Computer and Internet Access Policy
The library’s computer and internet access is intended to fulfill, in part, the library’s mission of developing resources and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of the San Rafael community, and of supporting the individual’s right to know by providing free access to information.
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.
Just as with printed material, not all information available on the internet is accurate, complete, up-to-date, lawful, or philosophically acceptable to all individuals. The library does not limit access to sites on the internet or censor information that some may find offensive. The library does not monitor an individual’s use of the internet; nor does the library employ filtering software.
Computer users are cautioned that the library is a public area that is shared by Library users of all ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities. Users of both their own computing devices and those provided by the library are asked to respect the sensibilities of others when accessing potentially offensive information or images.
Library computers shall not be used for any illegal purpose, including, but not limited to, the viewing, receiving or dissemination of sexually explicit, obscene, or harmful images prohibited by law. (See, San Rafael Municipal Code section 8.36.010; California Penal Code Penal Code Sections 311 et seq. and 313 et seq.; and the Federal Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation Act of 1977 (18 USC 2252).
Violation of use of the computers/internet or of the library’s other related policies (e.g. Guidelines for Library Use) may result in suspension of library privileges and/or criminal prosecution.
The library encourages parents and guardians to participate with their children in using library resources and the internet. The Library affirms the right and responsibility of a parent to determine and monitor their child’s internet access. As with other library materials, restriction of a child’s access to the internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. Computers reserved for the exclusive use by children, or children with guardians, are available in children’s areas of the Library. Children must be 14 years of age or younger to use internet computers in the children’s area
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees February 14, 2017