General
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Clients must have a valid Ottawa Public Library (“OPL” or “the Library”) card in order to use the public Internet network, including on computer workstations in branches, Chromebooks, and the public Wi-Fi. 'Internet Access Only' cards are available.
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Clients are required to adhere to the Public Network Access Policy and understand that misuse of library resources, including the use of someone else's card and/or behaviour that violates the Library Code of Conduct, may result in a suspension of library privileges.
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Clients’ use of the network for illegal purposes is prohibited and may result in criminal prosecution.
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OPL is not liable or otherwise responsibility for any direct or indirect damages or loss relating to a client's use of the public network, including transmission of personal or financial information over the Library's public network.
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OPL reserves the right to make changes to network configuration.
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OPL reserves the right to impose bandwidth restrictions as required without notice. For example, bandwidth restrictions could be imposed if individuals are uploading or downloading large volumes of information.
Public workstations
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The normal daily limit for use of public computer(s) in all branches is two (2) hours per day cumulative per client.
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Additional time per day can be added to client accounts by employees on an ad hoc basis, subject to workstation availability.
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Workstations can be booked on a first come basis or 7 days in advance.
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Workstations not in use can be booked, provided that:
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No other client has reserved the workstation;
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The client has unused time remaining; and,
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There is at least 10 minutes until the next booking.
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Client will be automatically logged off the workstation when the session expires. All files saved by the client will be irrevocably deleted.
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For security purposes, non-OPL devices (e.g. laptops, smartphones) may not be directly connected to the wired network jacks. Clients wishing to connect their non-OPL devices to the public network may access the public Wi-Fi network.
Public Wi-Fi
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OPL employees may provide limited assistance to clients accessing the public Wi-Fi network via personal devices. If further assistance is required, clients may need to consult their device’s user guide or consult the manufacturer for issues with their personal wireless devices.
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OPL cannot guarantee access to electrical outlets and suggests that clients bring a fully charged battery for their personal wireless device(s). Clients may not plug their device(s) into any outlet that has been provided for OPL's staff workstations or other equipment or is otherwise restricted.
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Clients who use OPL’s electrical outlets do so at their own risk. OPL is not responsible for damage to a client’s device while using OPL’s outlets.
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OPL is not responsible for any lost or stolen devices.
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The public Wi-Fi network is not secure, and traffic on the network is unencrypted. Data sent to and from client devices could be intercepted by someone else. OPL strongly recommends that credit card and banking data, passwords, and other sensitive or personal information NOT be transmitted while using the public Wi-Fi network. Clients who transfer such information over the public network do so at their own risk and accept full liability and responsibility for any direct or indirect damages or loss relating to the client's transmission of personal or financial information over the Library's public network.
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It is the responsibility of clients to protect their personal devices against any potential abuse, such as viruses, malware, or breach of privacy. OPL assumes no responsibility or liability for any direct or indirect damages or loss resulting from clients’ use of its public network.
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In order to protect the security of both its network and clients, OPL reserves the right to terminate a connection at any time, or to withdraw access entirely.
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Clients will be logged out of the public Wi-Fi network after 10 minutes of inactivity.
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Please also review the Privacy Policy