Confidentiality — It’s the Law
Library Patron Confidentiality Act
All library patron information is confidential. Employees must,
therefore, treat all patron matters accordingly as stated by the Privacy
Act (Code of Alabama 41-8-10). No patron information, including home
address, phone number, and materials checked out, may be revealed to
anyone, except by the patron him or herself, with proper identification.
The content of patron records may not be disclosed to anyone except
under subpoena. Employees will be subject to appropriate disciplinary
action, up to and including dismissal, for improperly revealing
information of a confidential nature.
Section 41-8-10
Registration, etc., records of public
libraries to be confidential; right of parents to inspect records.
It is recognized that public library use by an
individual should be of confidential nature. Any other provision of
general, special or local law, rule or regulation to the contrary
notwithstanding, the registration and circulation records and
information concerning the use of the public, public school, college
and university libraries of this state shall be confidential.
Registration and circulation records shall not be open for
inspection by, or otherwise available to, any agency or individual
except for the following entities: (a) the library which manages the
records; (b) the state education department for a library under its
jurisdiction when it is necessary to assure the proper operation of
such library; or (c) the state Public Library Service for a library
under its jurisdiction when it is necessary to assure the proper
operations of such library. Aggregate statistics shown from
registration and circulation records, with all personal
identification removed, may be released or used by a library for
research and planning purposes. Provided however, any parent of a
minor child shall have the right to inspect the registration and
circulation records of any school or public library that pertain to
his or her child.
(Acts 1983, No. 83-565, p. 866, §2.)
History
of Checked Out Items
United States Patriot Act and Libraries