Introduction
Wright Memorial Public Library provides access to the Internet as an integral part of its mission to provide diverse opportunities for lifelong learning, personal growth, education, and enjoyment. In providing Internet access, the Library expands access to valuable sources of information far beyond the Library’s existing collection in size and depth. However, some information found on the Internet may be inaccurate, incomplete, dated, offensive, or inappropriate for children. The Library does not control and is not responsible for the content on the Internet and does not endorse the viewpoints nor vouch for the accuracy of information found on the Internet. The Library’s public computers are to be used for educational, informational, and recreational purposes only. Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding user activity. Users are advised not to enter sensitive personal or financial information such as bank account passwords, social security numbers, and credit card numbers, into the Library’s public computers or over the Library’s public WiFi network without use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN). The Library is in no way responsible for the results of such actions.
The Library is not responsible for damage to a patron's computer, storage device, or for any loss of data that may occur from the use of the Library 's computers or WiFi network.
The Library can provide training for members of the public to assist them in using the Internet in a safe, effective, and efficient manner.
Right to Privacy
The Library seeks to protect the First Amendment rights of its patrons and their individual rights to privacy. Except temporarily to allow printing, no record is kept connecting Library card numbers to a patron’s computer activity, including Internet use. However, the Library’s computers and network are public, and therefore the following should be kept in mind:
- Library computers are in public areas and therefore images on the screen may be subject to view by a wide audience.
- The Library uses software to delete patron activity between sessions, but the Library does not guarantee the efficacy of that software.
- Library staff or approved IT support providers can provide computer support by logging into a patron session remotely; Library staff will verbally request permission before logging into a patron computer session, unless directed by law enforcement in accordance with Ohio law.
Outside the prohibited purposes and content described below, the same standards of intellectual freedom, privacy, and confidentiality endorsed by Wright Library for traditional resources and services also apply to electronic media, including the Internet.
Filtering
As required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) in order to remain eligible for certain federal Public Policy Manual (May 2025) 30 funding, the Library uses internet filters that limit access to websites or content believed to be obscene or harmful to juveniles, as defined in Ohio Revised Code Sections 2907.01 and 2907.38. No filtering software is perfect: no filter will block all offensive materials, and any filter will sometimes block useful and educational materials as well. Patrons who believe a website has been blocked in error may request that a site be enabled by a librarian.
Use of the Internet by Children
Parents, guardians, and caregivers are responsible for their children's use of the Internet. Library staff does not control the sites that children may select on the Internet. Parents/guardians/caregivers are strongly encouraged to work with their children to develop acceptable rules of Internet use.
Guidelines and Conditions for Use
The Library 's Internet Use Policy applies to users of public computers, wireless connections, and personal electronics accessed within the Library.
Users May Not:
- Access, display, view, or disseminate materials, images, and/or performances that are obscene or harmful to juveniles, as these terms are defined in sections 2907.01 and 2907.31 of the Ohio Revised Code or as defined in any local, state or federal statute.
- Use Library computers or Internet services for any activity that is reasonably construed as harassing, defamatory, sexually explicit, or as creating an intimidating or hostile environment.
- Use for any unauthorized, illegal, or unethical purposes, including violation of copyright laws.
- Alter or cause damage to software, service, or equipment.
- Distribute unsolicited advertising
- Seek unauthorized access to any computer system, files, data, network, database, or security system.
Users Must:
- Honor the privacy of others and refrain from attempting to view or read material being used by others.
- Use the computers and Internet in a way that is not disruptive to other patrons, such as use of headphones to listen to audio content, with volume adjusted so it is not heard by others.
- Respect other patrons and follow the Library’s Rules of Conduct
- Provide their own storage device or cloud storage location for any data they wish to save and access after their session ends.
Patrons are required to sign in to a Library computer using their Library card or a guest pass, and use of the Internet computers is on a “first come, first served” basis. Use of the Library 's computers may be limited when other patrons are waiting.
Patrons may save their data to their personal storage devices or to their personal web space. Data and programs saved to Library devices will be deleted at the end of each session.
A public printer is available for patron use. There is a cost associated with this service. Print jobs are temporarily accessible to Library staff to allow them to assist patrons. Print jobs are automatically deleted after a period of time. Patrons can request jobs be deleted prior to this automatic deletion.
If Library staff suspect a crime is being committed, law enforcement will be contacted. The Library reserves the right to suspend Internet and /or Library privileges.
Library patrons may address questions and concerns about the Internet Use Policy to the Library Director.
Find our complete, current Public Policy Manual.