Acceptable use of information and communication technology
The National Library provides public access to information & communication technology resources free of charge for study, reference and research purposes.
The resources include the National Library's web site, catalogue, electronic resources to which the Library subscribes, email and the Internet.
Information & communication technology resources are available via public PCs in all the Library’s reading rooms. Laptop users may connect to the resources via the wireless network available in the Main and Petherick Reading Rooms.
Access to applications such as word processing and spreadsheets are also available from many PCs in the Library’s Main, Petherick and Newspapers Reading Rooms.
Basis of access
While the Library endeavours to offer accurate and current resources and to maintain the security of its computer systems, the Library does not:
- guarantee the authority or accuracy of any information found in electronic resources; or
- accept responsibility for any losses arising from the use of, or technical difficulties with, the library’s information and communication technology systems (including loss of and unauthorised access to user’s data)
Library users are requested to restrict their use to research related activities. Use of Library computers to access bulletin boards or games or to conduct financial transactions (other than purchases from the Library) is therefore actively discouraged. Users are permitted to use the email facility provided by the Library as long as such use is lawful. Users should also be aware that, as the Internet is an inherently insecure environment, the Library cannot guarantee the security of any data accessed or transmitted on its computers.
In accordance with National Library Regulation no. 10, “Personal conduct on Library property”, readers must not intentionally destroy, alter or erase any computer program on a computer, computer system or part of a computer system.
Please respect National Library equipment. Do not attempt to fix technical or software problems, but ask for assistance. Do not change the settings, and leave the equipment turned on.
Offensive material
Access to the Internet is provided for study, reference and research purposes. The National Library does not accept responsibility for the availability of offensive material on the Internet. Readers must not access, download or print pornographic or offensive material, in compliance with the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 (ACT). To assist readers in complying with this policy, the National Library of Australia uses filtering software to block known offensive websites, as well as inappropriate gambling and gaming sites. All computers are situated in public areas, within clear view of library staff. Security staff regularly patrol the reading rooms and readers found viewing offensive material will be requested to cease accessing the site under National Library Regulation no. 10. Readers failing to comply with directives from staff will be asked to leave the Library.
Internet access by children
The National Library of Australia recognises that there are particular issues concerning access to the Internet by young people. The Library offers a more comprehensive level of restriction to unsuitable Internet websites on clearly designated computers in the Main Reading Room. These computers will block access to a wide range of websites whose content may be unsuitable for children.
Copyright and copying
Information & communication technology resources provide access to a wide range of material for study, reference and research. It is the responsibility of users of these resources to determine whether the material is in copyright or find the copyright owner to obtain their permission. Further information and advice is provided by the Australian Copyright Council.
Revised June 2007
