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Privacy Policy
Lending Policy
Interlibrary Loan Policy (ILL)
Computer Acceptable Use Policy

KFL Privacy Policy

The Kennebunk Free Library recognizes that library records and patron information are confidential. Under Maine state law (Title 27 chapter 4a section 121) public libraries are required to keep patron records confidential. These records may only be released with the express written permission of the patron involved or as the result of a court ordered subpoena.

The USA Patriot Act of 2001 allows the FBI to obtain search warrants for library circulation records, Internet use records, e-mail, books, floppy disks, and computer hard drives. This act supercedes state law regarding confidentiality. Furthermore, it is illegal for librarians to disclose the existence of such warrants, or to tell patrons if the FBI is investigating them.

The library staff is bound by the American Library Association Code of Professional Ethics which states: We protect each users right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired, or transmitted.

The library collects and maintains the following information from patrons:

• All information patrons are required to provide in order to be eligible for a library card, including name, address, phone and date of birth for minors.
• Records of materials currently checked out to an individual and materials returned but not checked out by another patron (e.g. last check out.)
• Materials being kept on hold or in reserve an individual
• Interlibrary loan records for three years back.

• Program attendance
• Internet sign up
• Reference questions, interview and consultations
• Database search records

When a library staff member contacts an individual regarding overdue materials or material on reserve, the staff member will not leave specific item information with a third party or on an answering machine. Specific item information will only be shared with the person requesting the material. Library staff will leave a phone number for the individual to call.

Internet histories and cookies on public access computers are wiped clean at the end of each day. No office files may be saved to the computer hard drive. In the event unauthorized files are saved to the computers, they are erased at the end of each day.

Prepared by Stephanie M. Limmer, Director
Approved by the Board Of Trustees 6/24/03
 

Lending Policy

• A valid KFL library card must be presented to borrow library materials.
• Circulation records are confidential and private as defined by State and Federal laws.
• Books, periodicals, and audiobooks circulate for a 2-week period. Videos and DVDs circulate for a 7-day period.
• Books may be returned in either the drive up bookdrop or the bookdrop at the main entrance. Audiobooks and videos may not be placed in the drive up bookdrop.
• Two renewals will be accepted in person or via telephone, provided that no one is waiting for that item.
• Books on certain topics for school assignments may be limited to 5 items due to the availability of materials.
• Reserves on items will be gladly taken in person or by telephone. The library will notify you when your requested item is ready for you. Items will be held for one week.
• Fines for all items are $.10 per day per item. Fines for videos and  DVDs are $.50 per day. The maximum fine is $3.00 per item per borrowing period.
• Special loan extensions may be made for educators using library materials in their classrooms.
• The library charges for the replacement cost of lost or severely damaged materials.
• BORROWING PRIVILEGES ARE SUSPENDED IF library materials are not returned or charges are not paid. It is the library policy to charge the replacement cost of lost or severely damaged materials. Patrons owing fines of $5.00 or more will be restricted from borrowing items until the balance is less than $5.00. Restricted patrons are still welcome to use the library facility and all of its resources.

Interlibrary Loan Policy (ILL)

The Kennebunk Free Library (KFL) offers free Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service to all library patrons. Patrons can request materials not owned by the KFL through the ILL service. If the KFL does not own the requested item, the staff will try to locate the material through the statewide ILL system.

A search through the ILL system may take a few days to several weeks, depending on the availability of an item. The timeframe for receiving material via ILL is generally 7-10 days. For items that are requested from out-of-state or non-U.S. libraries, the receipt time may vary.

• Only one copy of any material may be requested.
• Only books and copies of periodical articles may be requested via this service, as most libraries only loan books. In some instances, materials such as microfilm or audiobooks can be fulfilled, depending on the lending library. The KFL staff can assist with these requests.
• New books and best sellers are not recommended for ILL, as they are generally not available. However, the KFL will consider a request to purchase new books and best sellers.
• The limit for ILL requests is 5 items per person per week.
• Checkout periods for materials obtained through ILL may vary, depending on the policies of the lending library.
  Most materials obtained through ILL are not renewable. However, in some instances the KFL staff can assist in extending the loan period. If an extension is needed, the borrower must contact the KFL staff prior to the due date.
• Some materials (i.e. rare books, special collections, etc.) may not be available for ILL.
• Patrons are responsible for the item borrowed.
• If material obtained through ILL is lost, not returned, or damaged during the lending period, the borrower will be charged for replacement.

• To request an item via ILL, patrons should fill out the ILL form available at the Main Circulation desk and return the form to the library staff.
• A separate form must be completed for each item.
• When requested material arrives at the KFL, the patron requesting the material will be notified.

