Patron Rules

Internet Access Policy

Welcome to OPLIN, the state-funded Ohio Public Library Information Network. In order to ensure safe, legal, accessible public internet services for all, the WPL Board of Trustees has approved the following Internet Access Policy:

The Library, through OPLIN, provides access to the Internet via our Patron Computer Stations and our free Public Wireless Internet, available for patrons and community members to utilize on their personal devices while visiting the Library.

Internet Usage Code of Conduct:

• Library patrons utilize the internet at their own risk. The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of minor children assume responsibility for supervising minor access to Internet resources.
• All OPLIN users must sign a statement affirming they have read the OPLIN policy and agree to abide by the Internet Usage Code of Conduct. Minors (anyone under the age of 18) must have a parent/guardian signature on file.
• Use of OPLIN computers is granted on a first-come-first-served basis, during regular library hours of operation. Computer users must sign in and out at the front desk with a current library card or photo ID. Failure to sign in or out will result in a temporary revocation of computer privileges.
• Only one person is allowed at each Patron Computer Station, with the exception of a parent/guardian accompanying a minor child, or for a group project, with pre-approval from Library staff.
• Library staff are not IT professionals and, therefore, cannot assist with the usage of the internet, including: email, professional and/or academic usage, social media, etc.
• Software downloaded to personal devices from the Internet may contain a virus or other malware. The Wauseon Public Library is not responsible for damage to a patron's personal device or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron use of the Library's Internet resources.
• Library computers and Wi-Fi are intended for educational, informational, or recreational purposes only. Any unauthorized, illegal, or unethical use is strictly prohibited and will result in an indefinite revocation of Internet usage privileges.
  • Responsible and ethical use includes:
    • Not sending, receiving or displaying text or graphics which are illegal, or may reasonably be construed as obscene or offensive.
    • Not utilizing library electronic devices for extensive periods of time (e.g. gaming, excessive video viewing, etc.)
    • Not utilizing the library electronic devices for non-educational gaming (e.g. violent video games, online gambling, etc.)
• Social media and other websites must not be utilized for any nefarious purposes, including: viewing inappropriate images/recordings (depictions of violence, sexual imagery, nudity, etc.), stalking/harassment, cyber-bullying, inciting violence, or any other activity deemed inappropriate by Library staff. The Library Director reserves the right to revoke Internet usage privileges from any patron, with reasonable cause.
• Patrons are not to utilize Library Internet resources for the purpose of purchasing any software or other materials, to be billed to the library. Any charges accruing to the Library as a result of patron Internet use will be billed directly to the patron.
• OPLIN resources are made available to any and all citizens by the State of Ohio. When one person misuses the resources (e.g. accessing inappropriate materials, downloading malware, making unauthorized changes to public systems, etc.), it poses an inconvenience 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 electronic devices, or damaging or altering software components of any network, database, or device.
• The Wauseon Public Library Patron Code of Conduct applies to all OPLIN/Internet use.
• Library Staff Assistance:
  • Due to Library scheduling, Internet-trained staff may not always be available.