Privacy for Patrons
of Barberton Public Library
Privacy
The Barberton Public Library staff honors the right of library users to
read, listen to, or view library materials or other information
resources within the library, or to borrow them for home use. Records
that identify the names of library users with specific materials are
confidential in nature.
Legality
Library records are confidential, as provided by H.B. 389, which became
law in October 2000 as Ohio Revised Code section 149.432. The USA
PATRIOT Act, signed into law on October 26, 2001, provides federal
authorities with additional powers that could affect the release of
information.
The Barberton Public Library staff will comply with federal, state, and
local law in the protection of patrons’ rights. Properly executed court
orders, search warrants, or subpoenas may require staff to release to
law enforcement agents information pertinent to a crime such as child
endangerment, child pornography, and threats of terrorism. Staff will
make every effort to ensure that only the necessary information is
released. Records that might be provided pertain to circulation
functions, interlibrary loan, programs, reference questions, computer
use, and other interactions between staff and patrons.
Questions
Any library user with questions is encouraged to discuss the concerns
with the library director. Users should be assured that confidentiality
is a basic tenet of library service.
Statement confirmed at Supervisors’ Meeting, April 2, 2003