Internet Policy & Guidelines for Use

Internet Services provided through OPLIN (Ohio Public Library Information Network)

Disclaimer: Bossard Library and OPLIN are not responsible for the content of networked information. 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. All users of this service agree to hold Bossard 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.

Services: Bossard 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.

Provided by: Your Ohio State Government

GUIDELINES:
1) The Library's OPLIN computer accesses 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 patron or legal guardian of minor children who assumes responsibility for supervising access to Internet resources in the Library. Children under twelve are considered minors at the Dr. Samuel L. Bossard Memorial Library.

2) First time users will receive a copy of this policy, OPLIN access information, Netiquette (Correct Etiquettes for Internet Use) and parents will receive the pamphlet, "Child Safety on the Information Highway". OPLIN users must sign-in at respective desks before using. A card for registration will be kept on file (not for public perusal) at the library with the signature of the patron or parent/legal guardian of a minor patron stating that they understand and agree to the OPLIN Access Policy. Their library card will then be noted that they are an OPLIN user.

3) The OPLIN computer is normally available in-house at the libary, subject to periodic maintenance, during our regular library hours (Sunday 1:00-6:00 P.M., Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M-9:00 P.M., and Saturday 9:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.). Print-outs need to be completed fifteen minutes before library closing.

4) Use of the OPLIN computer is by appointment. You must sign up for each session. You are limited to 30 minutes per day unless no one else is scheduled.

5) The OPLIN computer will be used for educational, informational, and recreational purposes only, not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes. You may not send or receive or display text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as sexually explicit, glorifying drugs, alcohol, violence, and hate.

6) Respect the privacy of others by not misrepresenting yourself as another user, by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; by not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.

7) You may not send or receive E-mail (electronic mail) using the Library's OPLIN computer.

8) You may not use your own software programs or diskettes on the Library's OPLIN computers. This will help prevent computer viruses that are common on public computers.

9) Printouts are ten cents per page. (Amended for color printouts: 25 cents partial; 50 cents full).

10) If you opt to save files instead of printing them, you will need to ask library staff for a diskette. Diskettes are available for $1.00. The diskette can not be re-used at a later time on library equipment. Staff will date and initial the diskette. Note how many megabytes of memory the diskette has.

11) Software downloaded form the OPLIN computer may contain a virus and you should have virus checking software on your computer. The Dr. Samuel L. Bossard Memorial Library is not responsible for damage to a patron's diskette or computer, or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron use of the Library's computers.

12) 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 resources is limited to a particular institution; the host computer has a diffferent address or has closed down; or the Library's OPLIN connection is temporarily unavailable due to technical difficulties.

13) Misuse of the Library's OPLIN computers or Internet access will result in loss of Internet privileges.

14) If users experience any problems with the computer or programs, they should notify library staff immediately.

15) The public OPLIN computers are located in three areas of the library: children's, reference/computer, and genealogy/local history. Patrons under twelve have priority over others in using the children's OPLIN computer. Young adults (age twelve and over) and adults have priority in using the OPLIN computer in the reference/computer area. Patrons and visitors doing genealogy or local history research have priority of use of the OPLIN computer in the Rowena Stormont Rare Book Room.

LIBRARY 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. Because of the many applications available over the Internet, Library staff may not be familiar with specific programs patrons wish to use. In these cases the patron is responsible for learning how to use the program. Library staff cannot provide in-depth training but, we may, however be able to offer suggestions and answer questions. The Library cannot provide technical instruction.