Internet

PATRON ACCESS TO THE INTERNET

INTRODUCTION

Meeting the information needs of the population in the Kirtland Public Library service area is one of the missions of the Library.  The Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services to meet these needs.  It is within this context that the Kirtland Public Library offers access to the Internet via the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN) and CLEVNET, a computer-based consortium of libraries.

DISCLAIMER

It is understood that this policy covers the computers owned by the Library and equipment brought into the library by patrons and used to access the Internet via the Library’s wireless network.

This policy covers computers used anywhere on Library property.

It is understood by users of OPLIN, CLEVNET, and the Internet that most of the information available is not generated by the Kirtland Public Library, OPLIN or CLEVNET.  The Library, through OPLIN and CLEVNET, provides access to reference databases of general and special periodical materials, readers’ advisory services, homework centers to assist students with research assignments, and legislative, historical and archival materials and information.

 

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

 

All users of this service agree to hold the Kirtland Public Library, OPLIN, and CLEVNET harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, obligations, or liabilities directly or indirectly relating to the use of OPLIN, CLEVNET, and the Internet, caused thereby or arising therefrom.  In no event shall the Kirtland Public Library, OPLIN or CLEVNET have any liability for lost profits or for indirect, special, punitive, or consequential damages or any liability to any third party, even if the Kirtland Pubic Library, OPLIN, or CLEVNET is advised of the possibility of such damages.

 

GUIDELINES FOR USE:

 

  • The Library’s computers access the Internet which 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 other computer resources in the Library.
  • A copy of this policy and OPLIN and CLEVNET access information are available to any user by asking a staff member for a copy.
  • The Library’s computers are normally available, subject to periodic maintenance, during library hours and scheduled computer classes.
  • Use of the computers with OPLIN, CLEVNET, and Internet access is on a first come, first served basis.  These computers may be used for one-half hour.  After that, users agree they will make them available if someone is waiting.
  • The computers, both owned by the Library and brought for use by patrons, will be used for educational, informational and recreational purposes only, not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.  The Library is mindful of its commitment to the principles of freedom of access, but sensitive to the fact that the library computers are in a public location subject to view by a large audience.  Without wishing to censor access, staff members reserve the right to prohibit material that, in their judgment, is inappropriate for viewing in this public area.
  • Patrons may not misrepresent themselves as other users, attempt to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others, seek unauthorized access to any computer system, or damage or alter software components of any network or database.
  • Patrons may not use their own software programs on the Library’s computers.  This will help prevent computer viruses that are common on public computers.
  • Patrons may purchase a diskette from the Library if they wish to save files.  This is another measure to curb viruses. 
  • Patrons using their own diskettes must have the diskettes scanned for viruses by Library staff before use.
  • Software may not be downloaded to Library-owned computers.  Patrons using the Library’s wireless access network may download to their own equipment.  The Library is not liable for the consequences of wireless network use in any way.  See the Wireless Access Policy.
  • Patrons may not always be able to access sites on the Internet when they want to visit.  There may be too many visitors using the host computer, the database or resource is limited to a particular institution, the host computer has a different address or has closed down, or the Library’s OPLIN and/or CLEVNET connection is temporarily unavailable due to technical difficulties.
  • Misuse of the Library’s computers or Internet access shall result in the patron’s loss of OPLIN, CLEVNET, and/or Internet privileges.

 

 

LIBRARY STAFF ASSISTANCE

 

Library staff will devote a reasonable amount of time assisting individual library users with the Internet where needed.  Staff cannot devote large amounts of time to each customer because staff members scheduled for floor duty are handling many information requests from many individuals.

 

Programs, demonstrations, classes and one-on-one sessions are offered by Library staff and scheduled on a regular basis.

 

Approved:  May 12, 1997

Amended:   September 14, 1998

Amended:   May 9, 2005