of information.
  
• By providing the Internet, Library users are able to expand their access to information far beyond the Library’s budgetary or space constraints.  In choosing sources to link to the Santa Monica Public Library home page, Library staff follow accepted library selection criteria for electronic resources. Not all sources on the Internet, however, provide accurate, complete, or current information. Each user must evaluate the validity and usefulness of information found on the Internet.
  
• The Library does not monitor and has no control over information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems, or any consequences thereof.
  
• Materials obtained or copied from the Internet may be subject to copyright laws.  U.S. 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.  Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs, or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.  Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user. The Santa Monica Public Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

• For more information about computers and equipment at Main and Branch libraries, click here.