Subject: Privacy

Author/Information
Jamie Babcock and Mary Sue Livingston

Effective Date
August 2005    

Purpose
To state the library’s policy regarding confidentiality of patron records

Scope
This policy applies to all users of the Marygrove College Library

Statement of Policy

Marygrove College Library respects the privacy and confidentiality of all patrons and their access to information. Library records are protected by law in the State of Michigan under the Library Privacy Act (Act 455 of 1982; 397.601 – 397.606 of the Michigan Compiled Laws). In addition, the Library subscribes to and complies with the professional principles of librarianship as expressed in the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association, which states in part: “We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted” (Section III).

Marygrove College Library patron records are confidential and will not be made available or accessible to any party, with the exception of institutional personnel as needed to fulfill their duties, unless required by law or in compliance with a court order that is in good form and supported with good cause for its issuance.

This confidentiality of patron records protects the following:

• personal information, including names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses;
• circulation history of library and interlibrary loan materials;
• fines history;
• access of electronic resources, including the Internet and databases;
• use of library facilities, including computer usage;
• use of library services, including reference and research inquiries and interactions.

This policy does not protect activities or behaviors that violate local, state, or federal laws, which are strictly prohibited on library premises and will be reported to authorities.

Questions and concerns about patron privacy and confidentiality in the Library may be directed to the head of Circulation Services, by telephone at (313) 927-1355.

Date created: August 12, 2005
Date of latest revision: August 12, 2005