Patron Privacy

Patron Privacy

The Clifton Springs Library Board of Trustees respects the right to privacy of all its patrons. All library records are confidential. Under no circumstances shall library staff provide information of any kind about an individual library user.

No library records shall be made available to the public, press, or governmental agency, except by such process, order or subpoena authorized by federal, state, or local law.

Staff procedures for protecting privacy of library records

1. If anyone approaches a staff member alleging to be law enforcement official requesting information, do not disclose anything to that individual. Refer him/her to the director.
2. If anyone presents a subpoena, direct that person to the director, who will notify PLS and a library board member who will then seek legal counsel.
3. If anyone presents a warrant, do not interfere with the search or seizure. Notify the director. In the director’s absence notify a board member and PLS.
4. After person leaves, please write down date, time, person’s name and person’s request.

This policy is based on ALA’s Confidentiality of Library Records policy (see appendix 3) and New York State Law 4509 on library records. (see appendix 4).