Privacy Policy

APL is not responsible for any personal information sent over the internet.

 

Internet and Network Policy for Patron Access

Use of the Library by Individuals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Internet Usage:

 

The Internet is a connection to a vast collection of information and data stretched across the globe.   While the size of the Internet does make it a useful resource, the varying laws governing it from nation to nation, as well as the multitude of intentions of other users, can make it a controversial, offensive, and even dangerous tool.   It is important to note that Internet material and resources are sometimes unreliable and often unpredictable.   In order to provide safer and more productive Internet sessions for its patrons, the library requests that patrons adhere to the following guidelines and regulations:

 

  • Due to the controversial nature of some websites, children under the age of eighteen must provide permission from a parent or legal guardian on their acceptable usage agreement card prior to their first use.   These cards are available at the circulation desk for this purpose.

 

  • Internet sessions may not be used for unauthorized, unethical, or illegal purposes.   In accordance with the contemporary community standards outlined in Section 2907.01 of the Ohio Revised Code, users may not access pornographic or sexually explicit materials, use profane, threatening, or harassing language, or transmit materials of this nature.   In addition, the unauthorized copying of copyrighted materials, or the violation of any local, state, or federal laws is forbidden.

 

  • Personal electronic mail (e-mail) is available from numerous web-based entities such as Yahoo! and Hotmail.   The usage of such e-mail is permitted, provided that messages sent or received are not in violation of the above regulations.

 

  • Chat rooms have become increasingly popular as Internet usage has escalated substantially in recent years.   While these resources may be enjoyable, they can also be very dangerous, as it is impossible to know which users are misrepresenting themselves, and which ones have intentions beyond a leisurely chatting session.   Sometimes the usage of chat rooms can compromise the safety of patrons-especially children.   For this reason, the usage of chat rooms (i.e. Yahoo! Chat, etc.) and chat programs (i.e. ICQ, IRC, AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo! Pager, etc.) is prohibited.

 

  • Users may make online purchases if they are purchasing with a credit card in their own name.   (Exceptions are married adults using a spouse’s card, etc.)   Children under age eighteen may not purchase online without using their own credit card.   The library will not be held responsible legally or financially for any purchases make online by any users.

 

  • Users of online auctions or classifieds are permitted to bid on items for purchase provided that they meet legal requirements and the requirements of that particular site’s policies.   Bidders may not make false or fraudulent bids, as bidding is often considered to be a binding contact.   Please check details before pursuing such actions, as the library will not be held responsible for false bidding, bad debts, fraud, expenses, or other matters related to online bidding or purchases.

 

  • It is possible to create web pages on the Internet at a number of free websites.   This is permitted provided displayed material is legal and legitimate.   However, parental consent is required for children under age eighteen to create a web page, and adult supervision of materials and information posted is strongly encouraged.

 

  • Downloading files to any computer’s hard drive is not permitted.   Downloading to a personal floppy disk is allowed, although all personal disks may be subjected to a virus scan to protect library systems.   Patrons wishing to purchase floppy disks may do so for a nominal fee.

 

  • Acceptable usage will be enforced by the computer specialist on a periodic basis.   Laws pertaining to users’ privacy restrict library personnel from tracking Internet activity without just cause; therefore, enforcement will be limited to content found in random examinations of the browser’s disk cache, and anything publicly displayed on the screen that is arbitrarily noticed by staff members or other patrons.   The library reserves the right to identify users in violation of the acceptable use policy by matching dates and times unacceptable materials were accessed to the Internet usage log maintained at the circulation desk.

 

  • Internet workstations may only be used by the person signed in the log for that specified time period.   Only two people may be seated at a computer at any given time.   Usage is limited to one hour per day unless there is no one else scheduled.   Appointments by phone will take precedent over walk-ins.   Anyone not present for a previously scheduled session will forfeit their time period (if another patron is waiting) fifteen minutes after their appointment time.

 

  • All Internet users must first hold a valid Arcanum Public Library card and have a signed acceptable use policy agreement before using the Internet.

 

  • Any actions to misrepresent oneself or gain unauthorized access to online resources are prohibited.

 

 

Use of the Library by Individuals

1. General
Library materials are public property. Each borrower is responsible for returning materials in good condition. Any type of material or particular subject area may be limited or placed
on in-library reserve at the discretion of the Library staff.

2. Registration
Each person borrowing materials must have a valid Arcanum Public Library card. (A driver’s license or other appropriate identification may be used on occasion if the card is not available, but should not be used as a permanent substitute for the actual library card). Any change in contact information of the borrower is to be reported immediately to the
Library staff.

3. Patrons of the library
The following persons are eligible to be registered borrowers:
a. Residents of Darke County
b. Non-residents of Darke County who are visiting or have business in the area.
c. Individuals attending school in Darke County.

4. To apply for a library card:
a. Adults (18 years old and older) are to present a photo identification and proof of current
address (e.g. current driver’s license, student identification, employment identification
card, recent utility bill, car registration, etc.).
b. Minors between the ages 14 through 17 are to present one piece of identification with
their name and current address or be accompanied by a parent or guardian with proper
identification.
c. Minors under the age of 14 are to be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is to
present proper identification and who is to sign the application form at the time of
registration.
d. There is no charge for the first library card. A replacement card will cost $2.00.
Identification will be requested before a replacement card will be issued.

