Resource Centre Policy

Public Internet Access and Computer Use
Responsible Use

All users (also called patrons) of electronic information resources such as the Internet are expected to use these resources in a responsible manner. In this document OMOD will refer to Ontario March of Dimes.

Responsible use of the Internet includes the following:

  • Using resources for educational, recreational and informational purposes and not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.
  • Respecting the privacy of others using public access workstations and not interfering with their use.
  • Making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data.
  • Respecting time limits for using the Internet and yield to next signed-up person.
  • Violation of the acceptable use policy is defined as Internet abuse, and can include the following recognizing this is not an exhaustive list:
    • Using the Internet to access, display, download, upload, print, forward or email material with pornographic, criminal or hate literature content.
    • Installation of any software or programs on the Resource Centre workstations.
    • Subverting or attempting to subvert any security devices in either software or hardware format which the OMOD has installed on its Internet workstations.
    • Installing or attempting to install viruses or other programs designed to damage or alter software on the workstations, the LAN or the Internet, or seeking unauthorized access to any computer system.
    • Using email to send unsolicited commercial material, spamming or mail bombs.
    • Misrepresenting oneself as another user.
    • Attempting to modify workstations in any manner or gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to others.
    • Attempting to modify, vandalizing or theft of OMOD property
Workstation Use:
  • Internet workstations are available for use on a sign-in basis.
  • Workstations will automatically logoff after 5 minutes of inactivity by a patron. Any information not saved will be lost. It is highly recommended that patrons save their work regularly.
  • Workstations will automatically shutdown when the Terry Belavance Resource Centre is closing. Patrons will not be able to log back on to the workstation until the next day. Staff cannot stop the shutdown process. Patrons will be warned before the actual shutdown occurs with time to save current work.
  • Unaccompanied youth ages 10 to 15 will be required to have a signed Parental Permission Form for Internet Use on file.
  • Patrons may not bring their own software or download software and install it for use on OMOD workstations.
  • Workstations will not save patron information on the local hard drive(s). You may use floppy a disk or other storage device such as a USB drive to save your files.
  • Patrons may bring their own blank disks for downloading from OMOD workstations. Blank formatted disks may be obtained at OMOD site.
  • Patrons may print their information at the set charge.
  • Patrons agree to take responsibility for all financial transactions they perform on the Internet (e.g.) On-line banking, shopping, stock trading, etc. OMOD assumes no responsibility for lost data or financial transactions which may occur during system down times, scheduled or unscheduled.
  • Patrons can check to see if a site is objectionable by using the "Test a site" icon on the desktop or visit the site Test a site.
Staff Responsibilities:
  • OMOD staff will use reasonable efforts to ensure compliance with Internet use policies and procedures.
  • OMOD staff may be available to provide minimal assistance to patrons. OMOD staff cannot provide technical support, nor for Internet users at home.
  • OMOD staff may not assist with any financial transactions.
OMOD Responsibilities:
  • OMOD has installed Safe Eyes filtering software that will prevent access to objectionable web sites. To see more information regarding this software visit www.safeeyes.com.
  • If you believe a site is not objectionable and wish to view the site please talk to the front desk staff and we will research the site and if it is found to be non-objectionable we will not block it any longer. (This will take a couple of business days.)
  • OMOD reserves the right to request that patrons discontinue use of the Internet or Resource Centre.
  • Patrons in violation of the OMOD's Internet use policies will have their Internet privileges revoked or may be banned from using all 26 CAP Thunder Bay sites. Patrons using OMOD's Internet workstations for illegal purposes will be subject to prosecution.
Internet Training:
  • Although OMOD staff cannot assist patrons with in-depth research, OMOD provides Internet and computer software workshops at various times throughout the year.
  • Self-help Internet training materials will be provided for the public. See our tutorial at www.dimes.org/alternet for basic instructions.
Statement of Intent:
  • It is the intent of OMOD to provide public access to Internet and other electronic resources in fulfilment of the Urban CAP agreement.
  • By establishing public access to new information technologies, OMOD will contribute to the educational, recreational and economic growth of the City of Thunder Bay and will provide its citizens with the ability to use information in current and developing formats.
Internet Policy Statement Disclaimer:
  • OMOD does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet (other than Safe Eyes), and cannot be held responsible for its content. Not all Internet sources provide accurate, complete, age appropriate or current information. It is the user's responsibility to question the validity of any information.
  • Parents may find some of the material on the Internet objectionable. As with other OMOD, parents are expected to provide guidance in its use. Any restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian.
  • OMOD recognizes the concerns that parents have about potential harm to their children when they are exposed to pornographic, criminal or hate material on the Internet. In order to address these concerns, OMOD has taken the following steps:
    • Using Safe Eyes on all workstations in the Centre
    • Requiring unaccompanied youth 10 to 15 to have a signed parental permission form at the adult Internet stations
    • Children under 10 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the Internet stations
    • Requiring that all Internet/Resource Centre users sign up for workstation use at the front desk.