Protecting Privacy of Library Records and Library Use Policy

 

Policy approved by Library Board
10/18/2023

Confidentiality of Library Records

Under Wisconsin Statutes Section 43.30, library records that indicate the identity of any individual who borrows or uses a library’s documents or other materials, resources or services may only be disclosed:

  • With written consent of the library user

  • By court order

  • To the custodial parent or guardian of a child who is under the age of 16 who requests such library records

  • To persons acting within the scope of their duties in the administration of the library

  • Under certain circumstances, to other libraries for interlibrary loan purposes.

Confidentiality Statement

The Bayfield Carnegie Public Library protects the privacy of library records and the confidentiality of library users of services and materials by relevant laws. In addition, the Library Board supports the principle of freedom of inquiry for library users and protects against the unwarranted invasion of the personal privacy of library users.

Therefore, the following information will not be disclosed:

  • A patron’s name, address, telephone number, email address, or any other personally identifiable information. 

  • A patron’s borrowing record and its contents

  • The number and character of questions asked by a patron

  • The frequency or content of a patron’s lawful visits to the library

  • The information supplied to a patron.

The library’s circulation records, and their contents, will not be released without presentation of a court order unless the cardholder provides written consent to library personnel (Wis. Stats. 43.30).

As specified in Wisconsin Statutes Section 43.30, "records of any library which is in whole or in part supported by public funds, including the records of a public library system, indicating the identity of any individual who borrows or uses the library's documents or other materials, resources or services may not be disclosed except by court order or to persons acting within the scope of their duties in the administration of the library or library system, to persons authorized by the individual to inspect such records, or to libraries authorized under subs. (2) and (3)."

The Bayfield Carnegie Public Library adheres strictly to all sections of this Statute regarding the protection of the confidentiality of its users.