Acceptable Use Policy for Computers and Internet

Introduction
Services Provided
Responsibilities
Procedure
A Note About Wireless

The Kennebunk Free Library (KFL) strives to provide free and equal   access to information to all patrons by adhering to the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement, as adopted and supported by the American Library Association.

The use of the Library’s computers, networks and Internet services is a privilege, not a right. All electronic resources users should be aware that the inappropriate use of electronic information can violate Local, State and Federal laws and can lead to prosecution by those jurisdictions.  Unacceptable use of the Library’s computers and Internet access resources will result in revocation of use privileges and the user will be held responsible for his or her inappropriate use. The Library Director shall have final authority to decide whether a patron’s privileges will be denied.

Services Provided: 

Public access computers are available to all patrons for educational,   informational, and recreational purposes in accordance with the Library’s mission. 

KFL does not monitor or censor the information available over the Internet. The Internet is an unregulated medium, unlike other Library sources that are chosen, organized, and catalogued. The information available on the Internet can be enriching and educational; however, some of it may be offensive to some people. The Library makes no guarantee, neither expressed nor implied, with respect to the quality or content of the information available on the Internet.

Responsibilities:  

• All Internet resources available through the Library are provided equally to all users. Therefore, parents and guardians must assume responsibility for their minor children’s use of the Internet through the Library’s connection. Parents are encouraged to read Child Safety on the Information Highway, copies of which are available at the circulation desks.
• The Library’s publicly available computers are configured to restrict altering the settings. Patrons may not alter any of the configurations of the computers in any way. Downloading, installing and altering software other than what is already installed is prohibited and will be considered an unauthorized use.
• The patron and/or patron’s parent/guardian shall be responsible for compensating the Kennebunk Free Library for any losses, costs, or damages incurred. KFL assumes no responsibility for unauthorized charges, costs, or illegal use of the Library’s or patron’s electronic equipment.
• Library computers are located in the public areas of the Library. In using Library computers, including email and stored files, patrons should have no expectations of privacy. Patrons are asked to be mindful of their neighbors while using Library internet resources.
• Patrons may access personal website-based email accounts (Hotmail, Yahoo, etc.) but may not configure email client software (MS Outlook, etc.) for their own personal use. The Library does not filter or restrict email content in any way. Parents/guardians of minors are urged to supervise the minor’s use of such email accounts.
• Patrons will not use the Library’s computers or wireless Internet connections for unauthorized, unethical or illegal purposes including but not limited to:

                Creating or distributing a computer virus;
                Using the computers to gain unauthorized access to other computer systems (e.g. hacking);
                Using impolite or abusive language; and/or
                Accessing material that is obscene, pornographic or deemed harmful to minors, as defined by law.

In accordance the Maine State statute regarding confidentiality of patron information (27 M.R.S.A. § Section 121) and the Kennebunk Free Library Patron Privacy policy, the Library will not disclose any information, including the use of electronic resources, about any of its patrons, adult or minor.

Procedures:

• Before using KFL computers, patrons must sign-in, using your first name, at the Circulation desks.
• Computers are on a first-come first-served basis. Three (3) Internet Express standup stations in the Adult department are available for ½ hr. increments of use. Four (4) “sit down” computers in the Adult dept. are available for 1 hr. increments of use, with the possibility of extending that time should no one be waiting.  Three (3) computers are available in the juvenile dept. for ½ hr. increments of use.
• Computers in the Children’s Room are only for use by children through the sixth grade.
• Youth in the seventh grade and older and adults must use the       terminals on the Library’s main floor.
• During times of high demand, it may be necessary to limit daily      usage to one hour per day.
• Computers may be reserved for one hour blocks of time up to 24 hrs. in advance. No reservation is guaranteed after 10 minutes. A patron who shows up late will not receive additional time
• Patrons wishing to download files or programs must use a personal diskette, CD-ROM or flash drive. Diskettes may be purchased from the Main Circulation Desk. Patrons may not download programs or files to the computer hard drives.
• Personal headphones may be used at the computers at a volume that does not disturb other patrons.
• Library Staff cannot provide comprehensive technical training or support.
• Printing is available at $.25 per sheet.

A Note About Wireless

Wireless access is provided as a service to KFL patrons for personal notebooks, laptops, and other mobile devices.

• Access points are unsecured.
• Library staff cannot troubleshoot problems related to a specific device nor can the Library guarantee that a device will work with the Library’s network.
• KFL is not liable for the consequences of wireless network use      in any way.

Wireless users should not leave their devices unattended. The Library is not responsible in case of damage to or theft of personal notebooks,  laptops or other mobile devices. 

Library Trustees shall review and approve these policies annually.

Approved by the Kennebunk Free Library Trustees 2/27/2007