Computer use policy

The Nelsonville Public Library's public access computers connect users to OPLIN (Ohio Public Library Information Network) and the Internet, which is a global entity with a highly diverse user population. It is understood by users of OPLIN and the Internet that most of the information available is not generated by the Nelsonville Public Library or OPLIN. Library patrons use OPLIN and the Internet at their own risk; information available through OPLIN and the Internet is not warranted by the Nelsonville Public Library or OPLIN to be accurate, appropriate, authoritative, factual, or complete. As with other library materials, it is the patron or the parent or legal guardian of minor children who assumes responsibility for supervising access to Internet resources in the Nelsonville Public Library and its branch libraries.

A copy of these guidelines will be available on the Nelsonville Public Library's website (www.myacpl.org). In addition, anyone may receive a written copy of these guidelines upon request. Library staff may also be available to demonstrate the use of public access computers to first-time users, if time permits. Library staff cannot provide individual in-depth training, but may be able to offer searching suggestions and answer questions.

The public access computers are normally available, subject to periodic maintenance, during library hours; users must be cardholders in good standing with the library, although limited use is also available to temporary visitors from outside Athens County.

Use of the public access computers is by appointment. Appointments are limited to one hour per day, but you may continue to use the public access computer if no one else is scheduled. Appointments can be made by contacting the circulation desk at the individual library on the day when you wish to use the computer. Repeated "no-shows" may result in loss of public access computer user priviledges.

The public access computers will be used for educational, informational, and recreational purposes only, not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.

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

If you wish to save files, diskettes may be available at the circulation desk. You may also use your own diskettes.

Software downloaded from the public access computers may contain a virus and you should have virus checking software on your computer. The Nelsonville Public Library is not responsible for damage to a patron's diskette or computer, or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron use of the Library's computers.

You may not always be able to go to the places on the Internet you want to visit. 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 has closed down; or the Library's Internet connection is temporarily unavailable due to technical difficulties.