WILLARD MEMORIAL LIBRARY PATRON ACCESS TO THE INTERNET POLICY

LIBRARY MISSION STATEMENT:

The Willard Memorial Library is a public library system with branches in Greenwich, North Fairfield, and Wakeman dedicated to providing materials, services, and information to promote lifelong learning.

INTRODUCTION:

Integral to the the mission of the Library is meeting the informational needs of the diverse population in the Willard City, South Central Local, and Western Reserve school districts. The Library endeavors to develop collections, resources and services to meet these needs. It is within this context that the Willard Memorial Library (WML) system offers access to the Internet via the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN).

DISCLAIMER:

It is understood by users of OPLIN and the Internet that most of the information available is not generated by the WML system or OPLIN. The Library through OPLIN 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 and the Internet is not warranted by the WML system or OPLIN to be accurate, authoritative, factual, or complete. The availability of networked information via the WML system does not constitute any endorsement or ratification of that information. The WML system and OPLIN is not responsible for the content of networked information available, including information posted through chat rooms or news groups. The use of OPLIN and the Internet 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 WML system and OPLIN harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, obligations, or liabilities directly or indirectly relating to the use of OPLIN and the Internet, caused thereby or arising there from. In no event shall the WML system 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 WML system or OPLIN is advised of the possibility of such damages.

GUIDELINES FOR USE:

• First time users will receive a copy of this policy. 
• Patrons must sign this policy to be eligible for using the Internet computers. Patrons under the age of eighteen must have a parent or legal guardian co-sign this policy. Parents are encouraged to work closely with their children in selecting materials on the Internet that is consistent with personal and family values and boundaries.
• The Library computer is normally available, subject to periodic maintenance, to within fifteen minutes of library closing. The Internet computer is by appointment. You may reserve the computer up to two days in advance for one hour per day. Unreserved time may be available if no one is scheduled, in fifteen minute increments up to two hours.  Latecomers may only use the remaining time of their scheduled hour. Only as space permits and with library staff permission may there be more than one person at a computer.
• The OPLIN computer will be used for educational, informational, and recreational purposes only, not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes or for commercial purposes. You may not send, receive or display text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as sexually explicit, profane or violent. Unacceptable usage includes but is not limited to harassment of other users, libeling or slandering other users, disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications, unauthorized copying of copyrighted software and data, violation of computer system security, or violation of software license agreements. The Library does not provide electronic mail accounts.
• 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.
• You may not use your own software programs on the Library's computers. This will help prevent computer viruses that are common on public computers.
• You may not download programs to the Library's computers or change options and preferences set by the Library.
• If you wish to save files, you MUST purchase a disk from the library. You may not use your own diskettes in order to help prevent computer viruses.
  WARNING: Files downloaded from the Library's computers may contain a virus and you should use virus checking software on your computer. The Library is not responsible for any damage caused by downloaded software.
• Printers are available at each Internet station. The fee for copies is posted.
• You may not always be able to go to the places on the Internet you want to visit. The reasons may be, but are not limited to: Too many visitors using the host computer; the database or resources is limited to a particular institution; the host computer has a different address or has closed down; or the Library's OPLIN connection is temporarily unavailable due to technical difficulties.
• Misuse of the Library's computer or Internet access will result in loss of Internet privileges.

LIBRARY STAFF ASSISTANCE:
For most Library staff, traveling the Internet is a new experience. As our knowledge increases and time allows we will be glad to help you in accessing OPLIN and the Internet. Library staff cannot provide in-depth one-on-one training, but, we may, however, be able to offer searching suggestions and answer questions.

PARENTAL GUIDANCE:
(Please compete A or B for juveniles ages 10 through 17.  An adult must accompany children under the age of 10.)

The Willard Memorial Library strongly urges parents to read the "Child Safety on the Information Highway" pamphlet available from the National Center For Missing & Exploited Children.

Children under ten years old must be accompanied by an adult.

A) Please initial here: ___________, if you want your child accompanied by yourself or another adult when he/she uses the Library's Internet connection (print adult name here: _________________________).

  OR

B) Initial here: __________ if you waive parental guidance for your child.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: All patrons who wish to use the Library's Internet computer equipment are required to sign and date the following "Limitation of Liability". The undersigned acknowledges that he or she has read, understands and received a copy of the Willard Memorial Library system's "Patron Access to the Internet Policy". The undersigned further acknowledges and agrees that the Willard Memorial Library system assumes no liability for any loss or damage to the user's data or for any damage or injury arising from invasion of privacy in the user's computer accounts, programs, or files.

_____________________________   ____________________________
Print name of user                                     Print name of Parent/Legal Guardian

_____________________________  ____________________________
Signature of User                                      Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian

                                                                    of  juveniles under 18

Dated: _______________________     Dated: ______________________

The Willard Memorial Library reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.  Policy approved by the Huron County Prosecutor's Office on June 4, 1997. Policy approved by the Willard Memorial Library Board of Trustees on June 10, 1997.  Revision approved 8/15/2000