Libraries and archives

Library terms of use

Customers must act responsibly when using our libraries. View our Acceptable Use Policy for library computers and other terms of use.

Acceptable use of library computers

Liverpool City Council makes every effort to minimise risks to users of public computers. We are neither responsible nor accountable for much of the material accessible through public computers. We accept no responsibility for any financial loss, personal harm, offence or distress caused as a direct or indirect consequence of using our computers. 

To comply with the Acceptable Use Policy, we ask our customers to adhere to the following:

  1. You must comply with all legal requirements. This includes, but is not limited to:
    • Obscene Publications Act 1959 as amended
    • Telecommunications Act 1984
    • Copyright Design and Patents Act 1988
    • Equality Act 2010 including:
      • threatening, hostile, offensive, intimidating or obscene,
      • humiliates or impacts upon the dignity of any person, or
      • promotes less favourable treatment of any person or groups of people that share a specific protected characteristic

  2. You are responsible for complying to the legal protection provided by copyright and license to programs and data.

  3. You must not search for, view, copy, download or print any material which is obscene or illegal, extremist, or may cause offence to others. This includes social media sites such as Facebook, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).

  4. You must not view live television programmes.

  5. You must not damage any library devices (computers, iPads, printers, copiers etc.) or interfere with electrical plugs and cables. You must not alter, amend or delete any of the settings or programs on library computers, iPads or other devices.

  6. Files saved on the hard drive will not be retained when you log off. You are responsible for your documents and data. We recommend you delete anything created and temporarily stored on the computer and logging out of all active sessions before logging out of a library computer.

  7. You must not use library computers to attempt to propagate any virus or other software with malicious intent. Please take care when opening unsolicited emails.

  8. You may only log on with your own library card. You must not use someone else's account to access information. Using someone else's account may result in that account being disabled.

  9. The consumption of food and drink is not permitted at public computers in all libraries. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

All use is monitored, and all computer transactions are recorded.

If you misuse library computers, you will be asked to leave and may be refused access in future.

Computer use by children

Children are welcome to use library computers. The Acceptable Use Policy applies to children as well as adults.

Please note that the parent or guardian of a child who misuses library computers will be required to sign a consent form to allow further use.

Animals in libraries

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments for our disabled users, which includes permitting Assistance Dogs in our library buildings. We do not ask library staff to routinely check if a dog is registered unless they are uncertain that the visitor is bringing in a registered Assistance Dog. 

Where there is uncertainty regarding whether a dog is an Assistance Dog, library staff will make reasonable enquiries to understand the circumstances before deciding how this procedure should be applied. Such enquiries must be proportionate, respectful and consistent with the Equality Act 2010. 

Whilst the benefits that having a therapy animal can bring are understandable, these animals would not normally be allowed into library premises. 

Further information