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The State Library of Ohio Public Terminals Acceptable Use Policy

Revisions approved by the Library Board on July 31, 2003

INTRODUCTION

Integral to the Mission of the State Library of Ohio is the provision of information to meet the needs of Ohio's state government and citizens. The State Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services to fulfill this mission.

As a state agency, the State Library of Ohio has a management responsibility as cited in Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Directive 01–25 to establish an appropriate policy to administer use of the Internet and online services supported by the agency. It is within this context that the State Library of Ohio offers access to the Internet and other on–line services.

FILTERS

The State Library of Ohio uses a filter software application to screen all public computers having Internet access. Filters are not foolproof : sometimes filtered sites may slip through; other times filters may block unintended sites. In the latter situation, the filters can be overridden by library staff to permit access for government documents and other types of research. The State Library of Ohio expressly abrogates responsibility for the effectiveness of its filtering software application.

GUIDELINES FOR USE

  • State Library public terminals will be used for educational, informational, and recreational purposes only; use for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes is prohibited.
  • Access to or display of obscene language and sexually explicit graphics as defined in section 2901.01 and 2907.31 of the Ohio Revised Code is not permitted.
  • U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of "fair use." Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.
  • Software or other computer programs may NOT be downloaded from the Internet; only citations and information resources may be downloaded to diskette on State Library public terminals.
  • Users are prohibited from misrepresenting themselves as another user; attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; seeking unauthorized access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.
  • Minor children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian when accessing the Internet from State Library public terminals. Age restrictions do not apply for patrons doing government documents research.
  • The State Library is not responsible for Internet connections that are temporarily unavailable due to technical difficulties.
  • Users may not modify or change State Library terminal settings, or reboot public terminals.
  • Users playing games may be asked to give up their terminal to someone needing to do research when the library is busy.
  • Failure to abide by these policies may result in suspension of State Library services and privileges.