ALA CODE OF ETHICS
“We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired, or transmitted.”
NEW YORK STATE LAW S 4509
S 4509. Library records. Library records, which contain names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of public, free association, school, college and university libraries and library systems of this state, including but not limited to records related to the circulation of library materials, computer database searches, interlibrary loan transactions, reference queries, requests for photocopies of library materials, title reserve requests, or the use of audio-visual materials, films or records, shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except that such records may be disclosed to the extent necessary for the proper operation of such library and shall be disclosed upon request or consent of the user or pursuant to subpoena, court order or where otherwise required by statute.
USA PATRIOT Act (Public Law 107-56)
In compliance with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, 50 U.S.C. 1861, as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act (Public Law 107-56), personal information may be released pursuant to a court order that has been received and reviewed for legitimacy by counsel. If such an instance occurs, the library may be obligated to release the information and also be prohibited from informing the individual that such a request has been received.
It is the policy to only keep personal information when necessary. Personal information stored in a user’s library record is removed when a patron record is deleted. When a record is removed, all circulation history related to that individual is purged. Patrons should be advised that if they themselves provide personal information to third parties. Member libraries cannot be responsible for the use of it by those outside parties.
PATRON EMAIL ADDRESSES
Patron email addresses are maintained on the system for the express limited purpose of member library legitimate communication with those patrons as to library business. Patrons may at any time remove, or request removal, of email addresses resident in their patron records. Email addresses are never shared with or sold to any third party or commercial enterprise.
PATRON READING HISTORY AND LISTS
As a convenience, an integrated automated library information system offers features including, but not limited to, patron reading history lists, and lists of materials corresponding to patron interest. Use of such features is entirely voluntary and may be initiated or terminated at any time by the patron.