Patron Privacy
at
Monterey County Free Libraries
Did You Know Your Library Records Are Confidential?
(It
doesn’t matter if you are an adult or a child.)
California
State law mandates that library staff cannot give out the following
information to anyone other than the library cardholder:
Ø
Personal
information
Ø
Information on materials
borrowed, including the name of titles.
Ø
Information on what library
resources, including websites are consulted.
Ø
Reference questions asked.
Exceptions to this
law are:
Ø
If you designate someone in
writing to have permission to access your records. (Ask staff for a waiver
form.)
Ø
Library staff and persons
working for the library may access your records within the scope of their work.
Staff additionally adheres to a professional code of ethics to keep your
information confidential. Note: We do legally release name and address
information to a debt collection service for fee balances $50 and above that are
60 days past due.
Ø
Persons presenting valid court
order or subpoena.
Ø
Federal Investigative
employees with a search warrant issued under the USA Patriot Act. (Released only
by the Libraries’ Custodian of Records, the County Librarian)
How
this law may affect the way you use the library with your child:
“I
was upset when the library staff member would not tell me what books my child
had checked out. How did they expect me to find and return them?”
MCFL Library
Patron
It
is an awkward position for the library customer and library staff to be put
into, but legally library staff can only tell a parent the number of books their
child has checked out, not specific titles. Still, the parent is financially
responsible for the material their minor child borrows.
The
solution:
Ø
Your child
may sign a Waiver Form to allow you to have access to his or her library
records. It is your child’s choice. Ask a staff member about this option.
Ø
Ask your
child to check his or her library account at www.montereycountyfreelibraries.org
Ø
Your child
will need to register for a personal identification number (PIN). You may also
check your account online.
Ø
Accompany
your child to the library so you know what materials your child is checking out.
It is a great experience to share together.
Ø
Set
guidelines with your child on the number and types of materials he or she
borrows.
Ø
Ask your
child to obtain a print out of the materials he or she checks out from the
library.
Ø
Check
materials out on your own library card. You will have full access to all
materials borrowed.
The Public Library is a source
of wonderful information.
Enjoy your visit to the library and establish it as an important place you and your child can rely upon
for life long learning.
For more information on your right to privacy, please ask a library
staff member or refer to the following public documents:
Public Records Act.
(Protection of Library Circulation and Registration
Records, Government Code, Title 1, Division 7, Chapter 3.5, Section 6254.).
American Library Association Code of Ethics.
Monterey County Free Libraries Policy on
Confidentiality of Patron Records.