Policy Effective Date: 5/1/2018
Internet access, both wired and wireless, is provided for educational, professional, leisure, and personal development purposes.
- Use of Library Network
- The internet is an information resource beyond the confines of the library's collection and contains materials of a controversial, inaccurate, and/or potentially offensive nature. Patrons are responsible for choosing the sites accessed and for using the resources in an appropriate manner.
- Library computers may not be used for any unlawful purposes including unauthorized downloading, copying, or distribution of copyright-protected materials.
- Viewing or transmitting material that reasonably could be considered pornographic or of prurient sexual interest is prohibited.
- Access to and/or display of obscene language and sexually explicit graphics and materials, as defined in sections 2907.01 and 2907.31 of the Ohio Revised Code, is prohibited.
- Library workstations are shared resources and not for the exclusive or excessive use of a single patron. Library staff may impose time limits on use of the computer when others are waiting, including the use of time management software on patron computers.
- Users must conclude all activities on the computer, including printing, before the library closes. Library software may be scheduled to shut down prior to closing hours, patrons wishing to print or otherwise use library services should plan to conclude use 5 minutes prior to closing time.
- Patrons may not attempt to hide or disguise from staff content accessed on public computers. Staff will monitor public computer use in order to enforce library policy.
- The library assumes no responsibility for use of the Internet by minors.
- The library assumes no responsibility for claimed damages of any kind arising out of use of Internet workstations. This includes but is not limited to unavailability of service, unplanned or unexpected power surges or outages, or the loss network connectivity through the wired and/or wireless networks.
- Filtering
- The library may choose to use services such as OpenDNS to restrict access to unlawful activities or to content that violates this internet usage policy. If a patron believes access to a legitimate service has been blocked they may ask staff to unblock OpenDNS or other system-wide network security settings. Staff will use professional judgment in evaluating the security risk to the library’s network when determining if a site can be unblocked; staff are instructed to err on the side of network security to maintain a safe and stable network environment for all patrons.
- Network filters are inexact and often ineffective. Parents/guardians of minor children are ultimately responsible for overseeing their child's use of the Internet. Library internet filtering in no way guarantees that offensive content will be inaccessible.
- Security of library network and property
- Efforts to bypass the security of the library network, or any other computer network connected with the library, are strictly prohibited.
- Users may not tamper with or attempt to adjust any aspect of computer workstation hardware.
- Intentionally damaging or attempting to damage the library’s network