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.

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.
• Wireless access is available throughout the building and on the reference patio.
• Only unoccupied electrical outlets may be used. You may not unplug any library equipment to use the electrical outlet.
• Unacceptable use of the Internet will result in the loss of computer / wireless 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 library computer equipment or software;
-- interfering with library 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 a library computer’s configuration;
-- violating copyright laws and software licensing agreements.

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.