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About Internet Resources
The Internet is a global network of computer networks
that offers access to many valuable information resources. However,
it is important to understand that the Internet is not governed
by any single entity that checks on the information that is maintained
by and accessible to users.
The Internet may provide access to information, content
and services which parents may feel is inappropriate or objectionable
for their own children. Parents should let their children know about
content on the Internet that they do not want them to access.
The Santa Monica Public Library’s
Internet Policy
In keeping with the Library’s mission to help
support an informed and educated community, the Library provides
free public access to resources on the Internet. The Library adheres
to the American Library Association’s policy statement: “Access
to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks: an Interpretation
of the Library Bill of Rights,” which supports the right of
individuals to choose library materials for themselves, including
those in electronic formats.
 As
with all other library materials, children’s access to and
use of the Internet is the responsibility of the child’s parent
or legal guardian. The Internet may provide access to information,
content and services some of which parents may feel is inappropriate
or objectionable for their own children.
The
Library and its staff cannot censor access to materials or prevent
users from encountering materials on the Internet that they may
find offensive.
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should let their children know about information, content and services
on the Internet that they do not want them to access or use. Or,
parents should supervise their own child’s Internet sessions
at the Library.
The
Internet offers access to valuable local, national, and international
sources of information. By providing the Internet, the Library is
able to extent access to information far beyond the Library’s
budgetary or space constraints. In choosing sources to link to the
Santa Monica Public Library Website, staff follows accepted library
selection criteria for electronic resources.
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Not
all sources on the Internet, however, provide accurate, complete,
or current information. Each user must evaluate the validity and
usefulness of information found on the Internet.
The
Library does not monitor and has no control over information accessed
through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content.
The Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility
arising from access to or use of information obtained through its
electronic information systems, or any consequences thereof.
Materials
obtained or copied from the Internet may be subject to copyright
laws. U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized
reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as
permitted by the principles of “fair use.” Users may
not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic
mail, text, images, programs, or data) without the explicit permission
of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for any consequences
of copyright infringement lies with the user. The Santa Monica Public
Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting
from such use.
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User Responsibilities
As with all other library materials, children’s
access to and use of the Internet is the sole responsibility of
the child’s parent or legal guardian. The Library cannot act
in loco parentis.
We invite parents and their children to visit the
Santa Monica Public Library’s Kids’ Web at www.smplkids.org.
This site is designed especially for young people, and offers homework
help, reviews, information about library activities, fun places
to visit, and more!
Tips for Online Safety
- No matter how computer literate your child
is, you should still provide guidance. Spend time with your child
while they're online. Ask your child where she or he likes to
go on the Internet and what she or he thinks you might enjoy.
Get your child to talk with you about what's good and not so good
about her or his Internet experience.
- Children can easily sign up for a game
or subscribe to a chat room service without understanding the
consequences of revealing personal information. Teach your children
about the risks involved when revealing personal information,
such as his or her name, age or address, online.
- Never allow your child to arrange a face-to-face
meeting with another computer user without your permission. If
a meeting is arranged, make the first one in a public spot, and
be sure to accompany your child.
- Tell your children never to respond to
messages or bulletin board items that are suggestive, obscene,
belligerent, threatening, or that make them feel uncomfortable.
Encourage your children to tell you if they encounter such messages.
- Print out some of these general rules for
your children to follow as they surf online.
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Library Internet Use
Guidelines Summary
The Internet is provided as part of the Library’s
mission and computers are shared by many. Please observe posted
rules.
- Use of the Internet must conform to the
Library’s “Rules of Conduct” and must not be
disruptive, malicious, or destructive.
- Time constraints do not permit staff to
offer one-on-one computer instruction.
- Internet stations in the children’s
area are reserved for children. Parents may use these stations
only to help their own children use Internet resources.
Safety Information
Many excellent sources of information on child safety
and the Internet exist. These include:
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