Acceptable use of electronic resources

Purpose

The National Library provides free public access to electronic resources for study, reference and research purposes.

This policy sets out the Library’s expectations of visitors with regard to their activities when using the National Library’s information and communications technology (ICT) systems and/or online services.

This policy supports the Library’s obligations under the National Library Act 1960 to preserve and make accessible a national library collection (section 6) and the National Library Regulations 2018 (including but not limited to Part 4).

Scope

This policy applies to visitors using electronic resources at the National Library of Australia.

Definitions

Term	Definitions
Authorised officer	Authorised Officers are statutory officers appointed under the National Library Regulations 2018. They have various powers and functions, in particular, in relation to regulating conduct on Library property.
Child	A person under the age of 18.
Electronic resources	For the purposes of this policy, electronic resources refers to the National Library’s ICT infrastructure, applications, and devices, including the National Library’s website, catalogue, Trove, subscription resources and the internet accessed via public computers and other equipment in the reading rooms or via personal devices used in the building and on the surrounding podium.
Inappropriate use	Describes use of electronic resources provided by the Library that may cause offense or concern to other readers, visitors and staff. Inappropriate use includes but is not limited to: Using discriminatory, defamatory, abusive, or otherwise objectionable language in any messages. Downloading music, movies, TV shows, e-books, software, or any other content without proper authority or license (e.g., torrents of illegally obtained movies or TV shows). Accessing, downloading, or transmitting any kind of sexually explicit, violent images including graphic images of blood or gore (without medical purpose). Accessing, downloading, or transmitting information on the use and construction of weapons, explosives and other tools of violence or terrorism. Accessing, downloading, or transmitting any material deemed to be illegal under relevant State, Territory or Australian Commonwealth law. Accessing, downloading, or transmitting content that promotes hatred or violence towards groups of people based on their race or ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender, age, or sexual orientation/gender identity. Attempting to modify, copy or remove any of the Library's ICT resources. Attempting to test, bypass or defeat any security safeguards establishedto protect the Library’s ICT resources. Circumventing or attempting to circumvent assigned resource limits or logon procedures. Using ICT resources for purposes other than those for which they were authorised. Connecting non-authorised equipment to the National Library’s ICT systems or the National Library’s network. Harassing or threatening other users or interfering with their access to the National Library’s ICT resources. Attempting to fix technical or software problems or change settings. Intentionally destroying, altering or erasing any computer program provided on the Library’s ICT.
National Library public spaces	The National Library’s public foyers, galleries, reading rooms, public venues, outdoor areas or any other area that the Library has made available to the public. The limit of the National Library’s public spaces is defined as the outer edge of the podium.
National Library staff	Means employees, contractors, individuals undertaking work experience or Library volunteers.
Visitors	Any person, not including Library staff, who uses Library collections, spaces or services, or any person who may visit or transit through Library premises.

Policy Statement

The Library provides free public access to electronic resources for study, reference and research purposes.

Electronic resources are available via personal devices, public computers and other equipment in the Library’s reading rooms.

All Library computers are situated in public areas, within clear view of staff. Surveillance cameras operate and security staff regularly patrol the reading rooms.

Appropriate use

Visitors may access the internet and the Library’s electronic resources via the public computers in the reading rooms or the Library’s wireless service (Wi-Fi). In order to use the public computers or connect to the Wi-Fi, visitors must read and agree to terms and conditions.

Readers are requested to restrict their use to research-related activities. Use of Library computers to access forums or games or to conduct financial transactions (other than purchases from the Library) is therefore actively discouraged.

Staff should be notified of any problems experienced using electronic resources.

Where visitors are using personal devices and networks, they should abide by this and related policies, including the Code of Conduct for Library Visitors.

Inappropriate use

Inappropriate use includes but is not limited to examples provided at Section 3. Definitions.

Anyone found using electronic resources inappropriately will be requested to cease using the Library’s electronic resources. Those who fail to comply with staff directives will be asked to leave under National Library Regulation (2018) Section 14, "Powers of authorised officers—directions to leave".

Use of electronic resources by children

The National Library of Australia is compliant with the Commonwealth Child Safe Framework. We recognise that there are particular issues concerning access to the internet by children and exposure to harmful online content.

Parents or guardians play an important role in protecting children from online harm, including by supervising their access to the internet and referring to detailed advice and support available through the eSafety Commissioner.

Children under the age of 12 who use electronic resources in the National Library’s public spaces must be accompanied by a supervising, responsible adult.

Use of online Library material

When using, copying or sharing material online, it is the individual’s responsibility to ensure they do not breach the provisions in the Copyright Act 1968 (Cwth) or other access conditions and rights.

Some Library material holds the cultural and intellectual heritage of Australia’s Indigenous People and rights access and use may be determined by the wishes of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) holders or require consultation with relevant First Nations’ communities. Those wishing to access and use this material are expected to comply with the Library’s Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property Protocol.

Visitors should ask Library staff about access conditions before downloading, copying and/or sharing online Library material.

Library responsibility

While the Library endeavours to maintain the security of its computer systems, the internet is an inherently insecure environment.

The Library uses filtering software to block known offensive websites, as well as gambling and gaming sites, but responsibility for adherence to this policy resides with the individual.

The Library:

does not guarantee the authority or accuracy of any information found in electronic resources;
does not 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);
is not liable for any third-party content on the internet that users may find offensive, upsetting or inflammatory; and
is not liable for any security breaches, including viruses or malware, suffered by visitors when using Library equipment or for any loss or damage suffered as a result of the unavailability of Library equipment or the Internet, including interruptions during use.

Key roles and responsibilities

Role	Responsibilities
Authorised Officers	Responsible for responding to unacceptable behaviour in accordance with this policy and the National Library Regulations 2018.
Assistant Director General, Engagement	Responsible for the oversight of reader and visitor behaviour in the Library’s public spaces.
Director, Reader Services	Responsible for strategic and operational management of the Library’s reading rooms and Ask a Librarian service. Responsible for reviewing reports of unacceptable behaviour and identifying mitigations (in partnership with Assistant Director, Security).
Director, Technology Operations	The Director, Technology Operations is responsible for day-to-day management of the National Library’s IT systems, networks, and their underlying infrastructure. From a cyber security perspective, the Director, Technology Operations is responsible for the implementation of security controls for all information systems operating within the National Library network.
Library Executive	Accountable for the management of protective security risks that have Library wide or significant impacts.
National Library staff	Responsible for understanding and applying this policy and associated procedures and guidelines.

Review

This policy is due for review in June 2029. It may be reviewed earlier to reflect changes in the National Library Regulations or other related policies or guidance material.