Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Policy on the Confidentiality of Library Records (Revised)

The Bedford Free Public Library is dedicated to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our patrons. Our staff complies with the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association and the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 78, Section 7 (1994 edition): “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.”

This policy extends to circulation records (borrowing records, registration records, reserves or fine records), interlibrary loan transactions, registration records, database search records and reference interviews. Except in cases involving the USA Patriot Act, 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.

This policy also applies to the release of information to the parents of minors when the minor has his or her own library card. The Supervisor of the Public Records of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Carolyn Kelly MacWilliam, stated in May 1997:

“A public library may not disclose records which reveal a minor’s borrowing information to the minor’s parent, regardless of whether the parent is paying the fine on an overdue item or the parent has signed the child’s library card application form.”

Our staff must support this policy of privacy and confidentilality; it is required by law and by the Library’s long commitment to protecting a patron’s right to access information freely. In accordance with the law, the policy restricts our staff from disclosing information to the cardholder’s family or friends.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated by the staff as by everyone who is protected by these laws.
Approved by Library Trustees June 11, 2013

 

Proxy Borrower Permission Form