General Library Policies

The Board of Trustees sets policies consistent with state and federal laws for effective operation and use of library resources.


Basic information for using Wauseon Public Library's resources:

Note:  A library card is required.
 

	Materials	Loan Period	Fine (max. $5.00 / item)
	Books	2 weeks	25 cents / day
	Periodicals	2 weeks	25 cents / day
	Audio Cassettes	2 weeks	25 cents / day
	Books on CD	2 weeks	25 cents / day
	Music CDs	2 weeks	25 cents / day
	Framed Art	8 weeks	25 cents / day
	Equipment	1 day	25 cents / day
	Videos	2 weeks	25 cents/ day + $1.00 if not rewound
	DVDs	2 weeks	25 cents/ day

Materials may be renewed for an additional specified length. Extended loans are available for teachers, vacations and special projects.

Fines on overdue videos and equipment are 25 cents per day per title. All other materials have a 25 cent per day per item fine. Maximum fine is $5.00 per item. The policy manual is available at the circulation desk.

Internet Access Policy

In order to ensure equal access for all, the Board of Trustees has approved the following as policy.

Disclaimer:

The Library through OPLIN provides access to the Internet reference databases of general and special periodical materials, reader's advisory services, homework centers to assist students with research assignments and legislative, historical, and archival materials and information. The information is not generated by the Wauseon Public Library or OPLIN.

Information available through OPLIN and the Internet is not warranted by the Wauseon Public Library or OPLIN to be accurate, authoritative, factual or complete, private and/or secure. The availability of networked information via the Wauseon Public Library does not constitute any endorsement or ratification of that information. The Wauseon Public Library and OPLIN are not responsible for the content of networked information available. The use of OPLIN and the Internet to engage in any activity which constitutes violation of local, state and/or federal laws is strictly prohibited. All users of this service agree to hold the Wauseon Public Library and OPLIN harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, obligations or liabilities, directly or indirectly relating to the use of OPLIN or the Internet, caused thereby or arising therefrom. In no event shall the Wauseon Public Library or OPLIN have any liability for lost profits or for indirect, special, punitive, or consequential damages or any liability to any third party, even if the Wauseon Public Library or OPLIN is advised of the possibility of such damages.

Guidelines for use:

• The Library's OPLIN computers access the Internet. Library patrons use it at their own risk. The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of minor children assume responsibility for supervising access to Internet resources. It is recommended that anyone under 18 years old be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
   
• All OPLIN users must file a statement affirming they have read the OPLIN Policy and agree to abide by the guidelines. Furthermore, all juveniles (Under 18 years of age) must have a parent sign at the circulation desk for juveniles to use the system unattended.
   
• Use of the OPLIN computers is on a first come first serve basis during regular library hours.
   
• Patrons must sign in at the circulation desk with a current library card. If you are visiting in the area visitor status is available.
   
• Patrons will be limited to one 30 minute session per visit. In the event there are no patrons waiting to use the computers, the user will be granted additional time on the computer. Additional sessions may be granted at the discretion of the Circulation Desk. However, during times of peak usage concurrent sessions will not be granted.
   
• Only one person is allowed at an OPLIN computer, except for a parent or guardian with child or legitimate project work.
   
• The Library is not an Internet server. E-mail addresses are not available through the library. Staff will not assist with e-mail, chat-rooms and/or games.
   
• If you plan to download information on a disk to take home, diskettes are available at the circulation desk for $1.00. Software downloaded from the Internet via OPLIN computers may contain a virus. The Wauseon 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. Wauseon Public Library strongly recommends you have virus checking software on your home computer.
   
• The OPLIN computers are intended for educational, informational and recreational purposes only. Any unauthorized, illegal, or unethical use is prohibited. You may not send, receive or display text or graphics which may be construed as offensive.
   
• Any charges accruing to the Library as a result of a patron purchase, will be passed on to that patron.
   
• The OPLIN computer system is made available to any and all citizens by the State of Ohio. When one person misuses the system (e.g. downloading programs to the hard drive, changing parameters in the system, or otherwise creating difficulties for the next person to use), it is a grievance to other users. You are expected to 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 access to any other computer systems or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.
   
• The Wauseon Public Library Code of Conduct applies to OPLIN/Internet use.

Library Staff Assistance:

• Due to scheduling, Internet-trained staff may not always be available.

Sanctions:

• Misuse of the computers or Internet access and failure to comply with the Internet Policy will result in loss of computer privileges: that is to vacate the machine and/or deny future access.
   
• A copy of this policy is displayed at the OPLIN computers. The Library will provide a copy upon request.

Reviewed and Adopted January 9, 2001 by the Board of Trustees of Wauseon Public Library.

Time limit modified February 6, 2001.