| Title: | Confidentiality of Library Patron Records |
|---|---|
| Policy Owner: | The UConn Library |
| Applies to: | Faculty, Staff, Students, Others |
| Campus Applicability: | All |
| Effective Date: | November 21, 2016 |
| For More Information, Contact | The UConn Library |
| Contact Information: | (860) 486-2518 |
| Official Website: | http://www.lib.uconn.edu/ |
REASON FOR THE POLICY
The UConn Library is committed to the protection of all library patrons’ rights to privacy with respect to their use of library resources.
APPLIES TO
This policy applies to all University of Connecticut faculty, students, staff, administration, University affiliates, community borrowers and authorized library users who borrow materials from any of the ten (10) University of Connecticut Libraries (collectively, the “UConn Library”).
POLICY STATEMENT
It is the policy and practice of the University of Connecticut that personally identifiable information collected by any unit of the UConn Libraries relating to an individual library patron’s use of library collections and/or services will be kept confidential. While such information may be used internally by employees and agents of the UConn Libraries as needed for the operation of the particular library, it will not be disclosed to third parties except with the express written permission of the library patron or pursuant to a lawfully issued court order.
This policy aligns with the principles of the American Library Association Code of Ethics, which endorses the confidentiality of library patron records.
ENFORCEMENT
Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.
PROCEDURE
Library patron records are retained in accordance with the state record retention requirements established by the Office of the Public Records Administrator of the Connecticut State Library.
If the University is served with a subpoena, warrant, or court order (including court orders resulting from the surveillance provisions of the USA Patriot Act) compelling disclosure of library patron records, then such document shall be promptly referred to the University’s Office of the General Counsel.