Internet Safety

Internet Use Policy

Use of the Vinita Public Library’s Internet access, including wireless access on personal computers, to engage in any activity that constitutes a violation of local, state, or federal laws is strictly prohibited.

Unauthorized access, including “hacking”, and disclosure, use or dissemination of personal identification regarding minors is prohibited.

Accessing and viewing materials in a manner that creates the existence of a sexually hostile working environment is prohibited. You may not send, receive, or display text or graphics that may reasonably be construed by the Library staff as offensive to the public, inasmuch as the public computers are located in unrestricted areas of the Library.

Usage that reconfigures library computers, modifies installed software, or results in damage to library computers and equipment is not allowed.

The Library uses technology protection measures (filtering software). It is used to assist in preventing access to sites which violate Oklahoma State Statutes Title 21-1021-21-1024.4 and Title 21-1040.75-21-1040.77, otherwise known as “harmful to minors law.” As required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h), blocking is applied to visual depictions of materials deemed obscene or child pornography or to any material deemed harmful to minors (as those terms are defined in the U.S. Code). Adults may complete a Request to Disable Internet Filter under Provisions Of The Children’s Internet Protection Act “for bona fide research or other lawful purposes” and staff will temporarily disable the content filter active on their computers during the rest of their session. Provisions of item 3 above remain in force while the filter is disabled.

The Library cannot protect you from information you may find offensive with the exception of the above stated visual depictions.

To the extent possible, steps shall be taken to promote safety and security of users when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communication.

The Library cannot protect the security of any personal information you provide on the Internet and strongly discourages the release of personal information. You may not abuse or violate any applicable state or federal laws, copyrights, or licenses.

Parents and/or guardians assume full responsibility for their minor child’s use of the Internet.

Approved by the Vinita Public Library Board of Directors on Jan. 18, 2022.

Computer Use

1. You must have a Vinita Public Library card in good standing or a Guest Use permit to access library computers. Use of another patron’s library card may result in the revoking of computer privileges for both the card holder and the user of the card.

2. Library staff may provide brief guidance as requested in the use of computers and electronic resources to satisfy information needs. If you are unable to operate a computer or need more than brief guidance, please bring someone to assist you.

3. Wireless access on personal laptops and other devices does not require a library card. By choosing to use this free service, you agree to abide by this Policy, which you may view at the Circulation Desk or on our website. Library staff cannot be held liable for the contents or performance of your device. No guarantee is made that you will be able to make a wireless connection.

4. Internet computers are divided by age group – Adults will use computers in the main library. Children under age 18 will use computers in the Children’s area. All computers will automatically shut down 15 minutes before the library closes.

5. E-mail accounts are not provided by the Library; however, email accounts can be established with a web-based email service.

6. Library computers are scheduled for 90-minute sessions. If there are no pending reservations, this time may be extended in the staff’s discretion.

7. Printing is available from library computers for a fee. Printing is not available for personal laptops. We use a coin-operated printer. The library does not have any control over how accurately pages will print from the Internet, so use of the Print Preview feature is encouraged. Print charges will be refunded only in cases of printer malfunction.

8. Computer use in the Library will be managed in a manner consistent with the Library’s Behavior and Unattended Children policies posted in the Library.

9. Information will not be released on a person’s use of specific Internet resources except as required by law or necessary for the proper operation of the Library.

Use of the Library computers is construed as acceptance of the Vinita Public Library’s Computer Usage Policy and agreement to its terms and conditions. Failure to comply with this policy will result in revoking of privileges for one year.

The Library’s Internet terminals or wireless access may not be used to libel, harass or threaten others, to engage in unlawful activities or unauthorized use, or to tamper with hardware or software belonging to the Library or the City of Vinita. I understand that files may be downloaded or saved only to a removable storage device, and that the Library is not responsible for any loss of data or damage to any device connected to their public computers. In consideration of the privilege of using the Vinita Public Library’s Internet terminals and wireless access and having access to the free information contained within it, I hereby release and hold harmless the City of Vinita, its officers, agents, servants, or employees, volunteers, representatives, or advisors from any and all legal liability or responsibility for any and all claims, damages, losses, costs or expenses arising either directly or indirectly from the use of the Library’s Internet terminals or wireless access whether or not caused in whole or in part, by alleged negligence of the City of Vinita, its officers, agents, servants, employees, volunteers, representatives or advisors.

It is understood that from time to time, the Vinita Public Library may amend its policies because of changes in relevant applicable legal or regulatory requirements, its business practices, or in order to better serve the public. Notice of such changes will be posted on the Library website. Disagreements with any aspect of this policy may be appealed to the Vinita Public Library Board.

