The San Rafael Public Library encourages lifelong learning, promotes literacy, and provides access to library materials and information services for all. As with our print collection, we have carefully selected our on-line sites. In order to meet a wide variety of information needs, the Library makes information available in a variety of formats and provides access to the information resources of the Internet.
We ask that all our patrons read the San Rafael Library’s Internet Use Policies and sign the applicant agreement. Parents should discuss these policies and the Rules for On-line Safety with their children. Children under the age of 14 must have a parent or guardian co-sign their agreements.
* Purpose: Computers are for information, research, and the support of educational assignments.
* Privacy: Please respect the privacy rights of other users.
* Security: In order to protect our computers from viruses or other problems, access to the hard drives has been disabled. If you wish to save files, you will need to use the Adult Reference computers.
* Email: If you wish to check your email, please use the Adult Reference computers.
* Access Problems: There are many reasons why you may not be able to access a particular website, or may experience difficulty during your session.. We do not have the staff to troubleshoot the problem you may be experiencing.
The following is a list of unacceptable uses:
* Display of offensive information and images is inappropriate for a public and open environment.
* Use of the Library’s Internet access for any illegal purpose.
* Vandalism of library property, including the violation of the Library’s network security, or the attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, or on other networks connected to the Internet.
* Violation of copyright laws or licensing agreements.
Misuse of the Internet privileges or any violation of our policies may result in the withdrawal or suspension of access privileges.
Internet Use Policy approved by San Rafael City Council 2/7/2000
San Rafael Public Library Children’s Internet Policy
Limits:
1. Requirements: Children up to 14 years of age must have a signed Parent’s Permission form on file at the Children’s Reference Desk and a valid library card.
2. Reservations: Sign-up at the Children’s Reference desk. Reservations are accepted for the current day only. Your time will be held for 10 minutes, and then you will lose your reservation.
3. Time Limits: 30 minute sessions begin and end on the hour and half hour. When no one is waiting, your session can extend to 1 hour maximum. The library clock is the official clock.
4. Groups: Persons may use the station together, but time counts for both persons. No more than 2 can use the computer station at one time. Exceptions may be made for families. If you move a chair, please return it.
5. Printing: Printouts are 10 cents per sheet. Please pay at the Children’s Reference Desk.
6. Closing: The computers are shut down 15 minutes before the library closes.
7. Some No-no’s. No downloading, no chatting, no emailing, no games, no tampering with hardware or software settings and no searching for offensive information and images.
8. Noncompliance with computer use rules will result in suspension of privileges.
Internet Use Policy approved by:
San Rafael Public Library Board of Trustees & San Rafael City Attorney 12/99