INTRODUCTION:
Integral to the mission of the Library is the provision of meeting the informational needs of the diverse population in Hardin County. The Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services to meet these needs. It is within this context that the Mary Lou Johnson-Hardin County District Library 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 MLJ-Hardin County District Library 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.
The information available through OPLIN and the Internet is not warranted by the MLJ-Hardin County District Library or OPLIN to be accurate, authoritative, factual, or complete. The availability of networked information via the MLJ-Hardin County District Library does not constitute any endorsement or ratification of the information. The MLJ-Hardin County District Library and OPLIN are not responsible for the content of networked information available. The use of OPLIN and the Internet to engage in any activity which constitutes a violation of local, state, and/or federal laws are strictly prohibited.
The Library does not monitor and has no control over the information, which you make think is controversial or inappropriate. Users are encouraged to take advantage of the Internet and exercise good judgment and discretion and are responsible for the sites they reach. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children's use of the Internet through the Library's connection.
(For additional information about viewing Internet materials safely, see the brochure provided, "Child Safety on the Information Highway", or call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 1-800-843-5678 or visit www.missingkids.org).
GUIDELINES FOR USE:
First-time users will receive a copy of this policy and OPLIN access information. All users of this service agree to hold the MLJ-Hardin County District Library 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 therefrom. In no event shall the MLJ-Hardin County District Library or OPLlN have any liability for lost profits or for indirect, special punitive, or consequential damages or any liability to any third party, even if the MLJ-Hardin County district Library or OPLIN is advised of such damages. The Library’s OPLIN computers access 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 parents or legal guardians of minor children, not the Library staff, who must assume ultimate responsibility for supervising access to Internet resources in the Library. Parents of minors must sign a permission slip before their children may have training and access to the Internet.
In order to use the OPLIN/Internet computers all patrons must read and agree to the Library's use policy and sign a disclaimer at the Reference Desk. Minors under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign before they can use the OPLIN computers. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
The OPLIN computers are normally available, subject to periodic maintenance, during library hours. Use of the OPLIN computers is first-come, first-served. You are limited to 1 hour per day unless no one else is scheduled. You will need your library card, and you need to sign in at the Reference Desk. Only one patron per computer due to limited space, except for tutoring. You are to stay on the computer assigned to you. If you have problems with the computer, please let us know.
OPLIN Internet stations are located behind the Reference Desk and throughout the Reference area where they can easily be monitored by the staff, for assistance and security. The following uses of OPLIN/Internet computers are prohibited:
- Unauthorized, illegal, or unethical purposes
- Commercial activity
- Political lobbying
- Sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics which may be construed as sexually explicit or violent in nature
- Disrupting the use of the Internet for others
- Chat
- Downloading files
Users of the OPLIN/Internet at the Library shall not::
- Misrepresent himself or herself as another person
- Attempt to modify or gain access to find passwords or data belonging to others
- Seek unauthorized access to any computer system
- Damage or alter software components of any network or database
In order to prevent computer viruses, under no circumstances may patrons use their own software or diskettes, and may not download software to Library's computer. Although we have a virus checker on the Library's computers, it will not protect you from the chance of getting a virus.
The cost of printing is 20 cents per copy.
The MLJ-Hardin County District Library is not responsible for damage to a patron or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from the patron's use of the Library's computers. Sending any information including credit card numbers, via the Internet is at the sole risk of the user. The MLJ-Hardin County District Library has no control of the security of this data. You may not always be able to go to the places on the Internet you want to visit. The reason may be too many visitors using the host computer, the database or resource is limited to a particular institution, the Library's OPLIN connection is temporarily unavailable due to technical difficulties, or any other reasons.
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 training but we may be able to offer search suggestions and answer questions.
SANCTIONS:
FAILURE to use the OPLIN/Internet stations APPROPRIATELY AND RESPONSIBLY may result in the loss of OPLIN/Internet privileges and Library privileges. Violations of the policies described above for the legal and ethical use of computing resources will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner. Illegal acts involving Library computing resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities to the fullest extent of the law.
Revised and adopted by the Board of Trustees-June 20, 2000