University of Connecticut Libraries
CONFIDENTIALITY OF LIBRARY PATRON FILES

Information collected by any unit of the University of Connecticut Library system relating to the use of collections and/or services by an individual library patron is confidential.

PROCESS

Such information is compiled in library records and files for the following purposes:

1. To maintain information as to the location/availability of materials.

2. To compile general use statistics in regard to collections and/or services (No statistics are compiled by individual users.)

3. To enable the library to conduct its normal business with patrons, e.g. mailing notices, resolving problems, collecting fines/bills, etc.

Individual patron charge records are filed by social security number, or in the case of patrons who object to this use of their number, by other assigned identification number.

Access to an individual's files is available to:

1. The patron him or herself.

2. Library staff in the course of their assigned duties.

Access to individual files by any other party, including library staff who have "no need to know," other University staff, other state or federal employees, or other library patrons, is prohibited. Library staff are not authorized to provide any information concerning an individual's use of collections or services to anyone other than the patron or to other library staff who need such information in the performance of their assigned duties.

Requests for exceptions to this policy must be made to the Director of University Libraries or the Director of Administrative Services. Such requests must be in writing and must state the specific purpose for which information is being requested. Exceptions to the policy will not normally be made, but may be considered in extreme circumstances.