POLICIES FOR JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
The Southwest Harbor Public Library encourages the enjoyment of reading and the pleasure of life-long learning by welcoming all through its doors.
THE LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
Adopted June 18, 1948, by the ALA Council
Amended February 2, 1961 and January 23, 1980
Inclusion of "age" reaffirmed January 23, 1996
PATRIOT ACT IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Patrons should know that the privacy of patron records, including computer files, is protected by state stature, 27 M.R.S.A 121, except when requested pursuant to a search warrant under the USA PATRIOT ACT 215.
Library patrons should also know that USA PATRIOT ACT now requires that patron records must be made available when requested pursuant to a search warrant. The Library will continue to make every effort to protect the privacy of library records within the limitations of the law.
FREEDOM TO READ STATEMENTOur freedom to read is vitally important. We hope you will click this link and read the statement.
THE FREEDOM TO HAVE AN OPINION
Views expressed in articles linked to our web site do not necessarily express those of The Southwest Harbor Public Library.
Links that we list will take you away from our web site to sites which are not under our control. Therefore, we are unable to make any representation whatsoever with regard to the content of any sites listed on The Southwest Harbor Public Library web pages. The fact that any site is herein listed in no way implies our endorsement of such site.
INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
Consistent with its mission to provide reliable, timely information to its patrons, the Library offers public access to the Internet. Internet access is provided under certain conditions that must be met by anyone who wishes to access these resources at the Library. The Library reserves the right to deny Internet access to anyone who does not comply with these guidelines.
The Library endorses the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and, in particular, their interpretation of these rights as they pertain to electronic resources.
~We do not monitor or filter the resources that are accessed by patrons, regardless of their age.
~Children under 18 may not access the Internet on public access computers without a permission slip that has been signed by a parent or guardian.
~The Library makes no claim about the accuracy, suitability, tastefulness or timeliness of any information accessed on the Internet.
~Patrons may reserve up to 30 minutes per day for any of the public access computers. Patrons are welcome to stay on longer if no one is waiting.
~Patrons may print materials from any of the public access computers for 20 cents per page. It is strongly advised that the patron knows what s/he is printing since s/he will be expected to pay for all pages sent to the printer. Please note: use “Print Preview”, located under the “File” menu, to verify what is being printed.
~E-mail access is only available through web-based e-mail providers such at Hotmail, GMail, Yahoo, etc. The Library does not provide e-mail accounts itself or offer a way to access your client-server account; however, sometimes these types of accounts can be accessed through a third-party resource such as www.mailstart.com or www.mail2web.com.
~Due to a limited number of phone lines, the Library can provide access to the Internet only through its public access computers or wireless-ready portable computers provided by patrons.
~Patrons may not install programs or reconfigure any of the public access computers. If there is a program that you think should be installed, please feel welcome to suggest it to a member of the staff.
~Patrons wishing to save documents, files or programs may do so using writeable CDs or USB flashdrives. Either can be purchased from the Library or you can use your own.
A note about Wi-Fi, walk in wireless access
~The Library offers wireless Wi-Fi access to the Library’s Internet service for properly equipped laptops. This service is available 24/7 and is not password protected.
~When you use the Internet through the Library’s Wi-Fi connection you are accepting the Library Internet Acceptable Use Policy.
~A Wi-Fi network is less secure than a wired network. This is particularly true through the Library’s service, which operates outside of the Library’s firewall. Please use caution when transmitting sensitive material.
~No wireless printing services are available.
~If help is needed, Library staff can offer limited assistance, but please note, staff is not permitted to touch anyone’s laptop.
ALL CELL PHONE AND COMPUTER USE MUST BE SILENT
ADOPTED - June 2008
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