Palos Verdes Library District

Privacy and Confidentiality Policy

The Palos Verdes Library District adheres to the American Library Association's recommendation that recognizes the confidentiality of information sought or received, and materials consulted, borrowed or acquired by a library user. These materials may include database search records, circulation records, interlibrary loan records and other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, programs or services, such as reference interviews. It is library policy that Internet sign-in information and Internet use history are confidential.

Library circulation and registration records kept for the purposes of identifying the borrower of items available in the library are confidential and shall not be disclosed to any person, local agency or state agency, except as follows in accordance with California Government Code Section 6267:

1. By a person acting within the scope of his or her duties within the administration of the library;
2. By a person authorized in writing, by the individual to whom the records pertain, to inspect the records; and
3. By order of the appropriate Superior Court.

As used in this policy, the term "circulation records" includes any information which identifies the patrons who have borrowed particular books or other materials. The term "registration records" includes any information which the library requires a patron to provide in order to become eligible to borrow books and other materials or to use Palos Verdes Library District facilities or equipment.

Notwithstanding previous provisions of this policy, records of fines imposed on borrowers and the name of persons against whom such fines have been imposed may be disclosed to a person making such request, provided advance authorization is obtained from the District Director (California Government Code Section 6267).

The person requesting library records should be referred to the District Director; or if the District Director is unavailable, to the Deputy Director or to the Librarian-in-charge who will accept the subpoena on behalf of the District Director.

After 5:00 PM and on Saturday or Sunday, any library staff member may be served with a subpoena requesting information in library records on the District Director's behalf; the subpoena can be complied with at a later time. Simply accept the subpoena and forward it to the District Director. The records must not be supplied at the time of the service of the subpoena.

The District Director shall determine if the request meets the conditions outlined in California Government Code Section 6267. No records shall be released unless the request is in compliance with Section 6267.

Any threats or unauthorized demands (those not supported by a process, order, or subpoena) concerning registration or circulation records will not be accepted and shall be reported to the Board of Library Trustees.
If the request is being made under the Patriot Act it should be handled in accordance with Policy No. 2020.6 below.

Adopted April 8, 1984; Revised December 10, 1987; Revised December 13, 1990; Revised September 10, 1992; Revised May 11, 1995; Revised May 13, 2004; Reviewed December 9, 2010; Revised September 17, 2015; Revised February 20, 2020

Adopted April 8, 1984; Last Reviewed December 9, 2010; Removed Section 2020.6 “Freedom to Read” September 17, 2015; Reviewed February 20, 2020