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 accounts, 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.