Home > Using my library > Library policies > Internet use policy

Approved August 31, 2005
Rocky River Public Library Board of Trustees

Table of contents:

Introduction
Ethical Use
Range of Access
Rules
Patron responsibilities
Equipment problems and service disruptions
Printing
Courtesy
Violations of Policy
Reserving a Computer

Introduction

Rocky River Public Library – an informational, educational, recreational, and cultural resource – is committed to preserving its unique atmosphere and personal service, adapting quickly and efficiently to anticipate and meet community needs, and to promoting freedom of information to all. In this role, the library strives to enhance the information it delivers by providing a gateway to information resources from electronic networks around the world.

Ethical Use

All users of electronic information resources, such as the Internet, are expected to use these resources in a responsible manner consistent with the informational, educational, recreational, and cultural purposes for which they are provided. It is unacceptable to use the library’s Internet computers for any of the following:

• Attempts to alter, damage, abuse or sabotage computer equipment or software, alter configurations or install any software.
  
  
• Purposes that violate local, state, or federal laws. Users must respect all copyright laws and licensing agreements pertaining to software, files, subscription databases, or other resources obtained via the Internet. Users shall comply with all age restrictions governing access to sites as limited by the content provider.
  
  
• Disruption of or interference with network users or services. Such disruption or interference includes but is not limited to: distribution of unsolicited advertising or spam, harassment, libel or slander, and propagation of computer worms or viruses.

Range of Access

• The library is mindful of its commitment to the principles of freedom of access but at the same time is sensitive to the fact that the Internet access stations are in a public location subject to view by a wide audience. Therefore, discretion should be used when viewing text, sound, graphics or images that may offend others or are in violation of Ohio’s “Harmful to Juveniles” law. Library staff reserves the right to prohibit material that is inappropriate for viewing in a public area.
  
  
• To insure the best and safest use of the Internet for the greatest number of patrons, the library prohibits the use of online chat, instant messaging, and related services in the library.
  
  
• The library does not provide e-mail accounts. However, patrons may use library computers to establish free e-mail accounts with Yahoo! or similar providers. Patrons should consult the provider’s website for instructions on setting up accounts, for technical support and to resolve account problems.
  
  
• Library computers are provided for your educational and individual communication needs. You may not use the library’s equipment to operate a business.

Rules

Use of the computer and electronic resources of Rocky River Public Library shall be evidence of the user’s acknowledgement and acceptance of these rules and agreement to be bound by them.

Patron responsibilities

• As an information resource, the Internet offers a wealth of educational, recreational, and cultural information that increases the resources available to the patrons of the library far beyond its own collection. It allows access to ideas, information, and commentary from around the globe and a vast array of tools and resources for different age levels and points of view. Staff can assist patrons in finding quality websites for their information needs. However, selection policies that govern the acquisition and purchase of library materials are not applicable to the Internet. The Internet is not regulated and materials accessible through it may be inaccurate, incomplete, outdated, inappropriate, offensive, or biased. The library does not endorse any viewpoints or vouch for the accuracy of information obtained through the Internet and is unable to protect users from information that might be considered offensive. It is the user’s responsibility to choose which resources to access.
  
  
• It is the policy of Rocky River Public Library that full responsibility for materials and resources accessed by children rests with their parents or legal guardians. Parents and guardians may wish to refer to Child Safety on the Information Highway, a pamphlet produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The pamphlet is available in the Children’s Room. Parents and guardians also are encouraged to visit websites to learn more about protecting their children from risks associated with Internet access, including: www.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/pguide.htm
  
  
• The library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of the library’s public access computers.
  
  
• The library cannot guarantee the privacy or confidentiality of information or files that are entered into or accessed via computers or the Internet. Staff will not assist patrons with online financial transactions. The library does not recommend that patrons use its public access computers for activities that require them to enter information such as credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, or bank account numbers. Patrons do so at their own risk.
  
  
• The staff is glad to provide research assistance. For word processing and other applications, patrons are expected to be able to use the computers independently. Staff can provide general help, but they are not able to answer all technology questions and cannot provide in-depth computer training at the public access computers. For more help, patrons should register for the library’s free computer classes or request an appointment for individual training.
  
  
• Children who want to use the computers in the computer center should be self-sufficient computer users. For children up to age 12, the Children’s Room offers many computers with age-appropriate information and activities.
  
  
• Patrons who want to save information, data or documents should provide their own pre-formatted discs or other media. The library is not responsible for damages to a user’s disc, USB flash drive, other devices or computer or any loss of data.

Equipment problems and service disruptions

• Patrons who experience problems with workstations should notify library staff immediately and not attempt to fix problems themselves.
  
  
• The Internet and websites do not always work smoothly. Likewise, library computers and printers may occasionally malfunction. The library is not responsible for any loss or inconvenience patrons may suffer as a result of service interruptions.

Printing

• Paper and ink cartridges are costly. The library does charge for printing. The library’s policies and prices for black and white and color printing are posted by the printers.
  
  
• Only library-provided paper or similar stationery may be used. No card stock, coated paper, labels, transparences, etc. may be used. The library’s per-copy charge applies to all printing, because the major cost to the library is the printer ink cartridge.

Courtesy

• Only the intended users may use workstations equipped with special, adaptive hardware or software for the disabled.
  
  
• The library limits the number of individuals at a computer workstation to two in order to assure the rights of others to privacy and quiet.
  
  
• The computer area is a quiet area. Cell phones may not be used. Patrons may use personal listening devices, such as portable CD players or MP3 players with headphones, as long as the sound is not audible to others.
  
  
• Food and beverages are prohibited in the public computing area.

Violations of Policy

Disturbances related to noncompliance will not be tolerated. Users violating this use policy will first be asked to comply. Violators who persist will be told to leave the library. The library reserves the right to prohibit future access to the library for users who repeatedly violate the policy after previous warnings. Illegal acts are subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

Reserving a Computer

Patrons must have a Rocky River Public Library card to reserve a computer. Patrons may not use another person’s card number. Guidelines and instructions for the library’s reservation system are available near the computers, or patrons may ask the staff for assistance. Patrons must abide by the time and turn limits set by the automated computer scheduling system. Computers shut down promptly 15 minutes before closing time. Users must plan ahead to complete any printing or downloading before shutdown.