Library staff shall not release library records to any person other than the patron named in the record (i.e. the library card holder). The Michigan Library Privacy Act prohibits disclosure to all third parties, including parents or other persons who have signed to accept financial responsibility for the card holder.

1. Definition of "Library Record"

A "library record" is defined in the statute as "a document, record or other method of storing information retained by a library that identifies a person as having requested or obtained specific materials from a library." "Library record" does not include non-identifying material such as circulation statistics.
 

2. Retention of Information"

Personal information associated with technology such as RFID, or hosted for another library will not exceed the information retained in the library's automation system and will be secured. Such information constitutes a "library record" and as such is covered under the Michigan Library Privacy Act.
 

3. Request procedures

1. Notification of the Library Director: Any employee of the Chippewa River District Library System who receives a request, or who is served with a subpoena, court order, or other legal process, to release or disclose any library records shall promptly notify the Library Director.
    

2. Action by the Library Director: The Library Director, in a timely manner, shall review all requests and orders, consult with the Library's attorney as necessary, and respond in an appropriate manner to each such request and order in accordance with this policy. All requests by any person or entity other than the patron named in the record shall be denied unless the Library Director has received the named patron's written consent for such release or disclosure or the request is in compliance with existing state or federal law.
    

3. The Library Director shall comply fully with a court order to release or disclose library records if that court order was properly obtained under Section 3(2) of the Library Privacy Act (MCL 397-603). The court may issue an order for disclosure only "after giving the affected library notice of the request and an opportunity to be heard thereon."
    

*The basis for this policy is the Michigan Library Privacy Act, 1982 Public Act 455, MCL 397.601 - 397.605 and the Freedom of Information Act (MCL 397.603 and MCL 15.243[d]).

Approved: August 8, 1995

Amended: October 14, 2002

Amended: June 23, 2005

Meeting Rooms

Safety and Well-Being of Children

Public Internet Access Policy

Public Bulletin Boards

Privacy of Patron Records

Collection Development Policy

Donations and Fundraising

Multimedia Equipment Policy

Obituary Searches