Library Policies...

In an effort to make everyone's visit to the Tiffin-Seneca Public Library an enjoyable one, the Library has implemented a series of policies that will enforce rules and regulations.

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Rules governing the use of the Library

These rules are for patrons’ safety and comfort, and for preservation of the library building and materials.

While in the building, please do not:

  •             Use tobacco products
  •             Consume food or beverages
  •             Loiter or solicit
  •             Bring animals in the building
  •             Harass patrons or library personnel
  •             Use foul, abusive, or threatening language
  •             Be drunk, disorderly, or excessively noisy
  •             Disturb other library users
  •             Move study chairs to other study tables
  •             Misuse library furniture or equipment

Cell phones and pagers should only be used in the building’s lobbies.

Patrons may not leave children under age eight unattended in the library.  Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children while in the library.  Disruptive patrons eight or over may be asked to leave after receiving one warning.  Acts of vandalism, theft, or other illegal activities committed on library property will be reported to the police.

Normal standards of cleanliness are expected.  Shoes and shirts must be worn.

Patrons not conforming to Library Use Rules may be asked to leave the Library property and/or Library privileges may be suspended.                                     

Board of Library Trustees, Adopted 2002

Internet Terms of Use

The Tiffin-Seneca Public Library does not monitor, and has no control over, information accessed through the Internet and cannot be responsible for its content. As with all other library materials, children's access to the Internet is the sole responsibility of the child's parent or guardian.

The following Terms of Use apply to all library computer use and Internet access:

The Tiffin-Seneca Public Library provides access to the Internet and other electronic services to further our mission of selecting informational and educational resources of value to our community.  These services are offered in conformity with the Library's Materials Selection Policy. 

The Internet contains many different kinds of material, some of which may be deemed to be of a controversial or offensive nature.  In offering Internet access, the library staff cannot control nor assume total responsibility for:

  • Access points reached
  • The content of interactive communication such as email and news groups
  • The validity of information
  • Accessibility due to technical difficulties or Internet reliability
  • Privacy of information for any websites used or left open by a patron

By using the Tiffin-Seneca Public Library's network, patrons agree to the following:

  • These workstations are part of the library's Local Area Network (LAN).  Each workstation in the network is set up to run pre-installed software only.
  • Do not attempt to run your own software, customize files or change configurations.
  • Do not turn off the computer or reboot the system.  Ask a library staff member for assistance.
  • To ensure privacy for your personal accounts, such as e-mail, electronic ordering, etc., please log off each account with finished with the application.
  • When finished using the workstation, be sure to log off.

Inappropriate Use:

In order to comply with contemporary community standards regarding obscenity as defined in 2907.01 of the Ohio Revised Code, the Library deems as inappropriate the following uses and practices:

  • Display of sexually explicit graphics
  • Display or transmission of profane, abusive or threatening language
  • Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected materials
  • Violating any local, state or federal statute
 
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USA Patriot Act

Policy and Procedures in Response to the USA Patriot Act of 2001

Public libraries want to protect the privacy of their patrons while responding to legitimate national security concerns.  Tiffin-Seneca Public Library recognizes the confidentiality of information sought or received and materials consulted, borrowed or acquired by a library user.

T-SPL strives to create a library environment that is:

  • Crime free
  • A safe place
  • A place for learning and pursuit of knowledge and information on any topic. 
  • A place where patrons can ask any question and discuss any topic

The library will do its utmost to uphold the privacy and confidentiality of patrons’ free access to information. The library will rely on existing laws and library policies to control behavior that involves public safety or criminal behavior.

About the USA Patriot Act of 2001:

HR-3162 became Public Law 107-56 in response to the events of 9/11/01.  The full title of the law is: Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001.

The Act may provide law enforcement broader boundaries when investigating information accessed and transmitted by patrons with regards to national security concerns.

Access to patron information may include but not be limited to:

  • Database Search Records
  • Circulation Records
  • Computer Use Records
  • Interlibrary Loan Records
  • Reference Interviews

The T-SPL Policy & Procedures Regarding Information Access and Confidentiality

Database Search Records:  These records refer to the searches of the collection a patron may conduct on the Online Public Access Terminals (OPAC). These searches are conducted by utilizing the library’s automated circulation system. Once a search is conducted, the software does not retain a copy of the search.  Any records of the search will not exist.

Circulation Records:  Patron material is circulated via the SEO system. The circulation software tracks materials currently checked out, automatically erasing a reader’s borrowing record once a book is returned and all fines are paid.

Computer Use Records:  The library system is equipped with public computers. Patrons use their library card to access the computers. The library does not assign a computer to a patron and no paper record with the patron’s information printed is generated. When the patron logs off, the software erases all history of his research and activity.

Interlibrary Loan Records:  Patrons may borrow items not owned by T-SPL from other libraries worldwide via Inter-Library Loan (ILL). T-SPL tracks items currently being borrowed and generates a paper record with patron information. Once the materials are returned and all appropriate fines and/or fees are paid, the paper record is destroyed.

Reference Interviews:  A reference interview occurs when a patron looking for information approaches a library staff member. The staff member questions or interviews the patron in order to narrow down the specific information needed.  No paper record is kept during the interview that has any patron information on it. If a patron name and number is taken by phone, and patron information is written down, as soon as the requested information is delivered, the paper record is destroyed.

 T-SPL Policy & Procedures for Complying with Law Enforcement:

T-SPL administration will comply with law enforcement when supplied with legal subpoena or warrant.