The
Malden Public Library shall serve as an informational, educational, cultural
and recreational resource for all patrons through its collection of books,
magazines, audio-visual and technology services which are administered by the
staff. The Internet is an integral part of the resources available to assist
library patrons in finding the resources they need.
The
Malden Public Library complies with the federal Children’s Internet Protection
Act by addressing the five key requirements:
- Prohibits access by minors to
inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web
- Protects the safety and
security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms
of direct electronic communications
- Prohibits unauthorized access
including “hacking” and other unlawful activities by minors online
- Prohibits unauthorized
disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding
minors
- Incorporates measures
designed to restrict minors’ access to materials harmful to minors
The MPL
currently restricts access by minors to inappropriate matter with the use of
filtering software. Their safety and security when using electronic mail and
unauthorized access including “hacking” and other unlawful activities is
addressed by insuring that minors in our libraries are never left alone at a
computer. Children alone are allowed to use the computers in the children’s
areas and a children’s librarian or other appropriate library staff is always
present in the room. Children must present a library card, which is validated
against our patron database. Parents are also encouraged to supervise their
children’s Internet sessions.
Adults,
defined by the law as over the age of 17, may request to use unfiltered
computers in the adult room for Internet access. The Malden Public Library uses
a computer control system. In order to use a computer in the adult area a
library card number and PIN are required. The information provided is validated
against our patron database.
Use of
the Internet is also governed by the Library Courtesy Code and the Malden
Public Library Computer Policy. The
patron may not use the Internet for any illegal activity or place any material
on the Internet related to any illegal activity. It is the responsibility of the patron to
respect copyright laws and licensing agreements and assume responsibility for
payment of fees for any fee-based service.
The
Malden Public Library also has a Patron Privacy Policy that addresses the
unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal information
regarding both adult and minor patrons.
The Malden Public Library
is committed to patron confidentiality. The confidentiality of library records
is a core part of library ethics and the Malden Public Library follows the Code
of Ethics of the American Library Association. Under the Massachusetts General
Laws, Chapter 78, Section 7 “That part of the records of a public library which
reveals the identity and intellectual pursuits of a person using such library
shall not be a public record…” Confidentiality extends to information sought or
received, and materials consulted, borrowed, and include database search
records, reference interviews, circulation records, interlibrary loan transactions,
registration records, and all other personally identifiable uses of library
materials, facilities, or services.
The Malden Public Library
does not sell, lease, or otherwise distribute or disclose patron name, email
address, postal address, telephone number, or other personal information to
outside parties.
The
Internet is a continually evolving resource and the information and links on
the Internet change rapidly and unpredictably.
The library cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information
on the Internet. Patrons should
carefully evaluate the information they find when using this resource. The Malden Public Library does not encrypt
data sent or received through our Internet services.
-Approved May 10, 2007 by the Trustees of the