Rules and Policies
Adopted by The New Straitsville Public Library Board of Trustees.
1-14-2003

Index

Library Card Policy

Workstation/Internet Access Policy
Guidelines And Procedures For Public
Workstation/Internet Use
The use of the Internet by children
Access to OPLIN and the internet

Circulation Policy
Books
Videos (VHS & DVD)
Musical CDs

Meeting Room Policy

Building Policy

Library Card Policy

If you are a new patron you must have proof of address, and a Photo ID You will be allowed to check out 3 items(books movies, and CD"s) the first three months. Then after three months you can resume normal checkouts of 7 items.

Internet Access Policy

Disclaimer:

It is understood by users of OPLIN (Ohio Public Library Information Network), New Straitsville Public Library and Internet that most of the information available is not generated by New Straitsville Public Library or OPLIN. The library through OPLIN Provides access to the World Wide Web / Internet. This includes reference database of general or periodical materials, readers advisory services, homework centers to assist students with research assignments, legislative, historical, and archival materials and information.

Information available through OPLIN and the Internet are not warranted by the New Straitsville Public Library or OPLIN to be accurate, authoritative, factual or complete. The availability of networked information via New Straitsville Public Library or OPLIN does not constitute any endorsement or ratification of the information. the New Straitsville Public Library and OPLIN are not responsible for networked information available. The use of OPLIN and the Internet to engage in any activity which constitutes violation of local, state and/or federal laws is strictly prohibited.

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

Guidelines And Procedures For Internet/Workstation Use.

The Internet is an information resource beyond the confines of our library collection. The Internet contains some materials of controversial nature. Users are responsible for choosing the sites accessed and for using the resources in an appropriate manner.

Use of the Internet by children
Same as with all library materials, parents, guardians/caregivers are responsible for their children's use of the Internet. Parents are strongly encouraged to work with their children to develop acceptable rules of the Internet use.

The library staff cannot control the databases or materials that a child may select on the Internet. Since it is the parents responsibility to set family standards and values, the library cannot usurp that right or assume this responsibility. Recognizing the right of parents to determine what their children view, hear, or read while in the library does not exempt the library's role in keeping parents informed of the potential for viewing or reading controversial material while using the public workstations.

This acceptable use policy and the procedures that have been in place prevent to the extent possible and adult or child accessing unlawful and/or inappropriate materials, yet the very nature of the Internet, however does not prevent the possibility of accessing such materials. Therefore, any child 17 years old or younger must have a parent/child agreement form on file at the library before accessing the public workstations. This signed form will signify a parent/child understanding of the policies and procedures pertaining the use of the public workstations and the mutual agreement that these policies will be followed.

Access to OPLIN and the Internet.
Access to the public workstations is on first come first served basis. However, time intervals may be reserved in advance on the same day use that the workstation is requested. The public workstations are normally available, subject to periodic maintenance, and/or blocked out periods for normal training classes during library hours.

You may not always be able to go to the places you wish on the Internet.
The reason may be:

• Too many visitors using the host computer.
• The database or resource is limited to a particular institution.
• The host computer has a different address or is closed down.
• The library's OPLIN connection is temporarily unavailable due to technical difficulties.
• The content may be filtered. As of February 2002 we have implemented content filtering to questionable material. This was done to be in order with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA.) More details can be found at the here, here, and here.

First time users of OPLIN/NSPL's workstations will receive a copy of the Internet Access Policy Guidelines and Procedures. Adults and parents of minors (17 and under) must read procedures and sign the Internet Access Agreement Form. The signed form will be filed at the library. You may not use the public workstations for Internet access until the proper forms are signed.

As mentioned before, the use of NSPL's workstations is on first come first served basis. A 30 minutes time limit will be imposed when others are waiting. Priority is giving to those doing homework research of up to one hour. Due to limited space around the workstations only 2 customers will be permitted at one workstation at any given time.

Patrons are NOT permitted their own software programs on the library's Internet workstations.

