Full Internet Use Policy

Bluffton Public Library Policy: Patron Access to the Internet

The Bluffton Public Library, in keeping with the Mission of the Library to meet the informational needs of the diverse population residing in the Bluffton Exempted Village School District, endeavors to develop collections, resources and services to meet these needs. It is within this context that the Bluffton Public Library offers access to the Internet via the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN).

The Bluffton Public Library provides public Internet access to the resources of the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN) to its customers. This service may beused to access any resource, engage in any communication, or conduct any activity available on the worldwide Internet or the OPLIN provided such activity can be done with standard Web browsers, with these exceptions:

You may not send, receive, or display text or graphics that may reasonably be construed as obscene or offensive to others.

You may not engage in chat or other social networking sites such as “MYSPACE.”

You may not use this resource for any illegal purpose.

You may not in any way alter, reconfigure, or damage the public access workstations

You may not use another’s library card.

You may not modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others.

You may not seek unauthorized access to any computer system, or damage or alter software components of any network, host server, or database.

In order to promote fairness of use:

Time will be limited to 30 minutes per session for Internet computers and 60 minutes per session for word processing computers. If no one is waiting to use a computer, your session time may be extended by 15 minute increments.

Users will be limited to 120 minutes (2 hours) per day.

Anti-Virus and disk protection software has been installed to preserve the exact original system configuration, to prevent viruses and to ensure that workstations will serve the greatest number of people. At the end of each session, any software installations, downloads or documents saved to the computer will be deleted.

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 parent or legal guardian of minor children who must assume ultimate responsibility for supervising access to Internet resources in the Library.

Library Patrons must have their Bluffton Public Library card and pin number to access a computer and must be in good standing without overdue materials or excessive fines.

Visitors

Adult visitors may obtain a Guest Pass with proper identification.

Minor visitors may obtain a Guest Pass when accompanied by an adult parent or guardian.

The use of OPLIN and the Internet to engage in any activity, which constitutes violation of local, state, and/or federal laws, is strictly prohibited.

Because this is a public resource, please respect the rights of others and therefore:

Please talk softly.

Set cell phone to “vibrate” and step outside to use phone.

Misuse of the Library's OPLIN computers and/or Internet access will result in loss of Internet privileges and may result in loss of all library privileges.

DISCLAIMERS:

Information available through OPLIN and the Internet is not warranted by the Bluffton Public Library or OPLIN to be accurate, authoritative, factual, or complete. The availability of networked information via the Bluffton Public Library does not constitute the endorsement or ratification of that information. The Bluffton Public Library and OPLIN are not responsible for the content of networked information available.