Internet public use policy

Use of State Library of Queensland's Internet facilities implies acceptance of the terms and conditions stated in this policy.

Overview

SLQ provides public access to internet services, available via the World Wide Web, to support the Library's objective to maintain a high quality of service using new forms of information technology.

This helps to ensure that you, the people of Queensland, have the rights and means to free and open access to ideas and information.

Internet access enables SLQ to provide information beyond the confines of its own collections. SLQ has no control over the content of material available via the internet. Consequently, each client is required to make their own assessment of the truth, completeness, accuracy or suitability of Internet information.

SLQ does not filter internet content or protect its clients from information they may deem offensive. Parents/guardians must assume responsibility for their children's use of the internet through the library's connection. All persons under the age of 18 years should obtain the consent of a parent, teacher or other responsible adult prior to using the internet services provided by the Library. Written consent is required if the person under 18 years of age is not accompanied by an adult.

Cybersmart has been developed to assist families with information and resources to make Internet experiences safe and worthwhile. Any complaints about Internet content should be directed to the Australian Broadcasting Authority.

SLQ accepts no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of its internet access.

Conditions of use

Clients accessing internet facilities at any facility of SLQ must comply with the conditions provided below. Intentional misuse of these facilities may result in the removal of access privileges, and/or legal action.

We provide a number of computers for free internet use. The majority of these are for research purposes, using the SLQ catalogue, online databases and selected internet sites. Examples of non-research purposes include, but are not limited to: email; chat; games; gambling; online shopping; internet banking; dating/matchmaking sites etc. Some computers are available for general internet searching (but not email). An SLQ membership card is required to access these computers for periods of up to one hour at a time. There are a limited number of computers available for email. Bookings are required for these, and one form of identification must be produced.

Unacceptable use

Unacceptable use of the internet includes, but is not limited to:

Destruction of, or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the State Library or other clients
Display of offensive or inappropriate material. This can include, but is not limited to, pornography, hate sites, gratuitous violence and sites using frequent, highlighted offensive language.^¹
Intentional unauthorised copying of copyright-protected material or infringement of licence agreements and other contracts.
The violation or attempted violation of any computer network's system security.
The violation of the privacy of individuals or entities that are creators, authors, users or subjects of the information resources.
Unauthorised monitoring of electronic communications.
Inappropriate use of email services, such as spamming.

Internet use by public clients

SLQ reserves the right to check any client's use of its public internet service including a client's data transmissions both sent and received when SLQ deems that client to be in breach of its Internet Public Use Policy.

Infringement of conditions

Clients who infringe these conditions of use may be asked to leave the premises. Clients who refuse to comply with staff directives may be denied further access to the State Library of Queensland.

Illegal acts involving the use of the SLQ internet resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

Footnotes

^{1 A display that is reasonably likely in all circumstances to offend, insult or humiliate another person or group of people - judged objectively according to what a reasonable person would consider to be offensive}