Users may NOT bring blank diskettes from home to use on the public workstations. We do this as a safety measure in conjunction with anti-virus software to keep our workstations virus free, clean and fully functional. Diskettes are available at the library for a cost of $1.00 per diskette. Under no circumstances may a user download software to the hard drive of any library computer without permission to do so. Examples: ICQ, mIRC, PowWow Yahoo pager and Online Games among others.

Efforts to bypass the security of the New Straitsville Public Library, or to any computer network connected with the library is strictly prohibited. The library will assist in investigations of individuals who maliciously "hack/crack" at any computer via the library's network.

NSPL's workstations will be used primarily for educational, formal and informal and informative purpose. You may not send, or receive or display text or graphics which may be considered obscene by US Ohio law or inappropriate for viewing in a public place. Please see Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.01 for the definitions of obscene/inappropriate.

Use of profanity, displays of sexually explicit graphics and texts are prohibited. Use of electronic communications primarily for informal conversation is discourage, but NOT prohibited; Caution is advised. Please see our safety advise at: http://new-straitsville.lib.oh.us/links.htm#safty. Chat at your own risk.

Network resources may not be used for unlawful purposes.

You will not misrepresent yourself as another user by attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to others; by seeking unauthorized access to any computer system or damaging or altering software components of any computer, network or database.

Materials obtained or copied on the Internet may be subject to copyright laws. A work protected by copyright may not be copied without the permission of the copyright owner unless the propose use falls within the definition of "Fair Use". Proper credit must be given to the originator of any work. The use of any work, whether idea, artistic work, written works, either in whole or in part and representing it as your own, constitute plagiarism. Read more on copy right at: http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/faq.html

((( Warning ))) Patrons violating the guidelines will be advised to discontinue the inappropriate use and behavior. If violation continues, the patron will permanently forfeit the right to use the NSPL's workstations.((( Warning )))

You may print documents from the Internet. The current policy for printing is that a cost of 25 cents will be charged for each page printed in black and white and 35 cents when printed in color. As usage increases we reserve the right to re-evaluate to increase or decrease prices mentioned in this policy.

The Internet Access Policy Guidelines and Procedures for OPLIN/Internet use of the library's workstations were developed to ensure that the citizens of New Straitsville will have free and equal access to this new information resource. This policies and procedures where developed in the midst of an ever-changing political and legislative environment in which issues related to the accessibility of the Internet in public libraries are under a debate and therefore is pending legislation, which may affect the future of Internet access in Public Libraries.

The Internet User Agreement forms, which are part of the current policy, were initiated at the request of the Governor, President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of the Ohio General Assembly. The Internet Access Policy and the Guidelines will be reviewed by the Board of Trustees as needs warrants.

Circulation Policy

All materials must be returned before or on the due date before closing time.
You may renew your items by giving us a call at (740)-394-2717 any time from 2:00pm to 7:00pm Mon-Fri. You can only renew your materials twice.

Book and Magazine Policy
7 items Per Family/house
Items must be returned within 28 days.
Late fees on items are of $0.10 per book per day.
If you are a new customer, we must proof of address, a copy of your ID
If item is damaged, patron must replace it with equal item or pay the library the amount of the item. No book will be let out until the amount is fully paid.

Video & DVD Policy
5 Items Per Family/house
Items must be returned within 7 days.
If you are a new customer, we must have proof of address, a copy of your ID and you can only get 2 Items until good return credit is established.
Late fee on items are $0.50 per item per day.
If item is damaged, patron must replace it with equal or pay the library the amount of the tape. No VHS or DVD will be let out until the amount is fully paid.

Musical CD Policy
7 Musical CDs Per Family/house
CDs must be returned within 7 days.
If you are a new customer, we must have proof of address, a copy of your ID and you can only get 2 CDs until good credit is established.
Late fee on CDs are $0.50 per CD per day.
If CD is damaged, patron must replace it with equal CD or pay the library the amount of the CD. No CD will be let out until the amount is fully paid.

Meeting Room Policy

Building Policy

No food or drinks permitted inside the library.

No pets permitted inside the library (Unless it is a Seeing Eye Dog.)

For your safety and health always wear shoes and proper clothing when in the library.

No running and/or horseplay inside or around the the library.
No skateboards and/or skateboarding inside or around the library property.