Hours:

Monday - Thursday:
10:00 am to 9:00 pm

Friday and Saturday:
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sunday:
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm,
Labor Day to Memorial Day

Closed Holidays 2012

248-628-3034

Internet Policy

In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the Oxford Public Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services that meet the lifelong educational, informational, cultural and recreational needs of the community.

Library affirms the safeguarding of First Amendment rights, intellectual freedom, equity of access, confidentiality of information about users and their use of all library resources, and individual responsibility.  The basis for the policy governing the implementation and use of the Oxford Public Library's technological resources is the document Access to Electronic Information Services, and Networks: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights as adopted by the American Library Association Council, January 24, 1996 (ISBN 8389 7830 4).

Nature of the Internet

The Internet offers access to a wealth of information that can be personally, professionally and culturally enriching.  Internet sites include useful ideas, information and opinions from around the world.  The Internet is a vast global information resource which may contain dated, inaccurate, or incomplete information as well as information of a potentially offensive or controversial nature.  The Oxford Public Library does not censor access to the Internet and cannot be held responsible for the content of anything accessed through the Internet.  The provision of access does not mean or imply that the Oxford Public Library endorses or sanctions the content or point of view of any of the information or commentary that may be found on the Internet.  Neither the Oxford Public Library, its officers, directors, or employees shall be liable for any direct or indirect damages which accrue from using the Internet or other electronic resources.

PC Management and Filtering Software

Responsibility for information accessed electronically by children rests solely with their parents or legal guardians. The library uses EnvisionWare PC Management software to govern the use of the Internet within the library. Patrons under eighteen years of age must use computers designated for their use within the Youth and Teen areas of the library. The library uses WebSense software to filter Internet access in compliance with PA212. Patrons not eligible for a library card may request a "guest pass" to access the Internet. Money must be placed on a Patron's Account to enable printing. The Library is not responsible for value on an account that is misused. Anyone gaining access to the Internet using another person's account information other than his or her own may lose Library and/or Internet use privileges.

Nature of the Library Setting

Internet usage shall be considered private and confidentiality will be encouraged within the limits of a public environment, the technology of the equipment, and the requirements of law.   The library must respect the rights of the public not to be exposed to material and images they might find personally unsuitable.  Viewing of certain materials in a public library setting may be considered inappropriate in time, place, or manner.  The Oxford Public Library reserves the right to end an Internet session at any time if it is creating a disturbance.  The Oxford Library is bound by an agreement with its Internet provider.  This agreement prohibits any unlawful use of the Internet.  Patrons who make unlawful use of the Internet may be banned from using the Library’s Internet resources.

Wireless Internet Access

The Oxford Public Library provides wireless Internet access to our patrons on their laptops or other wireless-enabled mobile devices for web and email access.  As with most public wireless “hot spots” the library’s wireless connection is not secure. Cautious and informed wireless users should choose not to transmit their credit card information while using any wireless “hot spot” The library will not be responsible for any information (i.e. credit card) that is compromised, or for any damage caused to your hardware or software or data due to power surges or losses, security issues or consequences caused by viruses or hacking.  All wireless access users should have up-to-date virus protection on their laptop computers or wireless devices.  Anti-virus and security protection are the responsibility of the patron.  Laptop computer users must be considerate of patrons nearby and refrain from excessive noise including the playing of music or movies on the laptop without the use of headphones.  The Library is not responsible for laptops left unattended.  Printing is not available over the wireless network.  Patrons may save files to storage media and print from a Library computer.  The Library does not filter the wireless access, which is available to anyone including children with a compatible laptop computer or other wireless-enabled mobile device.  Parents wishing filtered access for their children should direct their children to one of the library’s public access computers or purchase filtering for their computer.  Wireless users must comply with all provisions of the Oxford Public Library Internet Policy.  Any activities deemed illegal apply to you whether you are on a Library-owned computer or your own computer.

Cautionary Note

The Oxford Public Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to the Internet.  The Library makes no guarantee, either expressed or implied, with respect to the quality or content of the information available on the Internet.  Not all the information available via the Internet is accurate, current, or complete.  Users are encouraged to be good information consumers by evaluating the validity of information accessed via the Internet.  Users are cautioned that, because security in an electronic environment such as the Internet cannot be guaranteed, all transactions, files, and communications are vulnerable to unauthorized access and use, and, therefore, should be considered public.  Because of potential damage from illicit computer viruses, the use of personal software on library equipment is prohibited.  Patrons are advised that despite in-place virus checking software, complete protection is not possible.  Consequently, the Library cannot be held liable for damage to personal data, disk, and equipment.

Compliance with Library Policy and Guidelines

All users of the Internet are expected to use this Library resource in a responsible and courteous manner, consistent with the purpose for which it was provided.  Access to the Oxford Public Library's network, software, and databases is intended for the educational, informational and recreational use of Library patrons.  Users must recognize that the Internet, like all of the Library's informational sources, must be shared and used in a manner which respects the rights of others and refrains from activity that prevents others from using it.  The Library’s Internet computers may not be used for any unlawful or improper activities prohibited under local, state, or federal laws.  These activities include, but are not limited to: 

• Displaying sexually explicit or sexually suggestive (obscene/pornographic) materials.
• Solicitation of minors
• Fraud
• Distribution of unsolicited advertising or propaganda
• Infringement of copyright laws
• Transmitting threatening, obscene/pornographic, or harassing materials.
• Activities designed for profit.
• Breaking in or out of any system ( hacking)
• Unsolicited advertising (spamming)
• Chain letters
• Propagation of computer worms or virus