Internet Policy

Patron Access to the Internet

The Grafton-Midview Public Library (GMPL), in keeping with its mission to provide resources and support for the education, information, and recreation of the community, offers access to the Internet and the Ohio Public Library Internet Network (OPLIN) resources through public workstations and Wi-Fi. Patrons may use the Internet, a global entity with a highly diverse user population, at their own risk. As with other library materials, the patron or parent/legal guardian of minor children assumes the responsibility for supervising access to Internet resources in the Library.

The Library cannot control material accessible from Internet sources. Furthermore, the Library cannot apply the same selection 
criteria it uses for other materials.

The Library upholds and affirms the right of each individual to have access to constitutionally protected material. However, the Library is sensitive to the fact that the Internet workstation is in public view. Therefore, Library-provided Internet access may not be used for unauthorized, illegal, or unethical purposes. Access to and/or display of obscene language and sexually explicit graphics as defined in sections 2907.01 and 2907.31 of the Ohio Revised Code is not permitted. Patrons using the computer for this purpose will be asked to vacate the workstation. A second offense will result in a 30-day suspension. Continuous violation will result in losing computer privileges for up to four months as determined by the Director of the Library.

Staff reserves the right to monitor the internet activity of users for the safety of the Library’s patrons and to prevent contamination of the system. Each public station contains a hard drive retaining information. Administration reserves the right to access any hard drive on a public station as needed for safety and maintenance issues.

Disclaimer - All users of the services offered by GMPL agree to hold the Library and OPLIN harmless from any/all claims, losses, damages, obligations, or liabilities, directly or indirectly relating to the use of its computers, network, and Internet service. The Library cannot guarantee that every Internet service and every patron device or storage media will work with the Library’s computers and network.

The availability of information via the Library’s network does not constitute any endorsement or ratification of that information.

The Library does not release information on the use of the Internet by Library users except as required by law.

• Users may not send, receive, print, or display text or media that are obscene or illegal as defined by sections 2907.01 and 2907.31 of the Ohio Revised Code or that are unprotected under the U.S. or Ohio Constitutions.
• Users may not engage in any activity which constitutes a violation of local, state, federal laws and/or copyright violation.
• Users may not damage nor tamper with any Library hardware, software, or files.
• Users may not distribute worms, viruses or other software designed to damage or compromise computer security or operations.
• Users may not install or run unapproved software on Library computers.
• Users may not attempt to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or information belonging to others.
• Efforts to bypass the security of the library network, or any other computer network connected with the Library, are strictly prohibited. The Library will assist in investigations of individuals who hack at any computer via the library's network.
• Guest passes are available for non-cardholders.
• Users must respect the privacy of others and avoid creating disturbances.
• Headphones are required, and the volume must be kept low so as not to disturb other users.
• One user is permitted per workstation, with the exception of tutors/chaperones or unless directed by Reference Staff.
• The Library charges for printing from its computers. Printing costs are listed in the Fines and Fees Schedule.  Both color and black/white printing are available to users.  Print jobs must be completed and collected before the Library closes as they are automatically deleted at the end of the day.
• Users may download data from the Internet to personal storage devices or to the computer with the instruction of Reference Staff.  USB drives are available for purchase at the Reference Desk.
• GMPL uses computer/print management software to allow users to sign onto workstations. All print jobs are released by staff at the Reference Desk to the designated printer.
• Staff is unable to recover data once a computer session ends. To save a document, the user must copy it to his/her personal media or online data storage during the computer session.  The Library is not responsible for time or data lost due to computer failure or failure to save data during a workstation session.
   

The Library reserves the right to end Internet and computer sessions if these rules are violated. Violations or failure to comply with the directions of library staff may result in the suspension or revocation of computer use privileges at the Library. Users charged with a violation may appeal to the Grafton-Midview Public Library Board of Trustees. Additionally, illegal activities will be reported to the police.

Revised & Approved by GMPL Board of Trustees, July 10, 2012