Use of Internet and Library Devices

Use of Internet and Library Devices
Chapter 3.03

Policy Statement

Alameda County Library provides public internet access to support the educational, informational, cultural, and intellectual needs of people in our communities.

Alameda County Library does not monitor nor does it have any control over the content accessed through its internet-connected devices or networks. The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to the internet or from its internet-connected devices.

Use of Library internet-connected devices or networks to access or disseminate illegal content is not permitted. Any illegal activity involving the Library’s internet connections will be subject to prosecution by the appropriate authorities, as described in the appendix below.

Security & Privacy

• The privacy of electronic communication is not guaranteed. It is the responsibility of each internet user to take steps to safeguard their personal information and carefully evaluate the sites they visit.
• Library devices are in public areas shared by Library users of all ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities. Members should consider others when accessing potentially offensive information and images.
• Privacy screens are available for use on public computers.

Children and the Internet

Alameda County Library supports parents and guardians in their efforts to guide their children’s intellectual and social development. As is the case with other resources in the Library, it is the sole right and responsibility of the parent or guardian to provide any monitoring or restriction of their own child’s access to the internet.

Please refer to the following AC Library policies for related information:

• Public Behavior Policy (4.01)
• Child Safety Policy (4.02)
• Privacy Policy (7.01)

Appendix

Applicable State and Federal Laws

• California Penal Code, Section 502 et. Seq. – Prohibits physically or electronically modifying Library computer equipment or other devices, or tampering with hardware or software.
• California Penal Code, Chapter 7.5, Sections 311-312.7 – Prohibits the public display of obscene and harmful material. The viewing of obscene and harmful material on a computer screen in a public area, such as a Library, constitutes public display and is therefore prohibited.
• California Penal Code 313.1 – Prohibits viewing obscene and harmful material in the presence of a minor.
• Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation Act of 1977 (18 USC 2252) – Federal law prohibits knowingly receiving visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
• United States Code Title 17 – Federal law protects the intellectual property rights of creators. Content accessed on Library devices or networks may be subject to intellectual property laws. Protected materials may not be copied or reused without permission of the copyright owner unless the proposed use falls within the definition of "Fair Use."

Library staff is not authorized to interpret these or other legal statues.