Computer Resources

East Palestine Memorial Public Library
Acceptable Use Policy for Computer Resources

The East Palestine Memorial Public Library is committed to serving the informational and educational needs of its diverse population in the greater East Palestine area. The Library endeavors to develop reasources, collections, and services to meet these needs. It is within this context that the Library offers access to the Internet and other databases. Some of the databases are available through OPLIN and others are available through library subscriptions.

The Library provides filtered access to the Internet in accordance with the federal CIPA (Children's Internet Protection Act) mandate. Adults defined as being 17 years and older by federal law, may request that library staff disable the CIPA filter during their internet session.

DISCLAIMER:

It is understood by users that the information available through the Internet is not warranted by the East Palestine Memorial Public Library to accurate, authoritative, factual, or complete. The availability of networked information via the East Palestine Memorial Public Library does not constitute any endorsement or ratification of that information.

The East Palestine Memorial Public Library and the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN) are not responsible for the content of networked information available. All users of this service agree to indemnify and hold East Palestine Memorial Public Library, it Board of Trustees, Officers, and Employees, and OPLIN harmless from any and all actions, causes of action, claims, losses, damages, fees, costs, expenses, obligations, or liabilities directly or indirectly relating to the use of OPLIN and the Internet, caused thereby or arising there from. In no event shall the East Palestine Memorial Public Library, its Board of Trustees, Officers, and Employees or OPLIN have any liability for lost profits or for indirect, special, punitive, or consequential damages or any liability to any third party even if the East Palestine Memorial Public Library is advised of the possibility of such damages.

Any attempt to use OPLIN, the Internet and/or this Library's networks, equipment and software for any activity that violates, or constitutes an attempt to violate, any local, state, federal or international law, order or regulation, or to engage in tortious conduct, is a violation of this Policy. It is not acceptable to transmit or receive material that is threatening, harassing, obscene, or pornographic, or to interfere with or disrupt network users, services or equipment. Disruptions include but are not limited to: distribution of unsolicited advertising, propagation of computer worms or viruses, and using the network to make an unauthorized entry to any other machine accessible via the network. The Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the reproduction, distribution, public performance, and public display of copyrighted material. Responsibility for possible copyright infringement lies solely with the user and the Library disclaims any responsibility or liability resulting there from.

Failure to comply with this Policy or misuse of the Library's networks, or computers, including customers' personal laptops and other mobile devices connected to wireless, will result in loss of computer access privileges, potential loss of library privileges and possible prosecution.

GUIDELINES FOR USE:

  1. Use of the desktops and laptops are by appointment. Walk-in and telephone reservations are accepted. Each user is limited to a maximum of 60 minutes of use per day. Library staff may change the limit, depending on demand.
     
  2.  Users must present their library card or a government issued photo ID each time they request use of a desktop or laptop. Juveniles must present their library card and have parental permission recorded on their library record in order to use an Internet accessible laptop or desktop.
     
  3. For juvenile library card holders, first-time Internet registration will include parent/guardian reading the Library's Policy, verification of library card in good standing, and a signature from parent/guardian. 
     
  4. Anyone wanting to use the computers must be in good standing (no outstanding fees or fines).
     
  5. Due to space limitations and considerations of noise, the Library prefers that one person at a time use the computer. When sharing is needed, each person should be registered to use the computer.
     
  6. Parents and guardians are advised to supervise their children's Internet sessions. Optional children's filtered search engines are available online and are linked to directly from the Library's webpage.
     
  7. Users may use their own storage disk or flash drive if they are virus-free. 
     
  8. All print jobs in the library are sent to the network printer located at the Circulation Desk. The clerk at the desk will retrieve copies and collect payments. Charges for standard 8 1/2 x 11 copies are 15 cents per page for black and white and 25 cents per page for color.
     
  9. Software downloaded from the Internet may contain viruses. Each user is responsible for maintaining antivirus software on their home computer or personal laptop. The Library is not responsible for damage to any user's computer or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from the use of OPLIN and the Internet. The Library staff is unable to install software and hardware that has not been approved or purchased by the Library with the purpose of being installed on public workstations.
     
  10. Users should be advised that the computer is located in a public area and that privacy and/or confidentiality are not possible. Library staff reserves the right to monitor use of the Internet to ensure compliance with this Policy. Library administration will intervene to prohibit any inappropriate behavior and may ask users to remove themselves from library equipment if they observe any behavior that they determine to be in conflict with this Policy.
     
  11. The staff of the Library cannot provide in-depth training on computers. Users are responsible for learning how to use the databases and resources. The staff will be glad to help with general questions as time permits.  
     
  12.  The East Palestine Memorial Public Library's current Policy, guidelines, rules and procedures have been developed to maximize availability and insure fair accessibility. They are subject to change as our experience with this service grows.


Wireless Internet Access

East Palestine Memorial Public Library provides a free internet access point or "hotspot" for patrons using their own laptop computers, PDAs, or other wireless capable devices in the library building during the hours the library is open.

How does it work?

  • Users must have their own wireless card. It must be 802.11b or 802.11g compatible.
  • The access is free.
  • Those accessing the service must comply with the library's Acceptable Use Policy, available in the library and online. 
  • Staff does not assist or instruct in wireless usage. The Library cannot guarantee an individual's hardware will work with the library's wireless connection. Staff is not responsible for any changes a user makes to his computer's settings. For problems, users are encouraged to contact the computer manufacturer. 
  • Printing is not available for wireless users not on a library-provided laptop. 
  • Wi-Fi access is secure. However, antivirus, additional security, and privacy protection are the responsibility of the user.

Patrons can use the wireless access to surf the Internet, send and receive web-based email, access library research databases, or work on personal files and software. Users are prohibited from using the Library's network for illegal activity, including accessing illegal and pornographic materials.

Settings
Many devices will be able to automatically detect the wireless network. If your device can't detect the network, use the following settings:

Network Name/SSID:  librarypatron    Password: librarypatron (One word, no spaces, no caps)
Network Mode: Infrastructure
WEP: Disabled
IP/Network Settings: Automatically obtain a network address (DRCP)
DNS: Your device will automatically obtain the DNS address along with a network address.
Gateway: Your device will automatically obtain the gateway address along with a network address.

Staff does not instruct or assist with these settings. Users must know how to configure their own equipment. Staff is not responsible for any changes a user makes to his computer's settings. If a user cannot get his device to connect, he/she needs to contact the computer manufacturer.

Updated and approved by the Board of Trustees on April 6, 2017
Wireless language revised and approved by the Board of Trustees on December 5, 2018.