Mechanicsburg Public Library Public Service Policy 6 Technology

 

Mechanicsburg Public Library offers access to information resources through technology as one component of the Library's objective to meet our community’s educational, cultural, and recreational needs by providing timely and convenient access to materials, programs, technology, and services.  Anyone using Library technology expressly consents to all Mechanicsburg Public Library policies and rules.

 

PS 6.1 Internet Access Acceptable Use

Mechanicsburg Public Library provides free access to the Internet as part of its mission. The Library’s internet access must be used in accordance with all local, state and federal laws and in a courteous, reasonable and responsible manner.

Damages:  All users agree to hold the Library harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, obligations or liabilities, directly or indirectly relating to internet access and caused thereby or arising therefrom. In no event shall Mechanicsburg Public Library have any liability for lost profits or for indirect, special, punitive, or consequential damages or any liability to any third party, even if Mechanicsburg Public Library is advised of the possibility of such damages.

Internet Sites:  The Library has no control over the nature, content and availability of internet sites. Visiting some Internet sites may not be possible due to various reasons including:  the host site may be down or limiting access to control the number of visitors at the site, change of the website address, or technical difficulties on either end with phone lines, network connections, or other equipment.  Not all Internet sources provide accurate, complete, or current information. The Library neither monitors nor controls the information accessed on the Internet, nor is it responsible for its content. Users are responsible for determining that the information they access is acceptable, reliable, and suitable to their needs. Use in the public environment of the Library prevents any guarantee of privacy and activity may be subject to monitoring, recording, and periodic audits.

Respect Others:  Users agree to respect the privacy of others by not misrepresenting themselves 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 by damaging or altering software components of any computer, network device, or database.  

Loss of Privileges:  Users in violation of this policy may be subject to penalties, including but not limited to verbal warnings, loss of use of Library computers and network resources, and suspension from facility.  The decision to revoke these privileges is at the sole discretion of the Library.  Unacceptable use includes, but is not limited to the following:  Users may not move or unplug our equipment or cables for any reason.  Users may not make any effort to bypass security features of the Library computers, software or network resources.  Access to and/or display of obscene language and sexually explicit graphics and materials, as defined in the Ohio Revised Code, including sections 2907.01 and 2907.31, is prohibited. Viewing sexually explicit material on a computer in the Library may be considered disruptive behavior or sexual harassment if it disturbs or has the potential to disturb others.  Users agree not to use the Library's network for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.

Minor Children:  As with all Library materials, parents or guardians are responsible for their minor children's use of the Internet. Parents or guardians are encouraged to work out acceptable rules for Internet use.

OPLIN:  Mechanicsburg Public Library is a participant in the Ohio Public Library Information Network

Protection:  Viruses and identity theft are widespread.  The Library strives to provide security including the use of filters and firewalls but safety is not guaranteed. Use is at the sole risk of the user including sending of any information, such as name, address, and credit card numbers.  Filtered sites may slip through controls and at other times, filters may block unintended sites.

PS 6.2 Library Website

The Library maintains a website to further communication with the public and to provide remote access to resources.

PS 6.21 Website Privacy Policy

The Mechanicsburg Public Library website is provided for information purposes only.

Mechanicsburg Public Library collects no personal information from website visitors. Mechanicsburg Public Library uses cookies to collect traffic data for analysis, and Mechanicsburg Public Library uses Google Analytics to track general use, but does not track or permanently record information about individuals and their visits.

While the information contained within the website is periodically updated, no guarantee is given that the information provided in the website is correct, complete, and up-to-date.

Through the website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Mechanicsburg Public Library.  We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.

All users of the website agree to hold Mechanicsburg Public Library harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, obligations or liabilities, directly or indirectly relating to the website and/or the networked information available via the website, caused thereby or arising therefrom. In no event shall Mechanicsburg Public Library have any liability for lost profits or for indirect, special, punitive, or consequential damages or any liability to any third party, even if Mechanicsburg Public Library is advised of the possibility of such damages.

PS 6.22 Social Networking Software

The Library may use social networking software to facilitate communication and encourage collaboration with the public.  The Library reserves the right to monitor content before it is posted on all of its social networking software websites and accounts, and to modify or remove any messages or postings that it deems, in its sole discretion, to be abusive, defamatory, in violation of copyright, trademark right or other intellectual property right of any third party, or otherwise inappropriate for the service. The Library also reserves the right to edit or modify any submissions in response to requests for feedback or other commentary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Library is not obligated to take any such actions, and will not be responsible or liable for content posted by any subscriber in any forum, message Board, or other area within the service.

PS 6.3 Wireless Internet Access

Wireless internet access is usually available inside the Library during open hours and immediately outside the Library at all times.

Properly equipped devices will connect to the network by signing-in, that is, agreeing to the service terms.  It is the responsibility of all wireless access users to have up-to-date virus protection on their devices.

Service terms are as follows:  “Mechanicsburg Public Library and the State Library of Ohio are pleased to provide Internet access to the community via the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN). The Internet is an unrestricted global entity with a highly diverse user population and patrons use it at their own risk. As with other library resources, it is the patron, or the parent or legal guardian of minor children, who assumes responsibility for supervising access to Internet resources. Information available through the Internet is not guaranteed to be accurate, authoritative, factual, or complete and the availability of information accessed via the library's network does not constitute any endorsement or ratification of that information.

Patrons may access the Internet with personal wireless devices via the library's wireless network. The wireless device may require configuration, but the library staff can only provide general assistance and is not responsible for any changes to personal software or hardware settings.

By using the library's network, you agree...

...to abide by the library's Acceptable Use Policy, available from the library staff upon request.

...to 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 by damaging or altering software components of any computer, network device, or database.

...not to use the library's network for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.

...not to send, receive, download, or display text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as sexually explicit, promoting drugs or various illegal acts.

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 Mechanicsburg Public Library harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, obligations, or liabilities directly or indirectly relating to the use of the library's wireless network and the Internet, caused thereby or arising therefrom. In no event shall Mechanicsburg Public Library 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 Mechanicsburg Public Library is advised of the possibility of such damages.”

PS 6.4 Equipment Available for Public Use

Mechanicsburg Public Library’s public access computer workstations are normally available to use during open hours with a Library card in good standing. Time limits are imposed if there are people waiting to use these computers.  Use of the Library computers is limited to one person at a time unless otherwise permitted by a Library employee.  A cell phone may need to be used while at a computer station on occasion, but only brief and quiet conversations are permitted at this time so others are not disturbed.  Other electronic equipment is available for use in the building or to check out and take home and is subject to borrowing limits and terms of use.

PS 6.5 Use of Personal Technology

PS 6.51 Plugging In

A limited number of electrical outlets are available near several seating areas, and visitors are welcome to plug in their laptops or other personal electronic devices. However, power cords and other cables may not obstruct traffic, seating, or tables.

PS 6.52 Personal Communication or Entertainment Devices

Items such as, but not limited to, cellular phones, personal computers, portable listening devices, hand-held game consoles, pagers, and radios, should be used in a courteous, reasonable and responsible manner.  In general, headphones or similar equipment should be used by people who wish to listen to audio inside the Library. Cellular phone users are asked to converse quietly and briefly on them while inside the Library, and to hold longer, louder conversations in the entryway or outside the building.

Adopted by the Mechanicsburg Public Library Board of Trustees July 18, 2018