Approved by the Vinita Library Board on Jan. 18, 2022

Conduct Policy

We welcome and encourage the public to visit the library, use library resources and services, and attend library programs. This policy is designed to promote appropriate use of the library, both inside the building and on library premises including courtyard and parking lot.

The library is not a playground, recreation center, or day care facility. Noisy or physically active behavior appropriate in such places is not appropriate in the library or on library premises. Use of the library requires respect for others who are also enjoying the library premises and services. Persons who are not using the library appropriately, who are engaged in disruptive, destructive or offensive behavior or who are disrespectful to the library staff or other patrons will be asked to leave the premises.

Children who have not yet entered third grade must be closely supervised by an adult caretaker while at the library. The library staff is not responsible for providing supervision and care of children of any age, whether in the library or on library premises. The staff does not monitor children leaving the premises, nor is it their responsibility to know if a child is leaving with a parent, guardian, relative or stranger. 

Disruptive Behavior

If disruptive behavior continues after one warning from library staff, the person will be asked to leave the library premises, whether adult or minor child, accompanied or not. Second incidents of disruptive behavior, or refusal to obey staff directions, will result in minimum 30 day suspension of library privileges including presence on library premises. Library staff will not hesitate to contact the Vinita Police Department for assistance as needed. 

No food or drink may be brought into the library.

Cell phones must be turned off or set to silent while in the library. Patrons may not use the library telephones to make or receive personal phone calls except in cases of true emergency as determined by the library staff.

The Board of Directors of Vinita Public Library has established these guidelines for the benefit of all patrons. If you would like to know whether any particular conduct is prohibited, please ask a library staff member.

Material Selection

As adopted November 29, 2012

Objectives

The Vinita Public Library places major emphasis on informational, recreational and educational functions. It recognizes the importance of basic materials of permanent value and timely materials on current issues. Materials will be purchased in the format that best suits patron needs.

Guidelines

The Trustees of the Vinita Public Library support the Library Bill of Rights promulgated by the American Library Association, and it serves as the basis for this policy and other lending policies of this library. Choice of materials will result from a variety of professional activities on the part of the Library Director. Reviews of new books from both professional journals and popular reviewing media form an important tool in the selection process.

Recommendations from the staff and the public are also welcome and evaluated within the framework of the acquisition process.

Responsibility

The Library Director has the final responsibility for the selection of all materials to be incorporated into the library’s collection, regardless of the mode of acquisition. It is the Director’s responsibility to provide materials that are of both current interest and permanent value, that are up-to-date, that are responsive to the interests and needs of every segment of the community and that do not discriminate against any political, religious, economic, or social view or group through deliberate exclusion of their views.

Selection Criteria

General

All acquisitions, whether purchased or donated, are considered in terms of the standards listed below. However, an item need not meet all of the criteria in order to be acceptable. Materials are evaluated on the significance of the entire work rather than individual parts. When judging the quality of materials several standards and combinations of standards may be used. The following principals will guide selection:

• Contemporary significance or permanent value

• Community interest

• Accuracy of content

• Reputation and/or authority of the author, editor or illustrator

• Literary merit

• Relation to existing collection and to other materials on the subject

• Price, availability, and demand

• Format and ease of use

• Scarcity of information in the subject area

• Availability of material in other area libraries

• Attention of critics, reviewers, media and public

Adopted by the Board of Trustees of Vinita Public Library on November 29, 2012.

Recently reviewed by the Board of Trustees of the Vinita Public Library on September 21, 2021.

Gifts

Gifts of books and other items will be accepted on the condition that the Director has the authority to make whatever disposition he or she deems advisable. Gifts will be judged upon the same basis as purchased materials.

Collection Maintenance

To maintain the effectiveness of the library’s total collection, the library will attempt to systematically remove materials no longer useful. The library does not automatically replace all materials withdrawn because of loss, damage or wear. Need for replacement is weighed with regard to several factors: number of duplicate copies, existence of adequate coverage of a field, similar material in the collection, later or more authoritative materials as well as current demand for the particular subject or title.

Reconsideration

Patrons requesting that material in the collection be reconsidered may complete a “Material Selection Inquiry.” The inquiry will be placed on the agenda of the next regular meeting of the Vinita Public Library Board of Trustees. Their decision will be based upon this selection policy after due consideration of the report of the Library Director and the patron’s inquiry.

The library recognizes that some materials may be controversial and that any given item may offend some patron. Selection or retention of materials will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval of any group of patrons, but solely on the basis of the principles stated in this policy. Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of their contents, and no library material will be sequestered, except to protect it from theft. Responsibility for the reading of children rests with their parents or legal guardians.