The Morse Institute Library is dedicated to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our patrons.
Our policy was created to comply with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 78, Section 7:
"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 as defined by clause Twenty-sixth of section seven of chapter four."
This policy extends to circulation records (borrowing records, reserves or fine records), interlibrary loan transactions, registration records, database search records, reference interviews, and internet use. Except in cases involving the Patriot Act, no records can be made available to any inquiries, governmental or otherwise, unless a subpoena has been served by a court of competent jurisdiction and the library administration has consulted with legal counsel to determine if it is proper to release the requested information.
Our staff is required to support this policy of privacy and confidentiality. Not only is it the law, but it is our commitment to protecting the patron's right to access information freely. This may seem inconvenient at times, but our intention is to respect the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to protect your rights. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
What do I need in order to borrow library items and/or manage my account at the library?
The easiest way to check out library materials or check on your account is with your library card. If you have forgotten your library card, both photo id and personal information (such as an address or telephone number) are required to access your account.
Can I pick up books on reserve for a family member or friend?
If your family member or friend gives you their permission and their library card, you may pick up their library items.
Without the library card, we can only release reserved items being held for someone else with the following:
A copy of the emailed "Ready for Pickup" notification (valid only for the item or items listed)
A phone call of permission from the cardholder (Library card number required at the time of the call.)
The following items cannot be used to pick up materials being held for a family member or friend: a note of permission; a card number memorized, written down or photocopied; another book checked out on the account the request is placed on.
Can I pay fines for a family member or friend?
Fines can always be paid on overdue items being returned at the desk. Without the library card, however, no information from the account can be disclosed (such as previously incurred fines or items still checked out.)
Fines can be paid for family members without their cards, but we cannot issue an itemized receipt for fines paid or disclose the titles of fined items.
I am returning these library materials for my family member or friend. Can you tell me what is still checked out on the account?
No. Without the library card, we cannot disclose any information about the account.
Can you access my account over the phone to renew items, change a pin number, place requests, check on the status of requested items or inquire about my due dates?
We are happy to help you manage your account over the phone with your account number. We do not access an account without the number, except to report a card lost or stolen.
We can renew an item with the item barcode number (found on the item or the date due receipt), but due to time constraints, we can only renew no more than two items.
We can place requests over the phone without your card number, but require your name, PIN number, and the address and phone numbers listed in your library account.
HELPFUL HINTS
Library accounts can be managed online with a library card number and PIN (personal identification number.) If you do not have a PIN, you can set one online, get one at the library (library card or photo id required,) or over the phone (library card number required.)
Accessing your account online allows you to renew items, check due dates, pay for fines or lost materials by credit card, update your email address, place requests, etc.
If you give your library card to a family member or friend to pick up materials for you, we must assume that permission to access account information and to use the account has been granted.