Effective: August 16, 2021; Revised 3/18/24
The Wayne County Public Library offers Internet access in support of the Library's role as a provider of information, research, and scholarship.
Internet use is a privilege and carries with it the responsibility of using it in an appropriate manner. All users must read the Internet Access and Safety Policy and posted Internet Use Rules before accessing the
Internet at the Library. Computer reservation software records the terminal number, date, start-and-end time, and name of patron. Computer sign-in records are confidential, unless otherwise set forth in ORC 149.432, and are retained for a minimum of 30 days. The Library reserves the right to assign patrons to specific computer terminals. Time limits may be used when others are waiting. Such time limits will be
posted.
Internet sites provide additional sources of information that supplement print and other electronic resources available in the library. Please be advised, however, that the Internet is primarily unregulated
and may contain material that is incorrect, outdated or personally offensive. The Library assumes no responsibility for contents found on the Internet. The user is solely responsible for selection of access and
assumes all risk related to or arising out of such use. The availability of information on the Internet does not constitute endorsement by the Wayne County Public Library.
The library does not provide e-mail accounts. The Library allows use of e-mail programs that do not use Library computer storage. The use of gambling sites is not permitted.
Software downloaded from the Internet may contain computer viruses. Patrons are advised to maintain anti-virus software on home computers. The Library accepts no responsibility for damage to any disks, data or computer equipment, or software. Library staff may not assist patrons with tax preparation. Library staff may not assist patrons who use the Internet to conduct any personal transactions.
As with all library materials, parents and guardians are responsible for their children’s use of electronic resources. Parents are encouraged to work with their children to develop acceptable behavior in the
library and, in particular, with the electronic technology available. To address issues of safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of electronic communication, parents
and legal guardians should urge minors to follow basic safety guidelines: never give out personal information (name, address, phone number, etc.), never arrange via a computer to meet someone and never respond to messages that are threatening or suggestive, remembering that people online may not be who they say they are. Parents and children are encouraged to read the pamphlet, “Cyber Safety,” produced by the Ohio Attorney General’s office.
Inappropriate behavior will result in termination of Internet and other library privileges. Inappropriate behavior includes but is not limited to: violation of copyright or software license agreements; accessing, downloading, or displaying obscene or pornographic material; use which damages equipment and/or software; or any behavior that is disruptive, harassing, or creates an intimidating or hostile environment to staff and/or to other patrons. The Library will use appropriate software to enforce this policy. Library staff may disable the software, if requested by a person, 18 years or older; however, displaying illegal sites or displaying sites limited by this policy is not permitted, even if not blocked by software.
When Library staff members observe a patron conducting illegal or disruptive behavior at Internet access areas, the library staff member will fill out an Incident Report. Computer and Internet and/or other Library privileges may be revoked for inappropriate behavior.
The Library will report suspected illegal use (including, but not limited to, accessing, downloading, or displaying child pornography, or displaying obscenity) to the appropriate law enforcement authorities and cooperate fully with any related investigations by those authorities.
The library staff is available to provide users of the Internet with assistance and to help identify sites. Lists of useful sites are available on the Library’s webpage, as well as in other sources. Because of time
restrictions and the complexity of the Internet, staff may not always be able to provide in-depth training or answers to all questions.
The Library offers wireless (WiFi) access at all of its locations. Wireless users are bound by the same guidelines stated in this policy.