Computer usage will be on a first come, first served basis. There is a 60 minute time limit for which the user will be given a time slot upon login. When the time has expired, users must make the station available to the next waiting patron. This may be more strictly enforced at busy times when some computers may be designated “Express Lanes” and have a shorter time limit than at slower times.
Under no circumstances may patrons use their personal software on library computers. They may bring data disks and flash drives for access to files only to use on the computers.
Downloading information or software from the Internet to the library computers is not permitted.
Access to various sites on the Internet may be difficult at times for a variety of reasons, outside the library’s control. The Library has chosen to install filtering software on the public computers. Since no filtering system is completely effective or efficient, further restriction of a minor’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. If a site has been inappropriately blocked in the opinion of an adult patron (age 18 or older), this should be brought to the attention of a Librarian. The Librarian can then allow access to that site via the use of a password. The Librarian will then notify the Director of the site for consideration to be unblocked permanently.
Library staff will be glad to assist patrons in using the Internet. Due to the many applications available over the Internet, Library Staff may not always be familiar with specific programs patrons wish to use. In these cases, the patron is responsible for learning how to use the program. The Library cannot provide technical instruction.
If users experience any problems with the computer or programs, they should notify the Library staff immediately.
The Library provides free access to the Internet as part of its mission. Misuse of the computer or the Internet will result in the loss of computer, Internet or library privileges. Examples of unacceptable use (some of which may also have legal consequences) include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications;
- Violation of computer system security, software license agreements or network usage policies and regulations;
- Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes or network identification numbers assigned to others; and
- Dissemination, exhibition, or presentation to a juvenile of any material that is obscene or harmful to a juvenile as defined by the ORC.
Users are advised to use caution when sending personal information such as name, address, social security number, credit card numbers, etc. over the Internet.
No more than 2 patrons may use one station at the same time. The Library reserves the right to alter this number to fit the circumstances.
Patrons may use their own computers to connect via the Wi-Fi however they may not connect their computers directly to the Library’s T1 connection.
The Library is mindful of its commitment to the principles of freedom of access but sensitive to the fact that the library computers are in a public location subject to view by a wide audience. Without wishing to censor access, staff members reserve the right to prohibit material that in their judgement is inappropriate for viewing in this public area or is illegal pursuant to the ORC.
Any issue not covered here falls under the general library guidelines for conduct.
The Perry Public Library offers access to information resources on the Internet in response to advances in technology and to the changing information needs of the community. Internet access is one component of the Library’s objective to acquire, organize and preserve materials which advance human knowledge and stimulate ideas. Perry Public Library provides free access to these materials to all individuals and groups in the community for purposes of education, information, research or the creative use of leisure time. The computer may not be used for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes. The display or sending of sexually explicit or suggestive material is prohibited. Users may not use Library terminals for any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating or hostile environment or any act which is prohibited by federal, state or local law or contrary to the library’s rules of conduct adopted by the Board of Trustees.
The Internet is a worldwide computer network with a rapidly changing environment which provides easy access to a massive body of information. The information and resources available on the Internet expand the Library’s services beyond traditional collections and electronic resources. Perry Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed over the Internet and is not responsible for its content. Not all Internet sources provide accurate, complete or current information, and some may be offensive, therefore, users are responsible for determining if the information they access is suitable to their needs.
As with all Library materials, parents, guardians and caregivers are responsible for their children’s use of the Internet. Library staff cannot control the databases that children may select on the Internet. Parents are encouraged to work with their children to develop acceptable rules for Internet use. Parents and children are also encouraged to read Child Safety on the Information Highway, jointly produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Interactive Services Association. This publication is available in the Electronic Resources section of the Cleveland Public Library home page under Children’s Literature, General Reference and Social Studies.
Wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) is provided free of charge by Perry Public Library for patrons who have the required hardware and software needed for this service. Use of this service is governed by Perry Public Library’s Internet Access Policy.
Use of Perry Public Library’s Wi-Fi service is the patron’s agreement with the terms and conditions of this policy:
- Wi-Fi access is provided as a free public service on an "as is" basis with no guarantee of service.
- Users are responsible for setting up their equipment to access Perry Public Library’s WiFi network. Library staff can provide general information to help connect to the Wi-Fi network. Library staff will not provide technical assistance and will not assume any responsibility for personal hardware configurations, security or changes to data files resulting from connection to the library’s Wi-Fi network. It is recommended that users make a backup copy of any settings changed before configuring their equipment for use on the library’s Wi-Fi network.
- All Wi-Fi users should have up-to-date anti-virus software installed on their computers.
- As with most public Wi-Fi networks, Perry Public Library’s wireless network is not secure. Any information transmitted (including credit card numbers, passwords and other sensitive information) could potentially be intercepted by another computer user.
- The Library’s Wi-Fi network is subject to periodic maintenance and unforeseen downtime.
- The Library filters all Internet access. This filter blocks those sites that violate the Federal Children’s Internet Protection Act and/or Perry Public Library’s Internet Use Policy.
- The Library assumes no responsibility for damage to or loss of equipment. Users must keep their equipment with them at all times.
- Printing access is not available via the Wi-Fi network. If the user desires to print, the file can be saved to a flash drive or emailed to themselves and printed from a public computer in the Reference Department for a nominal fee per page.
Any attempt to circumvent library procedures or any unauthorized attempt to access or manipulate library equipment will result in permanent disconnection from the library’s Wi-Fi network.