Section 1-3 Confidentiality of Patron Records
The Code of Virginia 2.1-342 (b) states "The following
records are excluded from the provisions of this chapter" (The
Virginia Freedom of Information Act) (7) "Library records
which can be used to identify both (i) any library patron
who has borrowed material from a library and (ii) the material
such patron borrowed."
Accordingly, when any local, state, or federal official
or a private citizen seeks to gain access to library circulation
records or patron files, Amherst County Public Library personnel
shall not reveal any personal data on library users or allow
access to such records or files. Individuals seeking such
personal data from library records shall be referred to the
Library Director.
To protect library users against invasion of privacy, the
Library Director shall withhold any information to be used
for non-library purposes until served with a legal process,
order or subpoena which specifically identifies the information
required and the purpose for such a request.
No records shall be released until determination by the
Library's Attorney that such process, order or subpoena is
proper and in full compliance with proper legal authority,
whether local, state or federal in nature.
Upon receipt of any such order the Library Director shall
advise the Library's Attorney and the Amherst County Public
Library Board of Trustees.
Any problems or conditions relating to the privacy of a
library user's personal data as recorded by the Amherst County
Public Library which are not provided for in this policy
statement shall be referred to the Library Director. A decision
on the problem shall be made after study of the issues and
consultation with the Library Board and/or Library Attorney.
Library users have the right to receive
information about their own records, but must first provide
personal identification. Acceptable identification includes
library card or driver's license or validation of personal
information in the patron's record. Patrons who wish to pay
fines for other family members may be told the amount only.
Information provided over the telephone shall be limited to
the number of items charged to a patron and the amount of
fines, after the solicitor has given name and library card
number. Parents or legal guardians may have access to the
records of their children aged 17 or under.
The Library is not
responsible for any loss of confidentiality that may occur
as a result of a library patron choosing to loan his/her card
to a family member or other person, or for stolen or lost
cards not reported to the library.
Adopted by the Amherst County Public Library Board of Trustees
March 25, 2003; revised 1/15/08
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