Twinsburg Public Library

Computer Acceptable Use Policy

 

The Twinsburg Public Library offers access to information resources on the Internet in response to advances in technology and to the changing information needs of the community. Internet access is one component of the library's objective to acquire, organize and preserve materials which advance human knowledge and stimulate ideas, and to provide free access to these materials to all individuals and groups in the community for purposes of education, information, research or the creative use of leisure time.

 

Choosing Resources

 

The Internet is a worldwide computer network which provides easy access to a massive body of information. The information and resources available on the Internet expand the library's information services beyond traditional collections and electronic resources. Not all Internet sources provide accurate, complete or current information, and some may be offensive. The Internet is a rapidly changing environment. In choosing sources to link to from its homepage, the Library has followed its materials selection guidelines. Beyond this, the Library has no control over the information accessed over the Internet and is not responsible for its content.  The Library has created websites for the general public, teens, and children to help guide them to sources that are accurate, complete, and safe. In addition, in accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Library has implemented filtering measures on all Internet accessible computers. Users are responsible for determining that the information they access is acceptable, reliable, and suitable to their needs.  The Library and its staff assume no responsibility for information accessed via the Internet.

 

Filtering

 

As required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), in order to remain eligible for certain federal funding, the Library has implemented filtering on all Internet-accessible computers within the library. The filtering installed on these computers protects against access of visual depictions of obscenity, child pornography, and materials that are “harmful to minors”. Users should be aware, however, that all currently available filtering technologies result in a degree of both “underacting” (permitting access to materials that should be blocked) and “overacting” (denying access to certain legitimate websites). The Library has attempted to select filtering software that best complies with CIPA, while providing users with least possible interference from accessing legitimate websites. The Library cannot and does not guarantee that the filtering system will block all obscenity, child pornography, or other materials that are harmful to minors. Nor can the Library guarantee that the filtering system will not restrict access to legitimate websites. In order to help address the overacting problem, the Library requests that all users, both adults and minors, contact the library at filtering@twinsburg.org or by using the “Request Access” button shown on the filtering software “blocked page”.

 

Disabling Internet Filtering

 

In addition, certain computers may have the filtering system disabled upon request from a person 18 years of age or older in order to obtain unfiltered Internet access for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. Currently, the filtering system can be disabled for computers used by staff members, and computers located in the Computer Lab and the Computer Classroom. Computers located in TeenCrossings, Children’s Place, as well as the Reference OPACs, and computers accessing the Internet via the Wireless Internet Access cannot have the filter disabled due to hardware and software limitations. However, legitimate websites can be added to a “whitelist” (a list of allowed websites) to allow these computers to have access to legitimate sites. Computers in Children’s Place and the Reference OPACs have a preset list of “allowed” websites that they may visit. Full Internet Access is not available from these computers.

 

Access by Minors

 

Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding which library resources are appropriate for their own children. Parents and legal guardians should guide their children in the use of the Internet and inform them about materials they should not use. While the Library affirms and acknowledges the rights and responsibilities of parents and guardians to monitor their children’s access to Library materials and resources, including those available through the Internet, the Library has established certain guidelines to assist in safe and effective use of these resources by minors.

 

In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Library has implemented filtering software as described above in order to limit the access by minors to inappropriate materials on the Internet.

 

To address the issues of safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications, as well as unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors, the Library recommends these safety guidelines.

• Never give out identifying information such as home address, school name, or telephone numbers.
• Let parents or guardians decide whether personal information such as age, marital status, or financial information should be revealed.
• Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone via the computer without parents’ or guardians’ approval.
• Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, threatening, or make one uncomfortable.
• Have parents or guardians report any incident to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 if one becomes aware of the transmission of child pornography.
• Remember that people online may not be who they say they are.
• Remember that everything one reads may not be true.
• In addition, the use of Library computers or technology for hacking, unauthorized access, or other unlawful activity is strictly prohibited.

