Computer / Internet Use

Internet Access Policy

Introduction:

Included in the Mission Statement for the Fairfield County District Library is the emphasis on excellence in knowledge technologies and free and accessible resources.

To that end the Fairfield County District Library offers access to the Internet via the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN).

Information Resources and Access:

The Fairfield County District Library endeavors to provide collections, resources and services that meet the cultural, informational, educational and recreational needs of the community. Included in the Mission Statement for the Fairfield County District Library is an emphasis on excellence in knowledge technologies and free and accessible resources. In support of this mission, the library is pleased to offer access to the wealth of material available on the Internet, a global resource of recorded thought and information.

The Fairfield County District Library endorses and supports the Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks: an Interpretation of the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS, adopted by the American Library Association Council, January 24, 1996 and amended January 19, 2005. Under those guidelines, the library will not deny or abridge access to information available via electronic resources because of alleged controversial content, because of perceptions of the value of the material, or because of the age or background of the user. Since the Internet is an unregulated medium, it is not possible to use methods of selection and purchasing that are used to create a traditional library collection. Although the library will make every effort to guide users to reliable sources on the Internet which enhance the library's collection, the accuracy and authenticity of electronic information is not always measurable; electronic information evolves and changes on a daily basis. Some information accessed electronically may not meet the standards of the Fairfield County District Library materials selection policy. It is, therefore, left to each user to determine what is personally appropriate. Parents and legal guardians who are concerned about their children's use of electronic resources should provide guidance to their own children.

The Fairfield County District Library, recognizing that individuals might wish to limit their Internet access, will make available technology, commonly known as filtering, that will provide various levels of content blocking on the Internet. It is up to the individual or the parent/guardian to determine the use of filtering. Customers need to be aware that no filtering technology is fool proof. The Library cannot guarantee protection to the user from material that may be offensive, disturbing and/or illegal.

FCDL in conjunction with the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN) and the Central Library Consortium (CLC) provides access to reference databases. Information accessed via OPLIN, CLC and the Internet is not warranted by the Fairfield County District Library, CLC or OPLIN to be accurate, authoritative, factual, or complete. The availability of networked information via the Fairfield County District Library does not constitute any endorsement or ratification of that information. FCDL, CLC and OPLIN are not responsible for the content of networked information available.

The use of the Internet to engage in any activity which constitutes a violation of local, state, and/or federal laws is strictly prohibited. Viewing of certain materials in the public library may be considered improper in time, place or manner. The library reserves the right to end an Internet session at any time. Internet use will be managed in a manner consistent with the Library's Rules of Conduct, which have been adopted and are posted in the Library. Failure to use the Internet stations appropriately and responsibly may result in revocation of Internet use privileges, Library privileges and/or criminal prosecution.

• The Library assumes no responsibility and shall have no liability for any claims or damages, which result from the provision of Internet or email access to users. Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and third parties may be able to obtain information regarding Internet use at this site. All users of this service agree to hold the Fairfield County District Library, CLC and OPLIN harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, obligations, or liabilities directly or indirectly relating to the use of OPLIN, the Internet, or Internet filtering caused thereby or arising therefrom. In no event shall the Fairfield County District Library, CLC 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 the Fairfield County District Library, CLC or OPLIN is advised of the possibility of such damages.

Users may not:

• Use the workstations to gain unauthorized access to the Library's network or computer systems or to any other network or computer system.
• Obstruct other people's work by consuming large amounts of system resources or by deliberately crashing any Library computer system.
• Make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software.
• Make any attempt to alter software configurations.
• Make any attempt to cause degradation of system performance.
• Violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements.
• Engage in any activity that is disruptive to other Library users.
• Violate Federal, State or local laws or regulations.
• Run exectuable files.
• Access the Internet at the FCDL using another cardholders account.*

*Customers whose fines and/or fees have been turned over to Unique Management for collection will have their Internet privileges suspended until such time that restitution is made to the Fairfield County District Library. (See Fines and Fees Policy)

Passed by Resolution Number: 57-08 dated July 15, 2008
Passed by Resolution Number: 86-07 dated September 18, 2007
Revision of Resolution 40-04 dated July 20, 2004
Revision of Resolution 59-00 dated February 15, 2000
Revision of Resolution 12-97 dated January 21, 1997