Privacy Policy
Lending Policy
Interlibrary Loan Policy (ILL)
Computer Acceptable Use Policy
Food and Drink Policy
Patron Pet Policy
Patron Conduct Policy
Unattended Children 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.

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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:  

                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

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Food and Beverage Policy

 The Kennebunk Free Library strives to create welcoming, clean and comfortable environments for the public. Consistent with this goal, the Library has adopted the following guidelines for the consumption of food and beverages in the facility:

• Consuming non-alcoholic beverages from lidded containers is permitted in the Library. Lidded containers include covered coffee, water, soda, and juice cups, glass and plastic beverage bottles, and beverage cans.
• As authorized by the Library, food and beverages may be consumed in Library meeting room and at special events.

• The use of “sippy cups” and/or baby bottles is permitted.  Children are not permitted to walk around the Children’s Room with a cup or bottle. 

• Unattended beverages will be discarded.

• Users who do not comply with these policies will be asked to take the food or drink outside the Library.

Exceptions may be made by the Library Director for special events.

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Patron Pet Policy

 The Kennebunk Free Library strives to create welcoming, clean and comfortable environments for all members of the public.  Consistent with this goal, patrons’ pets are not allowed in the Library, with the exception of service animals and animals involved in approved Library events.

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Patron Conduct Policy

The mission of the Kennebunk Free Library is to serve the diverse cultural, informational, educational and recreational needs of the community.  The Library and its staff are committed to providing a safe and congenial atmosphere in which to carry out this mission.

 The foregoing commitment can only be fully achieved if users of the Library respect the rights of all other users as well as the staff and volunteers. This general statement underlies the more specific provisions of the Library’s Code of Conduct set forth below and basically requires that Library users act in a manner that will not interfere with the functioning of the Library or disturb others.

 This Patron Conduct Policy will be posted in multiple locations around the Library and on the Library website.

 CODE OF CONDUCT  

1. No Library property may be misused, mutilated, damaged, or defaced, nor may any material be removed from the Library without being checked out appropriately.
2. The Library staff may ask to examine users’ briefcases, handbags, and other packages to help assure compliance with the Library’s checkout procedures.
3. All materials borrowed from the Library must be returned or renewed in a timely manner.
4. Use of the Library’s search, copy, print, and other information machines, as well as its courtesy telephone, is subject to reasonable limitation, at the discretion of the Library staff, if others are waiting.
5. Behaving in a manner which reasonably can be expected to disturb others, such as shouting or loud talking, including loud telephone talking, and the use of radios, or other electronic devices without earphones, are not permitted anywhere in the Library.
6. Upon entering the Library building, cell phones should be set to vibrate or turned off.  Cell phone calls may be made only in the vestibule area or outside the building.  Incoming cell phone calls may be answered in a low conversational voice, but conversations should be continued in the vestibule area or outside the building.
7. Since the Library is not designed to serve as a public shelter or lounge, sleeping, lingering aimlessly, and misuse of the rest rooms cannot be allowed.
8. Interference with or the harassment or intimidation of other users, the Library staff, or Library volunteers represents unacceptable behavior. This includes all unwanted or abusive attention by word, act, look, or gesture.
9. The Library staff and this Policy recognize that the children's area of the library may be louder and have more commotion than the adult areas of the Library. However, if a child is behaving in a manner which can reasonably be expected to disturb others and cannot be quieted or calmed, the parent or caregiver must remove the child from the Library.
10. The use of tobacco, alcohol or illegal substances is not permitted.
11. Consumption of food and beverages must be in compliance with the Library’s Food and Beverage Policy.
12. Patrons shall not be permitted to enter the building without a shirt or other covering of their upper bodies or without shoes or other footwear.
13. Patrons whose bodily hygiene is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to other persons shall be required to leave the building.
14. The presence of pets on Library property must be in compliance with the Library’s Pet Policy.
15. Weapons are not permitted on Library property except as specifically authorized by law.
16. The use of skateboards, rollerblades or similar devices is not permitted on any Library property.

 The Kennebunk Free Library staff has been authorized to administer the Patron Conduct Policy and, if necessary, to modify and/or adapt the Code of Conduct to special circumstances.

 Users who do not comply with the Code of Conduct or any reasonable request of the staff may be asked to leave the Library premises. Continued noncompliance may result in action ranging from suspension or termination of Library privileges to prohibiting access to the Library premises. Egregious behavior may be reported to the police.

 The decision of a staff member pursuant to this Policy may be subject to review by the Library Director.   The decision of the Library Director is final.  However, a decision of the Library Director to revoke Library privileges may be appealed to the Board of Trustees pursuant to the Library Grievance Policy.

Approved by the Board of Trustees 9/30/08

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