5. Each patron should use his/her own library card when borrowing library materials. Each
patron will be responsible for materials checked out on his/her card, including fines for
materials returned late, lost or damaged.

6. Lost library cards should be reported at once to a librarian by phone or in person. The
patron is responsible for materials checked out up to the time the library card is reported
lost or stolen.

7. Loan of Materials
a. Loan periods are as follows:
21 days for audios, books, puppets and puzzles
14 days for older periodicals
5 days for CD Roms, comic books and encyclopedias
5 days for current catalogs, pamphlets and periodicals
b. Materials may be renewed for an additional loan period if no reserve has been placed on
them. The materials may be renewed by presenting them at the Circulation Desk or by
phone before the due date. Overdue materials must be returned to the Circulation Desk
and fines paid before they may be checked out again by the same patron.

8. Charges for Overdue Materials (excluding DVDs and VHS Videos)
a. A fine of ten cents per day per item is charged for overdue materials.
b. Library materials may not be borrowed and Library computers may not be used unless all fines or other charges have been paid.
c. If necessary for the librarian to go after a material, a charge of two dollars is made in addition to the fine.
d. The charge to send overdue notices to the borrower is added to the fine.
e. No charge is to exceed the cost of the material.
f. The librarian is authorized to offer special inducements to secure payment of fines and
the return of overdue materials, as seem desirable. However, this should be limited.
g. No fines will be charged for scheduled Library closings (Sundays or holidays) or days
the Library is closed due to inclement weather or an emergency.

9. Charges for Lost or Damaged Materials
a. The charge for a lost material is the price of the material. The material will become the property of the patron if found. There will be no refund.
b. Material damaged beyond repair shall be paid for as if lost. The material will become
the property of the patron.
c. Material damaged, but repairable, shall be charged on the basis of the total cost of the repairs as determined by the librarian.

10. DVD/VHS Video Circulation Policy and Procedures
a. A patron must register, be 16 years of age or older, and use his/her own valid Arcanum
Public Library card. A patron 16 or 17 years of age must have a parent or guardian
sign the DVD/VHS Video form at the time of registration.
b. DVDs/VHS videos will be free of charge, circulate for 5 days, excluding Sundays and
holidays, and will be limited to 3 DVDs/VHS videos per day, per household.
c. All DVDs/VHS videos will be checked out and returned to the Circulation Desk. A
fine of $2.00 per DVD/VHS video will be charged for DVDs/VHS videos returned in
the Book Drop.
d. DVDs/VHS videos may not be renewed.
e. A fine of $2.00 per day per DVD/VHS video will be charged to a patron’s account for DVDs/VHS videos he/she returned late (not to exceed the replacement cost of the item).
f. Library materials may not be borrowed and Library computers may not be used unless all fines or other charges have been paid.
g. If necessary for the librarian to go after a material, a charge of two dollars is made in
addition to the fine.
i. The charge to send overdue notices to the borrower is added to the fine.
j. NOTE: Please DO NOT leave DVDs/VHS Videos in vehicles or place them near
magnets or heavy duty motors. Heat and cold can damage DVDs/VHS videos.
Magnets and heavy duty motors can erase them.
k. The borrower is responsible for returning VHS videos rewound. DVDs/VHS videos
should be returned in good operating condition. In case of loss, theft or damage, the
borrower is responsible for the full replacement cost of the DVD/VHS video, its
circulation case and any inclusive literature.
l. The borrower is responsible for observing all U. S. Copyright laws pertaining to proper
usage and viewing of the Library’s DVDs/VHS videos.
m. NOTE: The Arcanum Public Library assumes NO responsibility or financial liability for
any possible damage caused to any DVD/VHS video player or recorder by any Library
DVD/VHS video.

11. Interlibrary Loan Policy
a. An effort will be made to obtain materials that are not available in the Arcanum Public
Library collection. Requests will be taken for materials of all formats. No request or delivery date can be guaranteed. Patrons placing an Interlibrary Loan request must have a valid Arcanum Public Library card.
b. Patrons will be notified if their requests cannot be filled. When Interlibrary Loan materials are received and processed, patrons will be notified that the materials are available until the return date.
c. Patrons must notify the Interlibrary Loan staff if they no longer need the requested material or if they are unable to pick up the material during the specified time.
d. Some lending libraries charge a fee for use of their materials. Occasionally there may be a shipping fee. Patrons will be made aware of these fees at the time the request is made. These fees will be collected from the patron when he/she picks up the material. A fee of $2.00 will be added to the account of the patron who does not pick up his/her
Interlibrary Loan materials. No Interlibrary Loan requests will be accepted from a patron with outstanding fines and charges. Library materials may not be borrowed and Library computers may not be used unless all fines and charges have been paid.
e. Interlibrary Loan materials may be circulated for the period specified by the lending
library or for a maximum of three weeks from the date they arrive at the Arcanum
Public Library, whichever is shorter. Each lending library has its own Interlibrary Loan
policy, and it is our intent to honor the policies of those libraries which are willing to
share their materials with us.
f. An effort will be made to renew Interlibrary Loan materials as requested by patrons.
Renewal of materials cannot be guaranteed as the lending library may refuse the
request.
g. Fines for overdue Interlibrary Loan materials are $.50 per day per item. A patron is
responsible for the replacement costs of his/her Interlibrary Loan materials which are
lost or damaged.

 

Approved 04/10/2007