Information About the library

Policies: Internet Policy | Library Cards | Limits | Loan Periods |Lost or Damaged Materials | Overdue Fines | Renewals

Internet Policy  see also Computer Use Guidelines
In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, Ottawa Library now offers Internet access to customers 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 to 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. 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. (October 2005)
SEARCH ENGINES |  SAFETY TIPS

Library Cards
Anyone may obtain a card--it is not necessary to live within the city limits. Children under 14 need a parent signature to obtain their card. The parent must have an Ottawa Library card or present ID with current address. Adults need to bring in an ID that shows their current address. There is no charge for the first card, but if they are lost there is a $1.00 replacement fee. The library card is needed to check out materials or use public use computers. Each patron should present their own library card to check out. Cardholders are responsible for all items checked out on their cards and will be charged overdue fines for late materials and for any lost or damaged materials. If the card is lost or stolen, the cardholder must inform the library immediately to avoid liability for any materials checked out after the loss. Reporting the loss will prevent any further materials from being checked out on that card. Change of address should be reported immediately.

Limits
Only patrons 18 & over may check out a limit of two art prints.

Loan Periods
3 weeks: most books, audiocassettes, and read-alongs.
7 days: videos, new fiction, magazines & pamphlets, auto repair books, AV equipment, holiday books.
90 days: art prints

Overdue Fines
Overdue fines are 10 cents per item per day, with a maximum fine of $1.00 per item. This applies to all materials in both the adult and children's departments. Five overdue items or a $5.00 fine will block checking out more materials.

Lost or Damaged Materials
Items that have not been returned to the library 18 days after they are due are assumed lost and are billed to the account, including a $5.00 processing fee. Damaged itesm will also be billed to the account. All lost or damaged items will be billed according to replacement cost. The library does not accept items in exchange for lost or damaged materials unless given prior approval from the library director or head of circulation. Replacements for lost or damaged items must have the same title, ISBN and format, and be in a condition that is acceptable to the Head of Circulation or Library Director, with $5.00 processing fee still owing.

Renewals
Items may be renewed once if no one is waiting for them, except for:
· Art prints
· Interlibrary loans and
· DVDs and Videos
To renew items, you may:
· bring them to the library
· call the library at 242-3080 or
· renew through Webcat online

Return Items
In the slots in the Circulation Desk, unless a fine or renewal is involved--in that case take the items to a Circulation staff member. An outside book drop and audiovisual drop for videos and audios are located east of the front door.

5/08