Computer Policies and Guidelines

The Westerville Public Library provides access to the Internet and other electronic services to further our mission of selecting informational and educational resources of value to our community. These services are offered in conformity with the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read policy, and the Freedom to View policy. The Internet contains many different kinds of material, some of which may be deemed to be of a controversial or offensive nature. In offering Internet access, the library staff cannot control nor assume total responsibility for:

1. access points reached,
2. the content of interactive communication such as e-mail and newsgroups,
3. the validity of information,
4. accessibility due to technical difficulties or Internet reliability, or
5. privacy of information from any websites left open by a patron.

In order to comply with contemporary community standards regarding obscenity as defined in 2907.01 of the Ohio Revised Code, the Library deems as inappropriate the following uses:

1. Display of sexually explicit graphics
2. Display or transmission of profane, abusive or threatening language

In addition, the following practices are deemed inappropriate:

1. Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected materials.
2. Violating any local, state or federal statute.

Parents must share with the Library the responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet. Access to material that is considered harmful to juveniles as described in the “OBSCENITY” section of the Ohio Revised Code 2907.31 is not permitted because those materials do not support the mission of the Library. Free copies of Child Safety on the Information Highway are available in each department.

Those persons having a concern about access to the Internet should ask at the reference desk in the Adult Services Department for the Statement of Concern Request. The completed statement should be returned to the reference desk for processing.

By using the Westerville Public Library’s network, customers agree to the following:

1. These workstations are part of the library’s Local Area Network (LAN). Each workstation in the network is set up to run pre-installed software only.
2. Do not attempt to run your own software, customize files, or change configurations.
3. Do not turn off the computer or reboot the system. Ask a library staff member for assistance.
4. To ensure privacy for your personal accounts, such as e-mail, electronic ordering, etc., please log off each account.
5. When finished, please close the application you have used and return to the main menu.

1. Deliberate altering of any files or modifying the configuration of any PC or peripheral is considered a violation of computer system security and will result in the loss of library computer privileges, with possible legal ramifications.
2. Destruction or damage of equipment due to willful misuse will result in legal action.
3. Willful removal of any part of the PC will be considered theft and will result in legal action.

1. Staff provides assistance, as time and knowledge permit.
2. Scheduled demonstrations are offered periodically. Please see a reference librarian to register.
3. Circulating and Reference books and manuals for self-instruction are available. Please ask a librarian.

1. There is a 60-minute limit when others are waiting.
2. Workstations not in use will be logged off ten minutes before closing.

1. To print, follow posted instructions for using a debit card.
2. Do not refill paper trays. Ask a library staff member for assistance.

1. Downloading to disks is permitted.
2. Computer disks that are lost and unclaimed are discarded after three days.

1. The Library does not offer e-mail accounts.
2. E-mail accounts are available through Internet e-mail sites.

Customers violating any usage guideline will be asked to stop. If the violation continues, the customers will forfeit the right to use the computers at the Westerville Public Library.