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Island Free Library Policies

• Access to the Internet is for Library members only except for two public access terminals which can be used for 5 minutes at a time.
  
• Customers must sign into the computer using their library card barcode number.
  
• Internet sessions are limited to 30 minutes when others are waiting.
  
• Customers may download information to a disc and also print.  Printing costs are $.25/page for black and white and $1 for color.  CD-Roms can be purchased for $1 and flash drives can be purchased for $15 at the front desk.
  
• It is not permitted for Customers to:
  • change the settings and configurations of public workstations
  • install personal software or hardware on library computers,
  • to visit chat sites or to use Instant Messaging,
  • use library computers for unauthorized access, including so-called 'hacking', and other unlawful activities,
  • invade the privacy of other library customers, harass library staff or customers, damage or disrupt library computer resources.
  • use library computers to violate copyright protection or licensing agreements in violation of applicable federal, state or local laws or ordinances, including, but not limited to, Title 17 of the United State Code

1.	No activity shall take place which conflicts with, interrupts, or disturbs any scheduled activities of the library
2.	If the approved activity is to be conducted during hours that the library is closed to the public, a Library staff member will inform the Police Communication Center of the name of the responsible person and the date and time of use. No one will be allowed to enter the building until the responsible person has entered, and the responsible person must not leave the building until the last person has left. Only those designated by the Library Director will be permitted to obtain the library key from the Communication Center. The responsible person must ensure that the facilities are left in good condition, and that the building is locked and secured upon leaving.
3.	Procedure for obtaining key: The key to the library is to be picked up at the Police Communication Center. The designated person must personally pick up the key immediately prior to the meeting, sign the log, then return the key to the Communication Center immediately after the meeting.
4.	All activities must be confined to that portion of the building specified in the application. Any use of specialized equipment must be authorized in advance. The applicant will be responsible for any loss or damage incurred by such equipment.
5.	Any problems or deficiencies should be reported to the Library Director.
6.	Any accident occurring during use of the Library facilities which incapacitates a participant for any period of time, or which has the potential to do so, must be reported to the Library Director or Board of Trustees within 24 hours.
7.	No liquor is allowed in or on Library premises. The Library has a strict NO SMOKING policy.
8.	Library property shall not be defaced in any manner. Damage to property or equipment must be reported to the Library Director and paid for by the applicant.
9.	The applicant is responsible for obtaining (from the equipment closet) and setting up any tables, chairs, or other library equipment that is to be used, and returning such equipment to the closet at the end of the activity. Any other moving of furniture, or changes to existing library facilities is allowed only by specific permission and supervision of authorized library staff.
10.	The library must be left in the same or better condition as it was found. The library reserves the right to engage custodial services at the expense of the applicant if conditions warrant.
11.	The applicant understands that should any of these conditions be broken, the organization may lose the privilege of using library facilities in the future. The library Director and Board of Trustees reserve the right to approve or disapprove all applications for use of library facilities.

PLEASE NOTE: Applications for use of the meeting rooms are available at the library. Please submit requests at least two weeks in advance.

The library provides access to the Internet as a part of its mission to offer its patrons “A full spectrum of library services.” The Internet is a global computer network that provides easy access to an incredible amount of information. By providing the community access to the Internet, the Island Free Library greatly expands its existing collection in size and depth, and offers any resident or visitor the opportunity to explore the exciting resources on the Internet. The Island Free Library endorses the principles of the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, and its interpretation entitled Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks.

The courts have decided in recent cases that access to the Internet should be protected because it broadens the opportunities for free speech. However, it is widely recognized that there is no single organization to govern, control, or select information for the Internet. Because of this freedom of information, customers must realize that not all information found on the Internet is accurate, complete, current or even legal.

In compliance with the CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act) legislation, the Island Free Library filters all computers with internet access. We use a commercial product called WebSense. Access to sites containing adult entertainment, pornography or which promote illegal activities is blocked on all library computers. However, no filtering system is foolproof. Because of the unstructured and unregulated nature of the Internet, and the unreliable state of filtering, the Island Free Library cannot control the content of resources available on the World Wide Web. While the Materials Selection Policy addresses the criteria to select the materials acquired for the Library's collection, the Internet poses a different challenge. Its ever-changing resources are only partially reviewed and recommended. Library staff can recommend specific resources that have been found to be reliable and can offer advice on how to evaluate content. In the case of minor children, it is the parent or guardian who sets family standards and values. Therefore, parents or guardians, not the library staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their minor children. The use of the Internet, which should not be treated differently then books, movies, TV or music, presents a great opportunity for parents/guardians to discuss with their children their family's values. Each family needs to be prepared to deal with potential access to what parents deem inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web. Parents must teach their children to never give out personal information (name, address, password, telephone number, credit card number). We strongly recommend that parents/guardians monitor and supervise their children when they are using the Internet.

The Island Free Library encourages children to visit the library and it is our desire to make these important visits both memorable and enjoyable for the child. However, library staff is not expected to assume responsibility for the care of unsupervised children in the library.

Therefore, it is library policy that all children under the age of ten must be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible person while in the library.

If the child is attending a library program, we require the parent or responsible person to remain in the library throughout the program.