 

Rules of Use

 

Due to the limited resources available for public access to the Internet, the library may set limits on usage of the computers. The Library also reserves the right to limit the amount of time an individual user can devote to a single session. In addition, the Library reserves the right to give priority on computer usage for users conducting bona fide research or schoolwork. Users must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including laws governing the transmission and dissemination of information while accessing the Internet, and with all Library policies and procedures.

 

Users may not:

• Use the network to make unauthorized entry into other computing, information, or communication services or resources.
• Distribute unsolicited advertising.
• Invade the privacy of others.
• Make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software.
• Engage in any activity that is harassing or defamatory.
• Use the Internet for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other rights of third parties, or in a manner inconsistent with the Library’s tax-exempt status or its proper operation.
• Access material that is in violation of applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding dissemination or viewing of inappropriate materials to/by minors, including but not limited to Ohio Revised Code § 2907.31 and § 2919.22.

 

Users are expected to sign-in with the appropriate staff members while using computers in the Computer Lab, Computer Classroom, TeenCrossings, or Children’s Place. These computers are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reference OPACs are available on a walk-up basis. Wireless Internet Access is available to all users through the use of user-owned equipment.

 

Printing is available from most computers within the Library. Users will be charged for each printout to cover the cost of toner and paper. Users may use their own paper, envelopes, etc. but will be charged the normal per-copy rate. Due to the constantly changing nature of documents, Internet sites, and images, all printing is done at the user’s risk. Users should ask for assistance before printing. Users are responsible for all pages that are printed from their computer.

 

The hard drive is not available for long-term storage of files. Files or documents created or downloaded should be saved to a removable disk before the end of the user’s session. Downloading is done at the user’s risk and the library takes no responsibility for any loss of data incurred. In addition, the Library takes no responsibility for loss of information that has been stored to a computer’s hard drive.

 

Users are expected to respect the needs of other Library patrons. If users disrupt other Library services, or their behavior is inappropriate for a library setting, the Library reserves the right to end their session. Out of respect for other Library patrons, use of cellular phones while using the computers is prohibited.

 

Users are expected to respect all Library property. Users are responsible for any damage done to Library computers and equipment while they are at a workstation.

 

Users’ Security

 

Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities. However, The Twinsburg Public Library will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources by members of the public except as required by law or necessary for the proper operation of the Library.

 

Wireless Internet Access

 

The Twinsburg Public Library provides free Wireless Internet Access as a service to the community.

Wireless Internet Access is provided for use with user-owned equipment. The Library cannot provide equipment for use with the Wireless Internet Access. In addition, Library staff can only provide general information or handouts for connection to the Wireless Internet Access and cannot troubleshoot problems with a user’s wireless device or network settings. The Library cannot guarantee that a user’s device will work with the Library’s Wireless Internet Access.

 

In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, Internet Filtering is applied to all computers that use Wireless Internet Access via the Twinsburg Public Library. Due to the nature of the wireless system, and as described above, filtering cannot be disabled on computers using the Wireless Internet Access.

 

It is recommended that all devices connecting to the Wireless Internet Access have updated anti-virus and firewall software. Wireless Internet Access through the Library is provided on an unencrypted, unsecured wireless network. Users should be aware that any information transmitted to and from the Internet is unsecured and may be viewable to third parties. It is recommended that users not transmit any sensitive data such as credit card information or passwords over the Wireless Internet Access. The Library is not responsible for any personal information that may be compromised through use of the Wireless Internet Access. Nor is the library responsible for any damage done to hardware or software while using the Wireless Internet Access.

 

Users are expected to comply with all federal, state and local laws, as well as any library policies, while using the Wireless Internet Access.

 

 

Compliance

 

The Twinsburg Public Library reserves the right to take appropriate action to insure compliance with this policy.

 

Policy Subject to Revision

 

The Twinsburg Public Library’s “Computer Acceptable Use Policy” may be revised from time to time.

 

Approved by the Board of Trustees on June 21^st, 2005