Access to the Internet and other electronic resources

In keeping with the library’s objective to provide our patrons with free and equal access to information, regardless of the format in which the information is presented, Birchard Public Library provides public access to the Internet and other electronic resources. Birchard Public Library subscribes to the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, including its Access to Electronic Information Services and Networks.  

Use Policies

1. To use an Internet computer at Birchard Public Library, a patron must:
* have a valid Birchard Public Library card or other Clevnet Library card and register at the main library Information Desk to be included in the CybraryN database; or
* obtain a temporary user number at this desk; or
* if using a branch Internet computer, must sign the Internet Access Policy Agreement.

2. To obtain Internet access for her/his minor children, a parent or guardian must sign the Internet Access Policy Agreement and will receive a copy of Child Safety on the Information Highway brochure at this time.

3. Users of the library public computers agree to hold Birchard Public Library harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, obligations or liabilities, directly or indirectly relating to the use of the Internet and the library computers. All use is at the sole risk of the user.

4. The following uses of the Internet at the library are prohibited:
* Any violation of contemporary community standards regarding obscenity as defined in 2907.01 of the Ohio Revised Code, specifically the display of sexually explicit graphics and the display or transmission of profane, abusive and threatening language;
* Access to material that is considered harmful to juveniles as described in the “OBSCENITY” section of the Ohio Revised Code 2907.31;
* Violations of the copyright law of the United States (Title 17 U.S. Code);  
* Violations of any local, state, or federal statute;
* Violations of any software licensing agreements.

5. Users of these resources shall not:
* use another person's card number;
* attempt to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others;
* seek unauthorized access to the computer system;
* install software on any library computer;
* damage, alter, or install software components of any network or database; or
* misuse the library's computers and/or the Internet. 

Violations of this policy and the "Rules for library computer use" will result in the loss of Internet privileges. Any objections on the part of the patron may be filed as a complaint in the Library's normal procedure.

Revised by the Board of Trustees - June 18, 2008 - Resolution 39-08.