The Perry County District Library, recognizing its responsibility to maintain order, has established the following policy and procedures for the interaction of staff with patrons. The purpose of the code of conduct is to:
 

• Protect the rights of individuals who are in the library to use the library materials and/or services
• Protect the rights of staff members to conduct library business without interference
• Ensure the safety of library users and staff
• Preserve library materials and facilities

All staff members are authorized and expected to bring to an individual’s attention any act or omission that violates this code and detracts from the decorum of the library. Staff members are expected to do this in a courteous and consistent manner. 
Individuals will first be alerted to misconduct and asked to change their behavior to conform with the code of conduct. If an individual chooses not to adhere to this warning further disciplinary action will be taken. If an individual is asked to leave library property and resists, the police will be called to assist. 
Violations of the Library Code of Conduct may result in eviction from the library. Depending on the severity of the misbehavior, an eviction could be for the day (D), one week (1W), two weeks (2W), thirty days (30D), or indefinite (I). The following examples and guidelines are to be used in determining the timeframe of the eviction. These are to be used at the discretion of the staff member who witnessed the misconduct. Eviction from library property may result from actions that include, but are not limited to:

• Leaving a child under age 6 unattended in the library. Library staff cannot assume the responsibility for the supervision of children in the library. (D)
• Conversation that is disturbing to other individuals or employees, which may include the use of cell phones. (D)
• Loud or boisterous behavior. (D)
• Profanity or other abusive language. (D, 1W)
• Abusing library furniture, equipment or materials. (2W, 30D)
• Running in a library building. (D)
• Harassing others, either verbally or through actions. Harassment may include initiating unwanted conversations with employees or other users, impeding access to the building, etc. (Depends on severity)
• Fighting on library property. (30D)
• Using tobacco or cannabis in any form, or smoking in any form (including electronic cigarettes) in the buildings or on the property, unless the smoker is completely enclosed inside their own vehicle in a parking lot area. (D-1 W, 30D repeated offenders)
• Possession, sale, or use of alcoholic beverages, cannabis, or illegal substances on library property. (30D, I)
• Sale of any goods or services on library property. (30D, I)
• Carrying a weapon unless authorized by law. Anyone entering the library that is carrying a weapon and is authorized to do so must notify the library staff immediately. (I)
• Using personal listening devices at a level that can be heard by other individuals. (D)
• Use of sports equipment on library property (including balls, skateboards, roller skates/blades, etc.), unless authorized by library staff during a library sponsored program. (D, 1W)
• Operating a bicycle recklessly on library property. (D, 1W)
• Interfering with another person’s use of the library or with the library personnel’s performance of their duties. (D, 1W, 2W)
• Bringing animals other than guide dogs and the like into the library building without prior approval. (D)
• Misuse of the restrooms. (1W, 2W, 30D)
• Not wearing a shirt and shoes. (D)
• Inappropriate use of the emergency exits. (D)
• Violation of the Technology Use Policy. (2W, 30D, I)
• Misuse of a library card. (1W, 2W, 30D)
• Entering unauthorized workspaces, work areas, or other non-public areas. (D-I)
• Posting or distributing literature without permission. (D-I)
• Making racial, ethnic, religious, gender, or sexual orientation epithets. (D-I)
• Taking photographs and/or recordings (audio or video) of Library staff and/or visitors of the library without their permission. (D-I)
• Violating federal, state, and/or local law. (30 D-I)

I. Purpose

The Perry County District Library, as part of its mission, provides access to the Internet through the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN). This service is provided in order to access informational, educational, and recreational resources that are beyond our local collection.
 

II. Disclaimer

It is understood by the users of OPLIN and the Internet that Perry County District Library is unable to certify that all resources on the Internet are accurate, complete, or current in content.

The Internet contains materials that some users may find to be of an objectionable nature. Patrons are responsible for using the Internet in an appropriate manner. Parents are responsible for supervising their children’s use of the Internet.

We cannot be responsible for the content of the networked information available. The use of OPLIN and the Internet to engage in any activity that constitutes a violation of local, state, and/or federal laws is strictly prohibited.
 

III. Usage Guidelines

Parents or guardians of minor children (under age 18) assume full responsibility for their children’s use of computers, software, databases, and the Internet. Since use by children demands diligent and thoughtful parental supervision, parents and children are also encouraged to read Child Safety on the Information Highway produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Access to computer workstations is available to all patrons over the age of 18 and juvenile patrons who have been given permission via a library card application signed by a parent or legal guardian. A library card holder can utilize a computer workstation by using his/her valid library card. Visitors who do not have a library card and are over the age of 18 may request a guest pass. For those frequenting the library, a library card is recommended.

Users must use their own card and may not use a card belonging to someone else, even with that person’s permission. Any user who is found to have knowingly used someone else’s card to access the Internet will have his or her library privileges suspended for thirty days. If the cardholder has knowledge of, and consented to, the misuse of his or her library card, he or she will also have privileges revoked for the same period of time.

Use of the library workstations is limited to three one-hour sessions per day. These three sessions may or may not be utilized consecutively depending upon patron need and demand. Sessions may be extended by the patron, but library staff reserves the right to limit extended usage to ensure equitable access to library workstations.

The library, in an effort to prevent overcrowding and to respect all users of the workstations, generally limits the use of computers to individual patrons. Exceptions can and will be made for those working on projects that legitimately require more than one person’s input. If under the age of eighteen, library staff must verify that any additional minors accessing the Internet (besides the individual whose library card has been used to make use of the workstation) have been granted such access by their parent or guardian.

Black and white printing and color printing is available at all library locations. USB Storage Devices are available for purchase at all library locations.

Users eighteen or older can request that the Internet filter used by Perry County District Library be deactivated. Also, parents or guardians of minors can request that the filter be deactivated for their minor child provided that they sit with the child and directly supervise his or her activities during his or her use of the Internet. Remote requests for such action will not be honored. All library policies regarding decency and propriety of Internet content continue to apply to those utilizing unfiltered access to the Internet.

Users shall avoid the sending, receiving, and displaying of text or graphics that may reasonably be construed as obscene, threatening, or offensive. This content is inappropriate for a library setting. Library staff has the authority to end an Internet session immediately and to suspend all library services for the patron for the appropriate period of time based on the Library’s Code of Conduct if the policies and procedures are not followed.

The library reserves the right to change this policy as it sees fit.