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Protecting patron privacy in the library can sometimes lead to sticky and awkward conversations. However, we want our patrons to know that the governing rules of libraries in the United States are designed to protect their privacy. For Grand County Library District, patron privacy is a matter of utmost importance.
The American Library Association sets standards for best practices and library law. One of the documents that helps guide decision-making is the Library Bill of Rights. Article VII states, “All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should (safeguard) all library use data, including personally identifiable information.”
As my storytime kids would ask, “What does that mean, Mr. Arthur?”
My response, “That means that when parents allow their child to get their own library card, librarians will not share with anyone, including your parents, what items you check out. Librarians protect your parents’ privacy too.”
Grand County Library District librarians explain this policy to caregivers when they get library cards for their children, so they understand that librarians can’t give them access to their child’s record. However, we also let caregivers know that as long as they have their child’s library card number, they may access their child’s library record themselves through the library district’s online catalog at GCLD.Marmot.org.
Of course, if a parent or guardian is uncomfortable with this policy, we advise them to simply use their own card for their children’s check-outs.
Privacy in the library goes beyond not disclosing the items our patrons borrow. Librarians are not permitted to share who is in the library or who visited the library. The conversations often go something like this:
A parent calls the library. “Hello, is my child, Jack Doe, in the library?”
A librarian will respond with, “I’m sorry Mr. Doe, but per library privacy law I’m not allowed to disclose who is in the library. However, I can take your phone number and, if your child is here, I will ask them to call you back.”
These practices apply to parents, siblings, spouses, teachers, vulnerable persons and law enforcement.
Your local library prioritizes your privacy as outlined in the Library Bill of Rights.Sky-Hi News archive photo
Privacy also extends to situations where someone asks to pick up requested items for another person. While it can be awkward to tell patrons they cannot pick up their spouse’s book without their spouse’s library card, I will share some things our patrons can do to make it easier for others to pick up their library materials:
- New library patrons are issued two cards…a wallet card and a keychain card. Feel free to share one with your spouse or family member so they can pick up items for you. Please note passwords (aka PIN) are required to use self-check-out.
- In the absence of the extra card, you may share your library card number or a photo of your card. If the person picking up the items can produce the requesting patron’s card number, library staff can check out the items.
While protecting patron privacy can lead to some curious situations, these policies are in place to protect and honor an individual’s right to privacy given to them by the American Library Association. At the library district, your privacy is our priority.
To find out more about the library association and the Library Bill of Rights, visit ALA.org.
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