Internet Acceptable Use Policy
Palm Springs Public Library is committed to providing free and open access to informational, educational, recreational and cultural resources for library users of all ages and backgrounds.
The Internet, as an information resource, enables the library to provide information beyond the confines of its own collection. It allows access to ideas, information and commentary from around the globe. Currently, however, the Internet is an unregulated medium of information. As such, while it offers access to a wealth of excellent information, it also enables access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing, illegal, inaccurate, misleading and/or incomplete.
The Library upholds and affirms the First Amendment right of each individual to have access to all constitutionally protected material, including the Internet. The Library does not filter, or otherwise limit access to, material on the Internet. Users are encouraged to be good information consumers by evaluating the validity of information accessed via the Internet. Library staff, and the library selected Internet sites on the Library’s homepage, (www.palmspringslibrary.org) can be good starting points for Internet searches that are consistent with the Library’s mission and service roles.
ACCESS BY MINORS
The Library affirms, and honors, the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their own children’s use of all library materials and resources, including the Internet. The Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by minors.
The Library does not monitor, and has no control over, the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. Library users use the Internet at their own risk. Parents are encouraged to read “Child Safety on the Information Highway,” available at any library service desk or on the Internet (www.safekids.com/child_safety.htm), or to ask for assistance in using the Internet from the information desk staff at any service desk.
Access, use, or dissemination of information via the Internet in the Library is the responsibility of the user. In the case of minors, it is a joint responsibility of the child and the parent or guardian. Any child 8 years old or younger must use the Internet with an adult over 18 years of age. The Library does not act “in loco parentis”, and cannot substitute its judgment for that of parents or enforce parents’ decisions about their children’s Internet use.
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INTERNET / COMPUTER CODE OF CONDUCT
• All users are asked to respect the privacy of other users and not attempt to censor or comment upon what others are viewing.
• Internet access is provided in the library through a limited number of public computers. Use of the public computers is on a first-come basis for 30 minutes of use, or up to 1 hour if no one is waiting.
• Unacceptable use of the Internet will result in the loss of computer privileges, potential loss of library privileges and possible prosecution. Unacceptable use includes, but is not limited to:
-- using the Internet for illegal activities, including, but not limited to, using the Internet in violation of 47 USC 223 (a) to make, create, solicit, or initiate transmissions of obscene material or displaying harmful, offensive text or graphics when minors are present;
-- hacking into the library computer system or any other computer system;
-- damaging or attempting to damage computer equipment or software;
-- interfering with systems operations, integrity or security;
-- gaining unauthorized access to another person’s files;
-- sending harassing messages to other computer users;
-- altering or attempting to alter the library computer’s configuration;
-- violating copyright laws and software licensing agreements.
• The library’s computer workstations are set up for optimal usage by a single individual. In some cases, such as a parent/guardian with children, it may be important for two or more people to work together at a computer workstation. However, if a group creates a disturbance to the effective use of the library by others, they will be asked to correct the behavior, or leave the computer area.
Copies of this policy shall be made available to any person upon request, shall be provided to persons desiring to obtain a library card, and shall be posted on the library’s website and at other appropriate locations to inform the public of the library’s Internet Acceptable Use Policy.
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Public Code of Conduct
Adopted by Library Board of Trustees - June 29, 2005
Welcome to the Palm Springs Public Library! In order to ensure that we provide an atmosphere conducive to everyone’s right to unimpeded and enjoyable library use, the Library Board of Trustees has approved the following code of conduct. The behaviors listed below are not acceptable in the Library, and will not be tolerated.
- Engaging in any activity prohibited by law.
- Disruptive or unsafe behavior which interferes with the use of the library by others or with the staff’s ability to function. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Loud, abusive, threatening, harassing or insulting language toward staff or other users.
- Any sexual misconduct such as exposure, inappropriate touching, or sexual language.
- Activities or behavior that may result in damage, abuse or theft of library property.
- Petitioning, soliciting, gambling, advertising or selling merchandise without the express permission of the City Librarian.
- Playing any audio equipment or device at a level which can be heard by others.
- Verbal or physical fighting.
- Stalking or invading another person’s physical space.
- Entering the Library with any firearm, knife or other weapon prohibited by City Ordinance or State Statutes.
- Use of cell phones.
- Use of skates or skateboards on Library property.
- Refusal by adults over 18 years of age to leave the Teen Zone when asked.
- Inappropriate personal behaviors including, but not limited to:
- Sleeping.
- Smoking.
- Personal bathing or washing of clothes or personal items.
- Lack of shirt or shoes.
- Spitting.
- Poor personal hygiene which is offensive and bothersome to others.
- Bringing into the Library oversized items too numerous or too large to fit under a study chair.
- Leaving personal belongings unattended in the Library or on Library grounds.
- Being intoxicated with alcohol or drugs or in possession of any intoxicating drug or alcoholic substance in the Library or on Library grounds.
- Urinating or defecating anywhere on Library property, other than in public restroom facilities.
- Entering the Library with animals, birds or vehicles, except as required by persons with disabilities who are in possession of official certification for the animal.
We appreciate your cooperation with this code of conduct. Anyone violating the code will be warned by staff and/or security. If the conduct continues, the offender will be asked to leave the Library.
Library users will be expelled from the building without warning in situations of serious, threatening, or willfully malicious behavior.
The Library reserves the right to revoke use of the Library and its grounds for repeated failure to comply with this Code of Conduct. Anyone wishing to appeal their exclusion may submit an appeal in writing to the City Librarian
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