INTERNET ACCESS POLICY
Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County (proposed revision 1.5 9/28/2006)
INTRODUCTION
Integral to the mission of the Library System is the provision of meeting the informational
needs of the diverse population of Jefferson County Ohio. The library endeavors to develop
collections, resources and services to meet those needs. It is within this context that the
Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County (PLSJ) offers access to the Internet via
the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN).
Disclaimer
It is understood by the users of OPLIN and the Internet that most of the information
available is not generated by PLSJ and OPLIN. The Library, through OPLIN, provides access
to reference databases of general and specific periodical materials, reader’s advisory
services, Homework centers, and legislative, historical and archival materials and
information.
Information available through OPLIN and the Internet is NOT warranted to be accurate,
authoritative, factual or complete. The availability of networked information does not
constitute any endorsement or ramification of that information. We cannot be responsible
for the content of the networked information available. The use of OPLIN and the Internet
to engage in any activity that constitutes a violation of local, state and/or federal laws is
strictly prohibited.
All users of this service agree to hold the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson
County harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, obligations, or liabilities
directly or indirectly relating to the use of the internet caused thereby or arising therefrom.
In no event shall PLSJ or OPLIN have any liability for lost profits of consequential damages
or any liability to any third party.
GUIDELINES FOR USE.
1. The Library’s OPLIN computer accesses 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 legal guardian of those 17 and under who assumes responsibility
for supervising access to Internet resources in the Library. Parents and legal guardians
must realize that the Internet contains information of all types and descriptions.
2. PLSJ requires that anyone age 17 and under must have a parent or legal guardian sign
this document in person before they are allowed to use OPLIN and the Internet in the
library. That signature allows anyone 17 and under to use OPLIN and the internet by
presenting their library card on which is documented that such permission exists. No one
age 7 and under may use OPLIN without a parent or legal guardian present at the
terminal.
3. Following the requirements of number 2, the OPLIN computers will normally be available
during library hours, subject to periodic maintenance. A library card must be presented by
anyone wishing to use those computers. For patrons outside of the area served by PLSJ,
temporary access, good for one month, may be granted by providing proof of identification
and signing this form. Patrons with fines or other holds on their cards, which would prevent
them from checking out other library materials, are also restricted from Internet access.
4. Use of the computers is first come first served, however appointments may be made.
Time on the terminal is limited to 1 hour per day unless no one is scheduled, and terminals
may be scheduled up to 7 days in advance. Libraries may retain one terminal for short-term
use.
5. The OPLIN computers will be used for educational, informational, and recreational
purposes only, not for unauthorized, illegal, or unethical purposes. You may not send,
receive, or display text or graphics, which may be reasonably construed as obscene.
Patrons receiving one warning will be restricted from unfiltered access. The second
warning will result in loss of Internet privileges for a period of no less than three months. If a
patron is caught a third time, Internet privileges may be revoked permanently. The library
reserves the right to use remote viewing software to monitor patron activities that may be
found objectionable.
6. The library has installed filtering software on all public access terminals. This software is
in place as a default. Patrons 17 or over may request that this software be removed. Even
with the software removed, all rules regarding the viewing of objectionable material are
still in place.
7. Respect the privacy of others by not misrepresenting yourself as another user, by not
attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to others; by not
seeking unauthorized access to any computer system or damaging or altering software
components of any network or database.
8. The library does not provide e-mail to users. Users may set up and access free mail ac-
counts, and may access remote accounts. However, some accounts may not allow
remote access. Patrons may not use outlook express on the terminal to access their
accounts.
9. You may not use or download your own software programs on the OPLIN computers.
This will help prevent computer viruses from being spread on public computers.
10. You may not save files to the computer hard drives. If you wish to save files, you may
bring a diskette, or purchase one from the library staff for a nominal fee. USB jump drives
may be used, but the library does not provide or sell these.
11. You may not be able to go to all of the places on the Internet that you wish to go. There
may be too many visitors using the host computer, the database is limited to the particular
institution of ownership, the host computer does not allow access, the site has been
discontinued, or the OPLIN connection is temporarily unavailable due to technical
problems.
12. Terminal use is limited to one person at a time, unless the second person is the parent
or legal guardian. Exceptions may also be made, with staff permission, if the second
person is assisting the patron signed on to the terminal. However the second person may
not take up additional terminal space.
13. The library staff can offer limited assistance, they may not however, enter personal
information or credit card numbers. The library offers classes on the use of the Internet. Talk
to a library staff member to find out when the next one is scheduled.