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Computer Use/Internet Access

Integral to the Mission of the Library is the provision of meeting the informational needs of the diverse population in Muskingum County. The Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services to meet these needs. It is within this context that the Muskingum County Library System offers access to the Internet via the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN). Use of Library computer equipment to access the Internet is a privilege, not a right. Accordingly, access requires responsible and lawful use. The use of the Internet is a privilege that may be revoked by Library at any time and for any reason. The Library administrators and/or OPLIN managers may perform the following actions for any legitimate reasons, including but not limited to for the purposes of maintaining system integrity and insuring that users are using the Internet consistent with this policy: monitor, inspect, copy, review, and store at any time and without prior notice any and all usage of the Internet and any and all materials, files, information, software, communications, and other content transmitted, received or stored in connection with this usage. The Library’s computer equipment and all information, content, and files are the property of the Library, and users should not have any expectation of privacy regarding those materials.

Customers are not permitted to behave in a way that intrudes upon the rights of others. Customers are not permitted to invade the privacy of other Library customers, harass Library staff or customers, damage or disrupt Library computer resources, or spam in violation of federal, state, or local laws or ordinances, including, but not limited to the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, which prohibits “hacking”, “cracking” and similar activities. The use of the Internet to engage in any activity that constitutes violation of local, state, and/or federal laws is strictly prohibited.

The Muskingum County Library System does not permit Library customers to use Library equipment for the purposes of illegally downloading and/or burning copyrighted materials (i.e. music) onto compact discs. Illegal downloading of copyrighted materials is a violation of law and may subject customers to the suspension of their rights to use Library computer equipment as well as potential criminal and/or civil prosecution by the copyright holder.

The Library avoids collecting or maintaining records that could compromise the privacy of customers. Customers must also exercise caution when using the Internet to avoid unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information. Library staff does not control the Web sites that children may select on the Internet. Parents are strongly encouraged to monitor their minor children’s computer usage in regard to their access of inappropriate matter and to caution their minor children regarding which personal facts are not to be shared on the Internet when using electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communication.

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution does not protect some content. No Library customer is permitted to use a Library computer to send, receive, or view obscenity, child pornography, or to display this illegal content, or, if a minor, to view materials harmful to juveniles in violation of federal, state or local laws.

All users of this service agree to hold the Muskingum County Library System harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, obligations, or liabilities directly or indirectly relating to the use of the Internet, caused thereby or arising therefrom. In no event shall the Muskingum County Library System have any liability for lost profits or for indirect, special, punitive, or consequential damages or any liability to any third party, even if the Muskingum County Library System is advised of the possibility of such damages.

DISCLAIMER:
It is understood by users of the Internet that most of the information available is not generated by the Muskingum County Library System. The Library 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 the Internet is not warranted by the Muskingum County Library System to be accurate, authoritative, factual, or complete. The availability of networked information via the Muskingum County Library System does not constitute any endorsement or ratification of the information. The Muskingum County Library System is not responsible for the content of networked information available.

GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES FOR INTERNET USE
Access to the Internet is a privilege, not a right. Accordingly, access requires responsible and lawful use. The use of the Internet is a privilege that may be revoked by Library at any time and for any reason. The Library administrators and/or OPLIN managers may perform the following actions for any legitimate reasons, including but not limited to for the purposes of maintaining system integrity and insuring that users are using the Internet consistent with this policy: monitor, inspect, copy, review, and store at any time and without prior notice any and all usage of the Internet and any and all materials, files, information, software, communications, and other content transmitted, received or stored in connection with this usage. The Library’s computer equipment and all information, content, and files are the property of the Library, and users should not have any expectation of privacy regarding those materials.

The Internet is an information resource beyond the confines of the Library’s collection. The Internet contains some material of a controversial nature. Customers are responsible for choosing the sites accessed and for using the resources in an appropriate manner. Customers are not permitted to behave in a way that intrudes upon the rights of others. Customers are not permitted to invade the privacy of other Library customers, harass Library staff or customers, damage or disrupt Library computer resources, or spam in violation of federal, state, or local laws or ordinances, including, but not limited to the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, which prohibits “hacking”, “cracking” and similar activities. The Muskingum County Library System does not permit Library customers to use Library equipment for the purposes of illegally downloading and/or burning copyrighted materials (i.e. music) onto compact discs. Illegal downloading of copyrighted materials is a violation of law and may subject you to the suspension of your rights to use Library computer equipment as well as potential criminal and/or civil prosecution by the copyright holder. The use of the Internet to engage in any activity that constitutes violation of local, state, and/or federal laws is strictly prohibited. Misuse of the Library’s equipment will result in loss of Internet privileges.

The Library avoids collecting or maintaining records that could compromise the privacy of customers. Customers must also exercise caution when using the Internet to avoid unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information. Library staff does not control the Web sites that children may select on the Internet. Parents are strongly encouraged to monitor their minor children’s computer usage in regard to their access of inappropriate matter and to caution their minor children regarding which personal facts are not to be shared on the Internet when using electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communication.

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution does not protect some content. No Library customer is permitted to use a Library computer to send, receive, or view obscenity, child pornography, or to display this illegal content, or, if a minor, to view materials harmful to juveniles in violation of federal, state or local laws.

All users must also hold a valid Muskingum County Library System Library Card. The Library Card must be provided during the time the customer is requesting use of the workstation. Additionally, customers under the age of 18 must have a parental signature on the Library’s Juvenile Internet Access application in order to utilize Internet service. Minors who have not received parental approval may use Library computers for other purposes (i.e. word processing, games, and software applications already loaded on Library computers). A one-hour time limit will be imposed when others are waiting. Only two customers will be permitted at the workstation at any given time.

Access to the Internet is on a first come, first served basis at the Main Library. At branch locations, due to limited computer availability, time intervals may be reserved in advance on the same day use of the computer is requested. To effectively manage use of computer resources, the Library reserves the right to require the scheduling of computer usage in advance at any Muskingum County Library System location as it deems necessary.

Internet copies may be printed at a charge of ten (.10) cents per page. Copies must be paid for using a debit card at the John McIntire Library. At branch locations copies must be paid for at the Circulation Desk.

Customers are NOT permitted to use their own software programs or download information from the Internet on the Library’s computer workstations.

Security

  • Efforts to bypass the security of the Muskingum County Library System network, or any other computer network connected with the Library, are strictly prohibited. The Library will assist in investigations of individuals who violate the law, including but not limited to hacking at any computer, via the Library’s network.

Use Guidelines

  • Standard conventions for etiquette on the Internet are to be observed.
  • Use of profanity, displays of sexually explicit graphics and text are prohibited.
  • Use of electronic communications primarily for informal conversation is discouraged.
  • Network resources may not be used for unlawful purposes.
  • Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected materials is not permitted.
  • Customers violating the guidelines will be asked to stop. If the violation continues, the customer will forfeit the right to use the computers.

Any issues not covered here fall under general Library operations.

All users of this service agree to hold the Muskingum County Library System harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, obligations, or liabilities directly or indirectly relating to the use of the Internet, caused thereby or arising therefrom. In no event shall the Muskingum County Library System have any liability for lost profits or for indirect, special, punitive, or consequential damages or any liability to any third party, even if the Muskingum County Library System is advised of the possibility of damages.