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You are here:  Home About The Library: Library Confidentiality Policy

802. Confidentiality Policy

See also related policies: Use of Library's Cardholder File (704), Circulation of Materials (801), Display Policy (805), Meeting Rooms (806), Library Bill of Rights (1001) and Conduct in the Library (809). See also Code of Iowa, Chapter 22.7, Confidential Records.

802.1

Confidentiality of library records is central to intellectual freedom and directly related to the ability of citizens to use library materials and pursue information without fear of intimidation. The purpose of this policy is to explain how the Library will respond to requests for information about library users.

802.2

The Iowa City Public Library Board of Trustees recognizes that library circulation records and other records identifying specific users are confidential in nature. No individual except authorized Library staff shall have access to circulation or patron records other than his or her own without the cardholder's consent.
  1. The Library interprets possession of a card (or card number in a phone or email request) as consent to use it unless it has been reported lost or stolen, or there is reason to believe that consent has not been given.
  2. Library accounts for which a bill has been sent may be revealed to parents of minor children, a collection agency, or law enforcement personnel.

802.3

 Confidentiality extends to information sought or received and materials consulted, borrowed, or acquired and includes Internet and electronic resource search records; reference interviews and transactions, circulation records, interlibrary loan records, and other personally identifiable uses of library materials, equipment, or services.
  1. Contact information for displays and meetings is provided by the user and considered public information.
  2. Persons attending library programs or public meetings may be videotaped or photographed as an audience member. These images may be used for Library programming or promotion, including broadcast on The Library Channel, the Library website, the Internet, and other media.
  3. Security cameras are installed in the Library to protect the safety and security of people, the building and its contents. Only authorized library staff may view recordings. Library security camera recordings are public records, and may be viewed by others upon receipt of an open records or law enforcement request.

802.4

At no time will the Library Director, who serves as custodian of the records, release protected records except pursuant to a process, subpoena, or court order authorized pursuant to a federal, state, or local law relating to civil, criminal, administrative, or legislative investigative power. Library staff will seek legal counsel from the City Attorney's Office in the event of such a request for release of Library records, and will respond to the request according to advice of counsel.

Adopted - 09/17/70
Reviewed - 10/25/79
Reviewed - 04/27/89
Reviewed - 01/28/93
Revised - 03/30/95
Revised - 02/22/96
Revised - 05/27/99
Revised - 03/23/00
Revised - 01/23/03
Revised - 02/23/06
Revised - 01/22/09