GIRARD FREE LIBRARY INTERNET AND WORLD WIDE WEB ACCESS POLICY

INTRODUCTION

The Girard Free Library offers access to information resources on the Internet and the World Wide Web in response to advances in technology and to the changing information needs of the community. Access to these resources is one component in the Library's Mission "to provide materials and services to assist the residents of the Girard service area in obtaining information to meet their personal and educational needs" and to fulfill the role of enhancing, through this library, "equality of access to electronic information resources."

The Girard Free Library, through the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN), provides access to reference databases of periodical materials, advisory services, and homework centers to assist students with research assignments, and legislative, historical and archival materials and information.

Consideration for others must govern your selection of Internet sites. The library is a public place with people of all ages free to use any part of the facility. Remember that your viewing of Internet sites is taking place in this public setting, and may be monitored by library Reference staff.. 

Library staff is available, as time permits, to provide basic assistance to help patrons access the Internet and begin a basic search. Training sessions will be provided periodically for interested patrons. 

INTERNET USE BY MINORS

As with all Library materials, parents, guardians and caregivers are responsible for monitoring their children's access to information on the Internet and World Wide Web. Library staff cannot control the Internet resources children may access. Parents and children are also encouraged to read Child Safety on the Information Highway, jointly produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Interactive Services Association.

ILLEGAL USE PROHIBITED

The use of the Internet and World Wide Web to engage in any activity, which constitutes violation of local, state, and/or federal laws, is strictly prohibited. Inappropriate use of the library’s computers includes but is not limited to violation of copyright, conducting a business, running scams, plagiarism, identifying oneself as another, and violation of obscenity standards as defined in Section 2907.01 of the Ohio Revised Code. 

GUIDELINES FOR COMPUTER USE

 Use of the Internet and World Wide Web shall be guided by the following principles. Failure to abide by these policies will result in the loss of the use of Library Internet/World Wide Web resources or other Library privileges.

1. Sign-up at the Reference Desk will be required. You must present your Girard Free Library Card to the Reference staff. You must be in good standing with no fines or overdue items. Sign-up will include name and time of day. Sign-up sheets will be destroyed at the end of each day.
2. Use of the computers will be on a first come, first serve basis.
3. When multiple users are waiting for the limited number of computers available, a reasonable limit (one hour) will be enforced on workstation use time.
4. Computer printing costs are $.10 per page. Paper must be purchased at the Reference Desk. Patrons may not bring in their own paper for printing on the library computers.
5. Chat, Instant Messaging, and online gambling will not be allowed.
6. Patrons may access their own personal e-mail accounts but the Girard Free Library does not provide e-mail accounts.
7. Credit card and other purchases, and/or payment of bills are not allowed on library computers.
8. The use or installation of personal software is prohibited on library computers.  Only those programs and functions provided by the Girard Free Library may be used. Any attempt to violate the library network security will result in loss of computer privileges.
9. Patrons may save word processing documents on 3.5” floppy disks. The library sells blank disks for $1.00 apiece, or you may use your own, pre-formatted, virus-free disks.

GIRARD FREE LIBRARY INTERNET/WORLD WIDE WEB USE
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

NEITHER THE LIBRARY NOR ITS INTERNET PROVIDERS NOR ITS WORLD WIDE WEB PROVIDERS GUARANTEE THE TRUTH, ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF INFORMATION THAT MAY BE FOUND ON THE INTERNET OR WORLD WIDE WEB.

The Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed over the Internet or World Wide Web and is not responsible for its content. Users are responsible for determining that the information they access is acceptable, reliable and suitable to their needs. Some material may be offensive. Girard Free Library is not responsible for the content of information available.

All users of this service agree to hold the Library harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, obligations or liabilities, directly or indirectly relating to this service and/or the information available via this service, caused thereby or arising there from. In no event shall the Library have any liability for lost profits or for indirect, special, punitive or consequential damages or any liability to any third party, even if the Library is so advised of the possibility of such damages.

The Library cannot be held liable for damages to personal data, disks or equipment. Despite the Library's attempt to protect users' data and disks from viruses or other loss or damage, please be advised that complete protection is not possible. 

The Library staff has the right to stop any activities deemed inappropriate in accordance with this policy. The Girard Free Library commits to training staff and to supporting staff in all judgments related to interpretation of this document made in accordance with guidelines set forth. 

Adopted by the Board
December.9, 1996

Amended December 2001, September 9, 2003.