OPLIN
AND
INTERNET
ACCESS  POLICY

INTRODUCTION:
   Integral to the mission of the Library is the provision of meeting the informational needs of the diverse
population in Hardin County.  The Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services
to meet these needs.  It is within this context that the Mary Lou Johnson-Hardin County District Library
offers access to the Internet via the Ohio Public Library Information Network. (OPLIN)

DISCLAIMER:
   It is understood by users of OPLIN and the Internet that most of the information available is not generated
by the MLJ-Hardin County District Library or OPLIN.  The 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.
   Information available through OPLIN and the Internet is not warranted by the MLJ-Hardin County District
Library or OPLIN to be accurate, authoritative, factual , or complete.  The availability of networked
information via the MLJ-Hardin County District Library does not constitute any endorsement or
ratification of the information.  The MLJ-Hardin County District Library and OPLIN are not responsible
for content of networked information available.  The use of OPLIN and the Internet   to engage in any
activity which constitutes violation of local, state, and/or federal laws are strictly prohibited.
   The Library does not monitor and has no control over the information, which you make think con-
traversal or inappropriate.  Users are encouraged to take advantage of the Internet and and to exercise
good judgment and discretion and are responsible for the sites they reach.  Parents of minor children
must assume responsibility for their children's use of the Internet through the Library's
connection.  (For additional information about viewing Internet materials safely,  see the brochure
provided, "Child Safety on the Information Highway", or call the National Center for Missing and
Exploited Children, 1-800-843-5678 or visit www.missingkids.org).

GUIDELINES FOR USE:
   First time users will receive a copy of this policy and OPLIN access information.
   All users of this service agree to hold the MLJ-Hardin County District 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.  In no event shall the
MLJ-Hardin County District Library or OPLlN have any liability for for lost profits or for indirect,
special punitive, or consequential damages or any liability to any third party, even if the MLJ-
Hardin County district Library or OPLIN is advised of such damages.
   The Library 's OPLIN computers access 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 parents or legal guardian of minor children not the Library staff, who must assume
ultimate responsibility for supervising access to Internet resources in the Library.   Parents
of minors must sign a permission slip before their children may have training and access
to the Internet.
   In order to use the OPLIN/Internet computers all patrons must read, agree to the Library's use policy.,
and sign a disclaimer at the Reference Desk.  Minors under the age of 18 must have a parent
or guardian sign before they can use the OPLIN computers.  Children under the age of 8 must
be accompanied by an adult.
   The OPLIN computers are normally available, subject to periodic maintenance, during library hours.
Use of the OPLIN computers is first-come, first served.  You are limited to 1 hour per day unless no
one else is scheduled.  You will need your library card, and you need to sign in at the Reference
Desk.  Only one patron per computer due to limited space, except for tutoring.  You are to stay on the
computer assigned to you.  If you have problems with the computer, please let us know.
   OPLIN Internet stations are located behind the Reference Desk and throughout the Reference area where they can easily be monitored by the staff,  for assistance and security.
   The following uses of OPLIN/Internet computers are prohibited:
*   Unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes
*   Commercial activity
*   Political lobbying
*   Sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics which may be construed as sexually explicit or violent in nature
*   Disrupting use of the Internet for others
*   Chat
*   Downloading files

Users of the OPLIN/Internet at the Library shall not:
*   Misrepresent himself or herself as another person
*   Attempt to modify or gain access to find passwords or data belonging to others
*   Seek unauthorized access to any computer system
*   Damage or alter software components of any network or database

   In order to prevent computer viruses, under no circumstances may patrons use their own software or diskettes,
and may not download software to Library's computer.  Although we have a virus-checker on the Library's computers,
they will not protect you from the chance of getting a virus.
   The cost of printing is 20 cents per copy.
   The MLJ-Hardin County District Library is not responsible for damage to a patron or for any loss of data, damage,
or liability that may occur from the patron's use of the Library's computers.   Sending any information including credit
card numbers, via the Internet is at the sole risk of the user.  The MLJ-Hardin County District Library has no
control of the security of this data.
   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 resource is limited to a particular institution, the Library's OPLIN
connection is temporarily unavailable due to technical difficulties, or any other reasons.

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.
   Library staff cannot provide in-depth training but we may be able to offer searching
suggestions and answer questions.

 
SANCTIONS:
   FAILURE to use the OPLIN/Internet stations APPROPRIATELY AND RESPONSIBLY may result
in the loss of OPLIN/Internet privileges and Library privileges.  Violations of the policies described
above for legal and ethical use of computing resources will be dealt with in a serious and
appropriate manner.  Illegal acts involving Library computing resources may also be subject to
prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities to the fullest extent of the law.

Revised and adopted by the Board of Trustees-June 20, 2000