Internet Use
[Approved on June 21, 2017, by the Troy-Miami County Public Library Board of Trustees]
In keeping with Troy-Miami County Public Library’s mission to provide materials, information, technology, and opportunities to enrich, empower, educate, and entertain Miami County residents of all ages, the library provides free public access to the internet, for all users.
Usage of library internet must comply with all local, state, and federal laws.
- Internet use guidelines apply to all users who access the internet, both wired and wireless.
- The library cannot control and is not responsible for the content or accuracy of information accessed over the internet. We do not assume liability for the reliability of the local network.
- The library affirms the right and responsibility of all parents and guardians to guide their children’s library use, including the internet.
- Library staff can assist with accessing the library’s resources and answer general questions as time permits.
- Users may not move, unplug library equipment or cables, nor alter, damage, or sabotage the library’s computer hardware or software. Users will be financially responsible for any malicious damage to library hardware, software or network resources.
- Library staff may not be able to help with technical questions. The library cannot guarantee that a user’s hardware will work with the library’s Wi-Fi.
- Users assume all risks and responsibilities associated with any damage to patron owned computer equipment and/or devices that may occur from use of the internet. It is the user’s responsibility to have up-to-date virus protection on patron owned equipment and devices. The library is not responsible for personal items left unattended.
- The library supports the user’s rights to privacy. However, because of the open nature of the internet, users should have no expectation of privacy when using the internet.
- Users assume all risks and responsibilities associated with connection to the internet including, but not limited to loss of personal information, security or financial issues, or consequences caused by viruses or hacking.
- The library uses a content filtering application to screen computers that have internet access. Filters are not foolproof. Filtered sites may slip through controls and at other times, filters may block unintended sites. Filters can be overridden by library staff.
- Adult patrons have the right to request content filters be disabled, without justification, in a timely manner. United States v. American Library Assn., Inc., 539 U.S. 194 (2003). A “Website Filtering Reconsideration Form” is available upon request or can be downloaded from the library’s website. The date of the request and the website URL must be recorded on the form, email is not required. Turn the form into library staff.
- 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 in all areas of the library.
- Viewing sexually explicit material on any computer in the library may be considered disruptive behavior or sexual harassment if it harasses, intimidates, disturbs or has the potential to harass, intimidate, or disturb others as defined in the library’s Rules of Conduct and Sexual Harassment policies, respectively. Users may be asked to discontinue viewing the disturbing material, or leave the building.
- The library does not actively collect browsing data. The library does not release information on the use of the internet by library users except as required by law.
- The library may limit the amount of time of individual user sessions on the internet. Printing from the internet is available for a fee.
Patrons who fail to comply with this policy may lose their internet privileges or may be banned from the library. Illegal acts may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.