In compliance with New York State Civil Practice Law and Rules 4509, the records of library cardholders are confidential.Library records include but are not limited to patron registration records, circulation records, attendance records for library sponsored programs, records of computer use or reference services, or any other data linking a particular patron to specific library services or material.
Patrons have control over their library cards.Presentation of a valid library card will allow the patron whose name appears on the card (or the parent/ legal guardian in the case of a juvenile card holder)access to information about the current circulation record of that patron.A person presenting the library card of a friend or family member may check out items on that card with authorization from the cardholder.(This does not apply to computer use)However, no information from that library record may be given by library staff to a third party.Cards may become invalid due to fees, disciplinary action, patron request or card replacement.
No information from library records will be released to any person, agency, or organization, except in response to a valid court order or subpoena, properly presented to the library director or the director’s representatives. Nothing in this policy shall prevent library staff from using library records in the administration of their regular duties.
Approved June 14, 2012