Internet Policy

In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, Ottawa Library now offers Internet access to patrons from computer terminals in the library. This resource fits into the library’s mission and the goal of providing educational, informational, cultural, and recreational resources to the community. Information available through the Internet may enrich, broaden, and complement the existing print and audiovisual collections of the library. 

Library staff members do not regularly monitor information accessed and cannot guarantee the validity or accuracy of information found. Library users are advised to exercise judgment and discrimination to evaluate the usefulness and reliability of material found on the Internet. Users are expected to exercise good judgment and use the Internet in a manner consistent with the standards of the community. Although the library’s workstations are filtered in accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, parents are responsible for their children’s Internet sessions and are advised to be aware of their viewing choices. Users age 18 and over may request that the filter be disabled. 

Users of the library’s computers and customers using their own laptop or other wireless device on the library’s wireless network will refrain from any illegal use, including use which may cause damage to the library’s computer hardware or software, be sensitive to other library customers, respect the copyright laws, and abide by the procedures developed by staff to ensure the fair and reasonable use of Internet resources. The Library uses an internet management software product which limits patrons to a total of 480 minutes per day. Patrons must be present in the library to use their card for computer use and are not allowed to use multiple cards. Library staff members reserve the right to deny access to anyone that they find violating these use conditions. Wireless users should be aware that anti-virus and security protection are their responsibility and are not provided by the library. 

In consideration of Ottawa Library providing access to the internet, internet users and the parents and legal guardians of minor internet users agree to hold Ottawa Library harmless and agree to indemnify Ottawa Library from any and all liability arising out of the use of the internet and/or library workstations. Ottawa Library is not responsible for loss of any data due to service interruptions. Ottawa Library is not responsible for any transactions that an internet user participates in while accessing the internet.