The Internet is a major medium of commerce and the exchange of ideas and information. SPL offers staff members and patrons access to the Internet to provide them with sources of information in addition to the library’s physical collections. The Internet consists of innumerable Web sites that contain a wide variety of information and opinions from varied points of view. Users accessing the Internet do so at their own risk and SPL is not responsible for material viewed or downloaded by users from the Internet.
In compliance with federal and state statutes, SPL uses filtering software to protect against access to Internet sites that contain material that is obscene, illegal under state or federal statutes, or contains material harmful to minors. Since no filtering system is completely effective or efficient, further monitoring of a minor’s access to the Internet is strongly encouraged by the library and is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. Adults (age eighteen [18] or older) may bypass the filter by requesting a library staff member override the filter at selected library computers. Identification with a picture and birth date must be presented at the time of the request. No reason for the request is required. Customers, of any age, who feel that a site has been blocked in error, may ask a library staff member to check the site.
Parents, guardians, and caregivers of children are responsible for overseeing their child’s use of the Internet. Library staff does not control the sites children and teens may select.
Internet workstations are available for patron use free of charge on a firstcome, first-served basis. Reservation software is used to sign-up for sessions if all computers are in use at time of attempted access. To use the stations, a current library card is required for sign-in. Three one-hour sessions can be used per day per patron. The patron must be accessing the account of his or her own library card. If a current card is not possessed, one may be assigned at the Customer Service Desk. Use of computers by any individual at any location may be limited if others are waiting. Due to limited resources available for provision of public access to the Internet, the library administration may, through administrative procedures, set limits on use of computers including access, time limits, large files of still or moving images, sound, or on downloading files in any medium on a case-by-case and location-to-location basis.
The following restrictions apply:
- No display of sexually explicit graphics or profanity or other materials prohibited by Ohio law as defined in sections 2907.01 and 2907.31 of the Ohio Revised Code
- No copying of copyright protected materials
- No display or transmission of profane, abusive or threatening language
- Attempting in any way to alter, damage, abuse, or sabotage computer equipment or software, alter configuration, or install any software
- No online gambling
- No use of networked resources for unlawful purposes
- Any issues not covered here fall under general library policies and operations
Failure to adhere to this policy may result in the loss of access privileges for a period of time to be established by administrative procedure and/or eviction from library premises.
The library provides wireless access to the Internet at the Grove City and Westland Area Libraries at no charge. Patrons using wireless Internet access provided by the library are bound by the same policies and procedures as patrons using conventional Internet access. Failure to follow those policies and procedures may result in a loss of Internet access privileges. The wireless access provided by the library is not secure and information transmitted over the library’s network may be intercepted by a third party. Library staff members will not provide individual technical assistance to patrons attempting to connect to the library’s wireless network beyond determining whether or not the network is functioning.
The library does not assume responsibility for the reliability or accuracy of information found on the Internet. Users should be aware the Internet is not a secure medium and third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities as well as personal information about the user. The library assumes no responsibility for claimed damages of any kind arising out of the use of Internet computers or wireless Internet access. Upon observing a violation of the above, staff members are to request that the user cease the violation. If the user refuses or continues, staff members may terminate the user’s privileges for up to one month, depending on the violation. Should the violation persist or recur, the matter will be turned over to the Director.
The library’s policy is subject to change and may be revised.