GENERAL AND ACCEPTED PRINCIPLES ON PUBLIC INTERNET USAGE

Access to the Internet is provided for the purposes of researching the law, conducting one’s legal affairs, and accessing government information sites. Staff may monitor Law Library Public PC Stations for possible assistance, security purposes, and enforcement of Law Library policies and procedures.

Use of the Law Library’s Public PC Stations to access the Internet shall be guided by the following principles: (1) respect for the privacy of others; (2) attention to the legal protection provided by copyright and licenses; (3) consideration for the security and functioning of Law Library’s computer networks and of the Internet.

LA Law Library has adopted policies and procedures to implement these principles. To do so, the Law Library may place limitations on time and manner of accessing the Internet. All electronic traffic originating from or received on the Law Library’s Public PC Stations shall be in accordance with the general and accepted principles. Violation of these principles, policies, and procedures may result in the loss of Law Library privileges.

LA Law Library reserves the right to enforce all policies and procedures regarding Public PC Stations usage.

Unacceptable Use

1. It is not acceptable to use the Internet on the Law Library’s Public PC Stations for any purpose which violates Federal or state laws to transmit threatening, obscene, or harassing materials, to interfere with or disrupt users of the Law Library’s materials, services or equipment, or to interfere with or disrupt the Internet or its users. Disruption includes, but is not limited to, propagation of computer worms and viruses, and using the Internet to make unauthorized entry into any other computer. Illegal acts using the Law Library’s Public PC Stations may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or Federal authorities.
   
   
2. United States copyright law (Title 17 U.S.C.) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principle of “fair use.” Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials, including but not limited to electronic mail, text, images, programs, or data, without the explicit permission of the copyright holder, except as permitted by the principle of “fair use.” Responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user. The Law Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.

PC STATIONS PROCEDURES & GUIDELINES

Before using the Public PC Stations to access the Internet and other electronic resources, please carefully read the following procedures and guidelines. The purpose of this document is to ensure that our users have reasonable access to the Law Library’s electronic resources while respecting the rights of others.

1. Access to the Law Library’s electronic resources, including the Internet, is available from designated Public PC Stations during regular library hours ending fifteen (15) minutes before closing.
   
   
2. All Public PC Stations are available on a first come, first served basis.
   
   
3. Users must sign-in to use a Public PC Station using their own library card.
   
   
4. Users may access the Public PC Stations for up to 120 minutes per day. A user may not sign-in on more than one Public PC Station at a time. If all Public PC Stations are in use, the user must wait for the next available Public PC Station to become free using the self-serve reservation kiosk.
   
   
5. Users accessing the Internet on the Public PC Stations may not represent themselves to be another person.
   
   
6. Persons under 18 are not permitted to use the Public PC Stations.
   
   
7. By mutual agreement, no more than two persons may share one Library Public PC Station as long as the user who signed onto for the Public PC Station is the primary user and their behavior or conversation does not disturb other users or Law Library staff.
   
   
8. Interactive services such as games, chat rooms, newsgroups, streaming audio/video or instant messaging are not allowed. The Law Library does not provide e-mail accounts.
   
   
9. Operating a business from the Public PC Stations is prohibited.
   
   
10. Soliciting funds or selling products and services is prohibited.
    
    
11. Distributing advertising or bulk e-mail from the Public PC Stations is prohibited.
    
    
12. The Law Library will provide audio access to web sites. Audio access is allowable only from websites that fall within the Law Library’s guidelines and procedures. Personal headphones may only be plugged into a Public PC Station’s audio adapter jack and nowhere else.
    
    
13. Users may not install software on the Public PC Stations nor may they run any programs from outside storage devices or CD-ROMs. Users may not alter Public PC Station or printer hardware or alter the configuration of any software in any way. Peripheral devices such as an iPod or outside printer may not be attached to a Library Public PC Station or printer.
    
    
14. Files may not be downloaded onto the hard drives of Public PC Stations. Files may either be downloaded to an external storage device such as a USB drive or printed out using a Law Library printer.
    
    
15. The Public PC Stations and printers may not be used in any way that damages the hardware or software.
    
    
16. Users are expected to use the Internet with minimal guidance from the Law Library staff. Due to staffing limitations, the Library cannot offer in-depth training concerning the general Internet, computer jargon, or personal computer use.
    
    
17. By signing up to use a Public PC Station, users agree to abide by these procedures and guidelines. If a staff or Security member notices that a posted Law Library procedure or guideline is not being followed, the user will receive one warning. If the user continues the behavior, they will be asked to leave the Law Library for the current day. Should the behavior continue repeatedly, the user may lose computer terminal privileges.

INTERNET USAGE DISCLAIMER

The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population and information content. Its resources contain a wide variety of materials and opinions from varied points of view. It offers access to materials that may be personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals, as well as access to some materials that may be offensive, disturbing and/or illegal. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, and current information. LA Law Library is not responsible for changes in content of the sources to which it links, nor for the content of sources to which it links, nor for the content of sources access through secondary links.

LA Law Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, loss of data, or loss of privacy, arising from the use of the Internet resources. Files downloaded from the Internet may contain viruses and you need to have virus-checking software on your home or business computer or laptop.

By using LA Law Library Public PC Stations, you agree to abide by Law Library policies regarding Public PC Station usage and Rules of Conduct. You also agree and acknowledge that LA Law Library assumes no liability for, and hereby release any claims against LA Law Library for any loss or damage to any personal data or damage or injury arising from invasion of privacy in personal computer accounts, programs, or files. You agree to release any claims against LA Law Library and agree to hold LA Law Library free and harmless for your use of the Internet.