Internet access at The American Library is free of charge for all members and day/week pass users.

The Library provides wireless Internet access. Just ask for the password at the circulation desk.

You may also reserve Internet access time by phone at 01 53 59 12 60 but not for more than half an hour per day, and not more than one day in advance.

Before using a public Internet workstation at The American Library in Paris you must agree to our Internet Access Policy below:

Internet Access Policy

The American Library in Paris provides access to the Internet in support of the Library's role as a provider of information and life long learning during all hours the Library is open.

Access:

The Internet offers access to a wealth of information that can be personally, professionally and culturally enriching. Resources available on the Internet supplement and complement the collections of The American Library in Paris.

Library staff have attempted to identify on the Library's web site specific starting points for searches and links to sources on the Internet which are consistent with the Library's mission and organizational values. However, as the Internet is a vast and unregulated information network, it also enables access to ideas, information, images and commentary beyond the confines of the Library's collection, mission, selection criteria and collection development policies.

The American Library in Paris does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet, and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Library neither censors access to materials nor protects users from information they may find offensive. Library users access the Internet at their own discretion and are responsible for any access points they reach.

Library staff cannot control the availability of information links which often change rapidly and unpredictably. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Users are encouraged to exercise critical judgement in evaluating the validity of information accessed via the Internet. The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to the Internet.

Library staff cannot provide in-depth training on Internet operations or personal computer skills. The Reference Librarian may, however, be able to offer searching suggestions and answer questions.

Child Safety on the Internet:

As with other library materials, it is the parent or legal guardian of minor children who must assume ultimate responsibility for supervising access to Internet resources in the Library. Parents are encouraged to discuss the use of the Internet with their children in relation to family values and boundaries, and to monitor their children's use of the Internet.

Rights and Responsibilities of Users:

The Library strives to balance the rights of users to access various types of  information resources with the rights of users to work in a public environment free from disruptive sounds and visuals. There are information resources on the Internet that are  inappropriate for viewing in a public setting. Because the Library is a public place shared by people of all ages, Library staff reserve the right to end Internet sessions when such material is displayed.

All users of the Internet at The American Library in Paris are expected to use this resource in a responsible and courteous manner, consistent with the purposes for which it is provided, and to follow all Internet-related rules, regulations and procedures established for its use, including, but not limited to, those of the Library. Responsible use of the Internet at the Library includes that the user may not use the Internet for any illegal activity or place any material on the Internet related to any illegal activity.

It is the responsibility of the user to respect copyright laws and licensing agreements and assume responsibility of fees for any fee-based service. Use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of this privilege.

Membership:
A valid membership card or day/week user pass is required in order to be able to use a workstation.

Time limits:
Please sign in with Library Staff showing your library card or Day or Week Pass before using one of our computer workstations. You are limited to one 1/2 hour at a time unless no one else has signed up for the slot after you. Be aware of this when downloading or printing out files at the end of your search.

Downloading:
You may download onto your own USB key. The Circulation Desk cannot provide one for you.

E-Mail:
The Library does not offer electronic mail accounts.

You may not:

• Use the Library's workstations as a staging ground to gain unauthorized access to the Library's networks or computer system
• Obstruct the work of others by consuming gratuitously large amounts of system resources or by deliberately crashing any library computer system
• Make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software
• Make any attempt to alter software configurations in a malicious manner
• Make any attempt to cause degradation of system performance
• Use any Library workstation for illegal or criminal purpose
• Engage in any activity which is deliberately and maliciously offensive, libelous or slanderous
• Represent yourself as another person for purposes of fraud or other illegal activity
• Deliberately spread computer worms or viruses