PUBLIC ACCESS TO LIBRARY RECORDS / LIBRARY CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY CONFIDENTIALITY OF CUSTOMER RECORDS The library creates and retains records identifying the name of library users only when necessary for the efficient operation of the library. The library specifically recognizes its circulation records and other records identifying the name of library users to be confidential in nature, in accordance with Attorney General Opinion 81-159, dated June 30, 1981. Further, the library subscribes to the American Library Code of Ethics, which says in part that "We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and materials consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted." Furthermore, the library endorses the Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records and Privacy: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights. Customer-specific information is revealed only to that customer, and/or in the case of children under 18 to the responsible party. Information from the customer database may be used from time to time by the library for the purpose of conducting surveys or to notify individuals of upcoming events, and/or changes in policy. All library employees are advised that such records, shall not be made available to any agency of state, federal, or local government except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to, federal state or local law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigative power. All law enforcement requests for customer records are immediately referred to the library director or his/her designate, who explains the library’s confidentiality policy. Upon receipt of such process, order or subpoena, the director requests and verifies identification and records the information. Then he/she consults with legal counsel to determine if such process, order, or subpoena is in proper form and if there is a showing of good cause for its issuance; if the process, order, or subpoena is not in proper form or if good cause has not been shown, the director will insist that such defects be cured. If the court order is a search warrant issued under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act [FISA – USA Patriot Act amendment], the library must comply without disclosure to any other party except the library retains the right to seek legal advise concerning the warrant and to request that the library’s legal counsel be present during the actual search and execution of the warrant. Any problems, threats, or unauthorized demands [i.e., those not supported by a process, order, or subpoena] concerning circulation and other records identifying the names of library users shall be reported to the library director, who will report the matter to the library’s attorney. Adopted January 11, 2006 Reviewed February 4, 2010 Reviewed March 8, 2012
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