The Albert F. Totman Public Library's goal is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all Patrons using the library facilities and attending programs. To maintain this goal, the Albert F. Totman Public Library Board of Trustees has established the following Patron Conduct rules of behavior while visiting the library.
Overview:
Acceptable Patron conduct includes any normal activities associated with the use of a public library; reading, studying, using library materials and computers and other activities associated with library programs and functions. Patrons not engaged in these activities may be asked to leave the library building. No individual may engage in inappropriate conduct while on the library premisis.
Policy:
Inappropriate conduct includes any individual or group activity which is unreasonably disturbing or unlawful including but not limited to:
Committing or attempting to commit a crime
Possessing a weapon (exception for law enforcement)
Physically intimidating or assaultive behavior
Making threats or violent acts
Loud, obnoxious talking or noises
Engaging in any activity a reasonable person would find to be disruptive, harrassing or threatening to Patrons or Library staff
Possessing, selling, distributing, consuming or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal substance
Smokng or use of other tobacco products
Eating or drinking in library building (exception for special functions or programs)
Engaging in sexual contact, activities or conduct
Sleeping, napping or dozing on library premisis
Bringing any animal into library facility (exception for service animals and animals used in special functions or programs)
Not wearing shoes or shirt inside library building
Use of cell phones
Using personal electronic equipment at a loud volume or making ongoing noises, such as singing, that is unreasonably disturbing to other library users and staff
Offensive personal hygiene
Entering nonpublic areas of library without permission
Improper use of library restroom
Selling, soliciting, surveying, distributing written materials without written authorization of the Board of Trustees or Library staff
Damaging any library materials, furniture, walls, machines or other library property is prohibited
Security and Safety of Children
Please do not leave children unattended in the library building or on the premisis. A parent or guardian must be within visual and physical contact of a child under the age of seven. The library staff is not responsible for children left unattended. It is the responsibility of the parents or guardians to provide supervision for their children while in the library or on the premisis.
Violation of Policy
If a patron breaches the above policies, they will be asked to cease immediately. If the person fails to comply with the request, they will be asked to leave the premsis for the remainder of the calendar day. If he/she responds in an abusive or threatening manner and fails to leave, the police will be summoned. In the case of a minor, the parent or guardian will be notified. Library personnel will record all instances in which patrons have been distruptve and asked to leave the premisis.
If a patron continually persists in distruptive or abusive behavior, the Board of Trustees will consider a restriction of access for the patron.
These policies may be changed or supplemented to at the discretion of the Albert F. Totman Public Library Board of Trustees.
Internet Usage Policy
The Albert F. Totman Public Library is pleased to participate in the Maine Infonet Project which provides free access to the internet for Library Patrons. The internet includes much material that is personally, professionally and culturally enriching. For these reasons, access to the internet is a benefit to the community and consistent with the role of the library.
Information obtained through the internet may be inaccurate, misleading or even illegal. Some of this information may also be offensive or disturbing to some users. Therefore, the Albert F. Totman Public Library assumes no responsibility and shall have no liability for any direct, indirect or consequential damages arising from the use of its electronic resources. The library disclaims any warranty to the accuracy, authenticity, timeliness, usefulness or fitness of the information for a particular purpose.
The following are rules governing computer usage:
The user must be a member in good standing of the Albert F. Totman Public Library.
The User must sign a consent agreement before initial usage. The signed patron agreement will be kept on file authorizing the use of the library equipment. This approval is not transferrable to any other individual.
Parents are ultimately responsible for setting standards and establishing guidelines for their children. Therefore users under 18 years of age must have their consent agreement countersigned by a parent or legal guardian.
Users must sign a log on sheet at the beginning and end of each session at the front desk.
Users must follow the guidelines listed below while using the computer.
Guidelines
Staff assistance: The library staff will provide limited assistance for basic start-up procedures. However, the staff may not be familiar with every application that patrons might wish to use. We cannot offer complete technical support. Patrons are encouraged to consult reference books for specific questions on internet usage.
Reservations: Specific half hour time slots maybe be reserved. Only two half hour slots may be reserved at any time.
Time Limits: There will be a half hour time limit while other patrons are waiting to use the system. Maximum use time per week will be limited by availability.
Filtering: The library computers are filtered in accordance with the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA). The filters are configured to block sexually explicit sites, as nearly as possible and still allow legitimate sites. Upon request by an adult, the filter may be removed to allow sites which are not deemed illegal by State and Federal laws.
Printing: Printing of documents will be available at a cost of 20 cents per page for all print outs or copies. Payment should be made at the front desk.
Downloading: Patrons may download to their own devices. The library does not guarantee downloaded materials to be virus free and is not responsible for any loss or damage to a Patrons device.
Software: Use of personal software is not permitted. Tampering with the system software or settings is prohibited and can result in loss of computer privileges.
Hardware: Deliberate abuse of equipment will not be tolerated. The patrons will be financially responsible for any malicious damage. Tampering with system hardware or settings is prohibited and can result in loss of computer privileges.
Email: The library does not offer electronic mail accounts. Patrons may use the computers to access their own email accounts or to establish one online through an email provider.
Privacy: Because computers are located in public areas, confidentiality of electronic transactions of files and information cannot be guaranteed. Data on your screen may be observed by others. Harrassing or slandering other users will not be permitted under any circumstances.
Ethical Usage: Internet access may be used for legal and ethical purposes only. Making unauthorzed copies of copyrighted data is prohibited. Other unethical activities such as hacking (breaking into any system or files belonging to others), spammng (unsolicited advertising) or spreading computer viruses are also prohibited. All users are expected not to send, receive or intentionally display graphics or text that may be legally defined by State or Federal law as illegal. Violations of these guidelines can result in loss of library privileges.
Wireless Internet Users: Patrons using the wireless internet service are expected to follow the above computer usage guidelines. All users are asked to sign in and sign out at the front desk for each session.
The library staff does not provide technical assistance in configuring a patrons laptop, notebook, etc. to connect to the library network. Nor can we guarantee a patrons device will work with the library's wireless network service.
Most wireless connections are not secure, therefore, all wireless access users should have up to date virus protection on the devices. The library will no be responsible for any information (ie. credit card account numbers, passwords, etc.) that is compromised or lost (saved information, etc.) or for any damage caused to patrons hardware or software due to electrical surges, security issues or consequences while using the library wireless connection.
Printing access is not available via the wireless connection. If printing is needed, save information to a disk or send files to an email address. Access to the information can be obtained using a wired library computer with printing capabilities.
Wireless users are asked to use devices in specified locations only and to use battery power when able. Cords are permitted as long as it does not cause a safety issue (across doorways, patron walkways, etc.).
All users are asked to use the wireless access in a legal and responsible manner.
