Q. What are the conditions for accessing the Internet at the library?

Internet Policy

The library offers different ways to access the Internet:

1. Wireless Internet access using personal computers or other devices – 2 hour filtered sessions, users may log in multiple sessions without using a library card.
2. Research workstations – 3 hour filtered sessions, users may log in multiple sessions without using a library card (no email, chat or Instant Messaging).
3. Research workstations in the Children's Library – 3 hour filtered sessions, users may log in multiple sessions without using a library card (no email, chat, Instant Messaging and Facebook).
4. Homework workstations – 3 hour filtered sessions, priority is given to students doing homework during Monday through Friday between 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., and ALL DAY Saturday and Sunday. (no email, chat, Instant Messaging and Facebook)
5. Internet workstation area – 90 minutes unfiltered session per day per user with a Thousand Oaks Library card; OR 15 minutes Express Pass for adults without a library card (no fee).

All users connecting to the Internet using the library's network must abide by the Internet Use Contract.

 

Internet Use Contract

Patrons are welcome to access the Internet in the library under the following conditions and restrictions. Patrons failing to comply with these restrictions will be asked to sign the "Acknowledgement of Internet Use Contract" statement. Any further failure to comply with the Internet Use Contract will immediately result in the loss of library Internet privileges. The first violation of this Internet Use Contract will result in a loss of library Internet privileges for a 30 day period. A second violation will result in a loss of library Internet privileges for a period of 90 days. A third violation of this contract will result in a loss of library Internet privileges for one year.

Users are required to be sensitive to the public nature of shared facilities and may not display sexually explicit, hate-related or intentionally harmful/disturbing graphics or images, on library Internet workstations, or on personal wireless capable devices.

The Library does not monitor and has no control over the content of the Internet. User discretion is advised. Each user is solely responsible for evaluating the validity and usefulness of information found on the Internet and the Library has no liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of Internet resources.

Wireless Internet users must agree to the "wireless network terms of use" before accessing the library's network with their own wireless (802.11 b/g) capable devices.

 

Internet users must not:

• Use another's password or identity.
• Transfer or download programs and executable files to library workstations.
• Violate U.S. Copyright laws.
• Load personal software onto library workstations.
• Use the Internet workstations or the library's network for any illegal activity or to harass others.
• Tamper with library Internet equipment or try to exploit gaps in system security.
• Gain access to unauthorized resources or entities.
• Invade anyone's personal privacy.
• Use library Internet workstations for more than one hour per day.
• Remain in the Internet workstation area after their session ends.

To protect their privacy, Internet users must log off at the end of their Internet session.

To log off, click on the "Done" button in the timer window.

The library reserves the right to investigate any improper use of shared computing resources.

Due to the high volume of computer users, if a computer user leaves the Internet workstation area for more than 10 minutes during an open session, the session may be closed and the computer made available to another user. Unattended belongings left at computer workstations may be transferred to Lost and Found.

Wireless Network Terms of Use:

• Thousand Oaks Library's wireless network is unsecured.  The library cannot guarantee the safety of data transmitted across its wireless network.
• When accessing the Internet through an unsecured wireless network there is the possibility that data sent to or from your wireless device is monitored, captured, or altered.
• Thousand Oaks Library assumes no responsibility for the configurations, security or changes to personal data files resulting from your connecting to the Library's network.
• The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment; users must keep their equipment with them at all times.
• Library staff does not provide technical assistance. There is no guarantee that users will be able to make a wireless connection.
• In using this free Internet access, I agree and hereby release, indemnify, and hold harmless, the City of Thousand Oaks, its officers and employees, and any affiliate, from any damage that may result from use of this wireless access.
• While using this wireless access, I acknowledge that I am subject to, and agree to abide by all laws, and all rules and regulations of the City of Thousand Oaks, County of Ventura, the State of California, and the federal government that are applicable to Internet use.

It is the mission of the Thousand Oaks Library to serve the community's informational, educational and recreational reading needs. The Library supports the individual's right to have access to ideas and information representing all points of view in a variety of formats. In keeping with this mission, the Library offers three levels of Internet access to the community at both the Grant R. Brimhall Library and the Newbury Park Branch Library.