Internet Access Policy – Dover Library

Introduction

The library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services to meet the needs of the diverse population in our service area. It is within this context that the Dover Public Library offers access to the Internet via the Ohio Public Information Network (OPLIN) and other avenues.

Guidelines for Use

The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population, and library patrons use it at their own risk. As with other library materials, it is the patron, or the parent or legal guardian of minor children, who assumes responsibility for supervising access to Internet and OPLIN resources in the Library. Parents are encouraged to work with children to develop acceptable rules for Internet use.

In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the following measures have been implemented by the library:

Internet filtering software that blocks access to pornographic imagery has been installed on all library computers and the library’s wireless (WiFi) access
Library Internet users may not send, receive, or display any text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene. Anyone violating this prohibition will be asked to cease, and may be excluded from the Library.

The Internet will be used for educational, information, and recreational purposes only, not for unauthorized, illegal, or unethical purposes. Users may not send, receive, or display text or graphics that may reasonably be construed as obscene. Users seen accessing such sites will be asked to stop. Failure to do so could result in a loss of Internet and/or library privileges. Library computers are shared resources, and are not for excessive use by any single user nor to support personal, recreational, for-profit, commercial, or other activities.

Users understand that they are responsible for the cost of printing.

Because of the risk of computer viruses, users may not use their own software programs on any library computer connected to the Internet. Dover Public Library is not responsible for any loss of data or damage to a patron’s storage device, or liability that may occur from patron use of the library’s computers.

Users should respect the privacy of others by not misrepresenting themselves as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; and by not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.
Access to Internet and OPLIN is normally available during library hours, subject to periodic maintenance. Users may not always be able to access Internet sites for various reasons that could include: restricted use of certain databases, too many users on the host computer, maintenance or addressing problems on the host computer, or temporary disruption of the library’s Internet or OPLIN connection due to technical difficulties or routine maintenance.

Time Limits

The Library has set time limits to ensure that computers are available to as many customers as possible. Customers will be limited as to length of time per log-in; number of log-ins; and total time per day.

Internet Access and Filtering

The Library provides free Internet access for use by authorized persons and for legal activity only.

In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), and in order to remain eligible for certain federal funding, filtering software is installed on all Library computers on on the WiFi network. The Library cannot and does not guarantee that the filtering software will block all obscenity, child pornography, or materials that may be considered harmful to minors. The Library guarantee that the filtering software will always permit access to sites that may have legitimate research or other value.

The Internet is an unregulated medium, and the Library is not responsible for the content or accuracy of information accessed over the Internet, nor can the Library control remote server availability or Internet response time. The Library does not guarantee that any particular website or electronic transaction will work, or be compatible with, library equipment. Anyone using the Library’s computer system consents to all of the Library’s policies and rules.

Confidentiality and Privacy

The Library does NOT guarantee that any username, password, email, credit card number, financial, or any other information entered is private or secure. The Library recommends that you do NOT use the public work station for any financial, confidential, or private transaction.

Access by Minors

Parents or legal guardians are ultimately responsible for a child’s use of the Internet. Internet filtering software is not a substitute for parental oversight. Library staff is not responsible for monitoring or controlling a child’s use of the Internet, except when aware that the child’s use violates this policy. At its discretion, the Library reserves the right to deny minors use of the Internet when unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Disclaimer

It is understood by users of the Internet and OPLIN that most of the information available is not generated by Dover Public Library or OPLIN. Through OPLIN and other avenues, the library provides access to reference databases of general and special periodical materials, reader’s advisory services, homework centers to assist students with research assignments, and legislative, historical, and archival materials and information.

Information available through the Internet and OPLIN is not warranted by Dover Public Library or by OPLIN to be accurate, authoritative, factual, or complete. The availability of networked information via Dover Public Library does not constitute any endorsement or ratification of that information. Dover Public Library and OPLIN are not responsible for the content of networked information available. The use of the Internet and OPLIN to engage in any activity that constitutes violation of local, state, and/or federal laws is strictly prohibited.

All users of the service agree to hold Dover Public Library and OPLIN harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, obligations, or liabilities directly or indirectly relating to the use of the Internet and OPLIN, caused thereby or arising therefrom. In no event shall Dover Public Library or OPLIN have any liability for lost profits or for indirect, special, punitive, or consequential damages or any liability to any third party, even if Dover Public Library or OPLIN is advised of the possibility of such damages.
Customers agree to hold the Library harmless from any claims, losses, demands, liabilities, obligations, cause of action, suit, judgment, expense (including attorney’s fees), etc. relating to the use of the Library’s computer equipment, network, phone lines, wireless service, or Internet connection.

Failure to comply with this policy may result in the loss of Internet and/or library privileges.

Approved by the Dover Public Library

Board of Trustees

August 19, 2010

Amended: July 14, 2016