Why Patron Privacy Matters -- and How You Can Protect It

Every library should have a written policy on how the library protects patron privacy and how it will respond to requests for information about patrons.

Privacy Policy Checklist:

• State the purpose of the policy.
• Explain how protecting user privacy relates to the mission of the library.
• Refer to Kansas law on privacy of library records.
• Refer to ethical principles on which the policy is based.
• List the personally identifiable information that will be protected (e.g., circulation and registration records, reference questions, interlibrary loan requests, recorded surveillance files, etc.)
• Include statements about the library's commitment to:
  • limit the degree to which personally identifiable information is collected, stored, and shared
  • avoid the use of biometric technologies
  • avoid practices that place patron information on public view
  • keep personal information secure and/or encrypted
  • adopt polices that allow for anonymous use of library resources whenever possible
  • ensure that contracts and licenses require vendors and contractors to follow library policies and legal/ethical obligations concerning privacy.

For more guidance and sample policy language, consult the ALA "Privacy Policies" field guide at https://www.ala.org/advocacy/privacy/fieldguides

Your library also should have a user behavior and library use policy. To protect user privacy, consider including language about filming and photography in the library. Below is an excerpt from our policy at University of Vermont Libraries:

"Individuals will not:

"Photograph, film, video record and/or audio record library users or staff without permission*. Under Vermont state law, library users have a right to privacy in their use of library resources (22 VSA 171-173).  Individuals may photograph, film, or video record the library building and/or collections and exhibits located in public areas.  If you would like to photograph, film, video record and/or audio record library users or staff with their consent in the library, please contact the Dean's Office for permission at 802-656-2020.

" * Public libraries are considered to be limited public forums and may regulate First Amendment activities such as photography, assemblies, and public speeches using viewpoint-neutral rules (Kreimer v. Board of Police of Morristown, NJ)."