Electronic Access Policy

In support of its mission to provide access to informational, educational, and recreational materials, the library provides on-line information resources through the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN), to its patrons and staff. The library provides this access in an atmosphere that encourages information sharing and a rich array of informational resources.

Neither the library nor OPLIN guarantee the truth of the accuracy of information that may be found on the internet. We do not have the ability to select, monitor or control the content of the millions of Internet sites available. Some resources may contain material that some patrons will find offensive, and some sites are inappropriate for children.

We have chosen to offer the Internet and World Wide Web, despite its drawbacks, because there are many valuable resources available only through this venue. The library encourages parents to supervise their children's use of electronic access. The library staff does not act in the place of a parent to restrict what a child may access.

Public Library access to the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and it requires that its users act responsibly. See the GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF THE OPLIN COMPUTERS at each computer. Violators will be denied use of these facilities.

Any violation of copyrights, attempts to gain unauthorized access to any facility and the use of programs designed to calculate or guess passwords is strictly prohibited.

Users may not send, receive or display any text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene.

Commercial or political activity of any sort is prohibited.

The library makes available copies of the pamphlet Child Safety on the Information Highway provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (copyright 1994). We encourage parents to take a copy of this pamphlet and to implement its suggestions.

Each computer station in the Tuscarawas County Public Library which provides on-line capabilities will be identified by the following posted notice:

The Tuscarawas County Public Library has no control over what is available via the Internet, and is not responsible for the source, quality or acceptability of any information found therein. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children's use of these resources.

(Adopted June 13, 1996)
(Amended December 20, 1999)

Policies
A-V Equipment Damage
Code of Conduct
Disabled/Institutionalized Policy
Electronic Access Policy
Interlibrary Loan Policy
Meeting Room Policy
Users and Fees Policy