Use of the Library computers indicates understanding and acceptance of this policy.  Users violating this policy will first be asked to comply.  Customers who continue to violate this policy will be asked to cease their computer use.  If they continue violating the usage policy, privileges may be suspended and they may be asked to leave the Library.  

A card from the Barberton Public Library is required to use the Library's public access computers. Any Ohio resident may apply for a card, free of charge. Out-of-state visitors may obtain a temporary "Guest Pass" upon presentation of out-of-state identification. 

Time Limits

The Library has set time limits to ensure that computers are available to as many customers as possible. Customers will be limited as to length of time per log-in; number of log-ins; and total time per day. 

Internet Access and Filtering

The Library provides free Internet access for use by authorized persons and for legal activity only.  All of the Library computers, public and staff, employ filtering software.  However, adult patrons, over the age of 18 and showing photo ID, may ask to have the filter disabled.  The Library cannot and does not guarantee that the filtering software will block all obscenity, child pornography, or materials that are harmful to minors. The Library provides wireless access to the Internet for those using their own computers or PDAs. Customers should be aware that wireless Internet access is filtered and that the filtering cannot be turned off. Adults needing full access should use the Library's public access computers and request filter bypassing. 

The Internet is an unregulated medium, and the Library is not responsible for the content or accuracy of information accessed over the Internet, nor can the Library control remote server availability or Internet response time.  The Library does not guarantee that any particular website or electronic transaction will work, or be compatible with, Library equipment.  Anyone using 1 the Library's computer system consents to all of the Library's policies and rules. 

Customers agree to hold the Library harmless from any claims, losses, demands, liabilities, obligations, cause of action, suit, judgment, expense (including attorney's fees), etc. relating to the use of the Library's computer equipment, network, phone lines, or Internet connection. 

Confidentiality and Privacy

The Library does NOT guarantee that any username, password, email, credit card number, financial, or any other information entered is private or secure.  The Library recommends that you do NOT use the public workstations for any financial, confidential, or private transaction. 

Access by Minors

Parents or legal guardians are ultimately responsible for a child's use of the Internet. Children and young adults under the age of 18 must have parental permission via a signed Library form. Library staff is not responsible for monitoring or controlling a child's use of the Internet, except when aware that the child's use violates this policy.  At its discretion, the Library reserves the right to deny minors use of the Internet when unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian.  The Library cannot and does not guarantee that the filtering software will block all obscenity, child pornography, or materials that are harmful to minors.  

Printing and Saving 

Printing is at the cost of $0.10 per black and white copy and $0.25 per color copy.  Please print carefully as users are financially responsible for excessive or inaccurate printing.   

For the protection of the Library computer system, customers may not save to the hard drive.  You may save to removable media such as flash drives or portable hard drives.   

Warnings and Restrictions 

Customers may not use any Library computer to harass others or for illegal purposes that violate local, state, or federal laws.  Illegal activity will be subject to the legal consequences available under the law. 

The Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the reproduction, distribution, adaptation, public performance, and public display of copyrighted material.  Responsibility for any possible copyright 2 infringement lies solely with the user.  The Library disclaims any responsibility or liability resulting thereof. 

Customers may not attempt in any way to alter, damage, abuse, or sabotage computer equipment or software, alter configurations, or install any software.  Nothing may be downloaded on the Library computers.  Damage to the Library's computers and/or databases, or attempts to access non-public areas of the network may result in prosecution and loss of computer privileges. 

The display of objects or pictures that are sexually suggestive, extremely violent, etc. could be in violation of Ohio's Harmful to Juveniles statutes.  Such displays are not permitted and are subject to a response from local law enforcement.   

No food or drink of any kind may be in the vicinity of any computer. 

All workstations must be vacated ten (10) minutes before library closing in order to permit staff to complete closing and security procedures. 

Computer use privileges will be suspended for any library card account owing $50 or more in fines and/or fees.   

Any account holder may appeal the suspension of computer privileges by sending a written petition to the director within 30 days of the suspension.  The petition should explain why the suspension should be lifted.  Upon receipt of the petition, the director shall schedule a hearing with the Library Board of Trustees.  Failure to appear at that hearing will be considered withdrawal of the appeal.  At the conclusion of the hearing, the Board may affirm, modify, or cancel the suspension. 

All Library policies have been designed to maximize available resources and ensure accessibility.  They are always subject to review and revision by the Board of Trustees as necessary. 

Adopted by the Board of Trustees, July 27, 2007.  Revised December 13, 2007; November 20, 2008; June 28, 2012.