Privacy
Policy
The Gleason Public Library strives to protect the privacy of library
patrons’ free access to information to the fullest extent
of the law.
- The Library will ask for and retain only that information necessary
to perform user services. The Library keeps no permanent record
of items checked out, Internet sites visited, electronic databases
used, or searches performed by patrons; any data stored (either
intentionally or incidentally) on our computer network, consortia
servers, or individual machines is protected by MA Law (MGL
Chapter 78, Section 7).
- All staff members must support this policy of privacy. Only
authorized library staff may access personal data stored in the
library’s computer system and files for the purpose of performing
library work.
- The Library is not to reveal the borrowing records, reserve
or fine records to any person other than the owner to which they
are assigned, unless authorized by that individual*. 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.
However, Library patrons should be aware that
provisions in the USA Patriot Act (Public
Law 107-56) may require the Library to provide Federal officials
with information about individuals’ use of library resources
pursuant to a subpoena. Other portions under the USA Patriot Act
also specify that no delay is possible and that the library workers
are prohibited from informing the patron that information regarding
their records has been subpoenaed.
While the Library will endeavor to protect the privacy of patrons’
use of Library computers and borrowing practices, absolute privacy
is not guaranteed. Please take note that library computers and collection
stacks (containing books, magazines, and media) are located in public
areas, which must be shared by all library users. In addition, the
Library cannot and does not guarantee that every task completed
via its network is unconditionally private and secure.
The Gleason Public Library is committed to the American Library
Associations (ALA) Library
Bill of Rights and its Freedom
to Read Statement. According to the ALA, in a library, the right
to privacy is the right to inquiry without having the subject of
one’s interest examined and scrutinized. Confidentiality exists
when a library is in possession of personally identifiable information
about users and keeps that information private on their behalf.
Recognizing the role of the library as a center for free and uninhibited
access to information of a democratic society, the library staff
must vigilantly guard their patrons’ privacy and freedom of
inquiry, honoring their trust and confidence. This policy is based
on recommendations of the American Library Association and Massachusetts
General Laws Chapter 78, Section 7 which states, That 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.
Other links:
Merrimack Valley Library Consortium's privacy policy.
*The Library understands that special circumstances in the case
of minors may arise, in which staff must release information relating
to misplaced items, due dates, fines, or lost/damaged items to the
legal guardian of that minor.
Approved 11/07/2003 |
