The California Academy of Sciences Library provides access to electronic information resources that support the educational and research needs of its users, and promotes an atmosphere that encourages the sharing of knowledge, and collaborative efforts within the Academy’s educational, research and public service missions.

The Library has established this policy to ensure equitable, responsible and appropriate use of computer technologies within the Library’s facilities. Access to the networks and to the information technology environment at the California Academy of Sciences is a privilege, not a right, and must be treated as such by all users of these systems. All users must respect the rights of other computer users, respect the integrity of the physical facilities and controls, and respect all pertinent license and contractual agreements related to Academy information resources. All users shall act in accordance with these responsibilities, and the relevant local, state and federal laws and regulations. Failure to conduct oneself in compliance with this Policy may result in denial of access to Academy information resources and networks or other action.

Computers and Internet usage are made available for use in research in the natural sciences and other scientific topics. Access to the computer resources and the Internet (excluding printing charges) will be free of charge.

1. All Library computer equipment and software must be used as installed. Users are not permitted to delete, add to, or modify the installed hardware or software. If you experience technical problems, ask library staff for help. Do not attempt to fix the problem yourself.
2. Do not turn the computer off when you are finished using it.
3. Use of computers will be on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointments will be taken. Some of the Internet computers contain other reference resources. Users may be asked to move to a different computer if the staff or another user needs to access some of the programs specific to a particular computer or if the library staff has reserved the computer for special programs, tutoring sessions or similar uses. Users will limit their time to 20 minutes if others are waiting, or at the request of the library staff.
4. The Library provides the first 10 pages of printed information free of charge. All additional pages are 10 cents each.
3. For security reasons, information may be copied only to formatted diskettes to lessen risk of computer viruses. Material copied to the hard disk will not be retrievable. Formatted diskettes may be purchased at cost from Library staff. The Library is not liable for damages to personal data, diskettes or equipment resulting from information copied from the Internet.
4. You may use email ONLY if you can access your Internet account, or if you have an e-mail account accessible via the Web, without changing existing preferences. There are several free e-mail web sites available; hotmail, Juno, etc. These e-mail web sites are not under the control of the Library and are listed only as a convenience. The Library does not endorse or guarantee these web sites.

U.S. Copyright law (Title 17, US Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or

distribution of copyrighted materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user; the Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.

1. Engage in any activity that is disruptive to other Library users (including intrusive use of sound and/or visuals). Harassing other users or library staff is prohibited.
2. Gain unauthorized access to the Library’s network or computer systems, to any other network or computer system, or violate the privacy, individual rights and privileges of other users.
3. Damage or attempt to damage computer equipment or software.
4. Use personal software on Library computers; attempt to install software; alter, delete or add to computer files/settings/configurations in any way; store files in Library hard-drives; move computer equipment; or download files without the express consent of Library staff.
5. Violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements.
6. Violate federal, state, or local laws or regulations.
7. Play computer games.
8. Create bookmarks or favorites, or otherwise alter existing bookmarks.
9. Make any attempt to cause degradation of system performance, including overuse of interactive network utilities.
10. Access Internet resources that may incur financial charges or fees to the Library’s account. In the event that such fees are incurred, either deliberately or inadvertently, the user will be responsible for payment and may be liable for criminal prosecution.

Violators of computer access and use policies may temporarily lose access and library privileges. Permanent revocation of access and privileges may result if after an investigation, such action is deemed warranted. Violations of the California Academy of Sciences Library policies for the legal, ethical and appropriate use of computing resources will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner. Illegal acts involving Library computer resources may also be subject to prosecution of the violator by local, state or federal authorities.

All Library staff has the authority to end any computer session and to instruct the user to cease and desist from further use of Library electronic resources. Patrons must relinquish use of computer resources immediately upon notification by staff that maintenance, repair or any other necessary interruption of service will begin.

Users should be aware that any information, such as personal email pages, left on Library computers may be accessed by other users. This information will be deleted occasionally by Library staff, but privacy cannot be insured.

Library staff cannot control or monitor Internet access points that change rapidly and unpredictably. Some material on the Internet may contain items that are illegal, inaccurate, defamatory, and potentially offensive and/or disturbing to some people. The Library does not censor access to materials and is not accountable for content on the Internet.

As with printed information, not all sources on the Internet are accurate, complete or current information. The Library does not monitor or review the content of third party websites and advises that your access to any website is at your own risk. Users should evaluate Internet sources just as they do printed publications, questioning the validity of the information provided.

The Library does not have the authority to act in place of the parent or legal guardian and so assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by children. The parents and legal guardians of minor children are solely responsible for restricting their children’s use of the Internet through the Library’s connections.

Users may plug their own laptop computers into available electrical outlets in the Library’s public service area provided that the connection does not pose a safety hazard (for example, tripping over cords) or an obstacle (like cords blocking free movement) to others. Library staff will suggest appropriate outlets for use.

Laptop users may not connect their computers to Library printers or to Library phone and telecommunication jacks.