I was asked a question last month about our library policy on confidentiality of patron records and freedom of access. I thought I should review that subject to make sure my answer was correct and to share some of that information with you.

The American Library Association, which is the national organization representing libraries and the library profession has policy of preserving the confidentiality of patron's records as well as a patron's privacy and insuring that the library remains an open institution for the free dissemination of information. One of its principal documents is the Library Bill of Rights quoted here:

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

V. A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

VI. Libraries that make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

As a professional librarian and member of the ALA, I subscribe to these policies and ensure that our libraries in Pasadena do as well. In addition to the ALA, the Texas Library Association has also adopted policies which mirror the ALA's positions. The Texas library Association holds:

.... that the freedom to read is a corollary of the constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press. Freedom of choice in selecting materials is a necessary safeguard to the freedom to read, and shall be protected against extra-legal, irresponsible attempts by self-appointed censors to abridge it. The Association believes that citizens shall have the right of free inquiry and the equally important right of forming their own opinions, and that it is of the utmost importance to the continued existence of democracy that freedom of the press in all forms of public communication be defended and preserved. The Texas Library Association subscribes in full to the principles set forth in the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS of the American Library Association, Freedom to Read Statement, and interpretative statements adopted thereto. 

Retrieved 11/19/2012 from: http://www.txla.org/intellectual-freedom

In addition to the policy of the Texas Library Association, the State Legislature has also provided by statute that:

The records of library materials you borrow or use, the information you seek in the library, or the library services you use cannot be disclosed to anyone except:

• As reasonably necessary for the operation of the library;
• Persons authorized, in writing, by the individual named in the records; or
• By order or subpoena of a district court, issued on a showing of good cause.

*As of September 1, 1993, the Texas Open Records Act protects the confidentiality of the records of any library system which is supported in whole or in part by public funds, that identify or serve to identify a person who requested, obtained, or used a library material or service. Retrieved 11/19/2012 from  http://www.txla.org/IF-confidentiality

The above law adopted by the Texas legislature preserves a patrons privacy in the use of library materials. With the few exceptions mentioned above, or modified by judicial decree, what you borrow, what you read, what you look at on the internet using the resources of the Pasadena Libraries is held in strictest confidentiality. This includes the information on your application for a library card, the books you place on reserve, the web sites you visit using the library internet, and in what part of the library you browsed for books.

If you have any questions about library privacy, or confidentiality, please ask a librarian or ask me. We would be glad to discuss this subject at any time.

Tom Simiele

Come join us for our weekly story times filled with rhymes, songs and finger plays!

2ND TUESDAY @ 6:30 P.M. PAJAMA STORY TIME  

(COME IN YOUR PJ'S AND BRING YOUR TEDDY BEAR)

4TH TUESDAY AT 6:30 P.M. - FAMILY FUN NIGHT WITH MS. GINGER & ARGYLE

FRIDAY MORNINGS @ 10:30 A.M.  

WITH MS. GINGER & ARGYLE