HomeMy WebLinkAbout18-031 Adopting City of PT Public Library's Policy of Confidentiality of LIbrary Transactions and Patron FilesResolution 18-031
RESOLUTION NO. 18-031
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND,
WASHINGTON, ADOPTING CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND PUBLIC LIBRARY'S
POLICY OF CONFIDENTIALITY OF LIBRARY TRANSACTIONS AND PATRON
FILES
WHEREAS, libraries provide a place to exercise intellectual freedom: a free and open
exchange of knowledge and information where individuals may exercise freedom of inquiry as
well as a right to privacy regarding information they seek. Privacy is essential to the exercise of
free speech, free thought, and free association; and,
WHEREAS, after consultation with the Library Advisory Board, staff recommends
adoption of the policy; and,
WHEREAS, it is library's proposed policy that what individuals read, view, or listen to
is a matter of personal privacy, protected by state law (RCW 42.17.3 10) which establishes the
confidentiality of library records; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Port
Townsend as follows:
1. The City Council adopts the Library's Policy of Confidentiality of Library
Transactions and Patron Files in substantially the same form as at Exhibit A.
2. The City Manager in consultation with the Library Director is authorized to make
minor changes and additions to the Policy that are consistent with the intent of the
Policy.
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Port Townsend at a regular meeting
thereof, held this 18th day of June 2018.
Attest:
Joanna.. ������.........................................
Sanders, MMC
Deborah:4—)
S. Sti soLn
Mayor
Approved as to form:
JohnWatts.__..........................................................���w...
Acting City Attorney
Resolution 18-031— Exhibit A
BE
Policy of Confidentiality of Library Transactions and Patron Files
It is library policy that what individuals read, view, or listen to is a matter of personal
privacy, protected by state law (RCW 42.17.3 10) which establishes the confidentiality of library
records. Under this policy, library staff members and volunteers may not tell employers,
government agencies, school personnel, relatives, or others what materials are checked out to a
card holder without a court order requiring that the records be provided and a public hearing of
which the patron is notified. All library transactions are confidential in nature. The library
upholds the right of a card holder to be given full, confidential access to available library
resources no matter what political or intellectual atmosphere prevails. Every person of any age
who has a Port Townsend Public Library card has the right to borrow any item in the library's
collection and is eligible for all services offered.
Although the Port Townsend Public Library makes every effort to protect patron privacy, under
the federal USA PATRIOT ACT (Public Law 107-56), records of the books and other materials
borrowed from this library may be obtained by federal agents with a court order or warrant.
Unlike the Washington State law this federal law prohibits library workers from informing
patrons if federal agents have obtained their library records.
Ways the Library Protects Patron Privacy
• Library computers erase browsing history, passwords and personal data between sessions.
• If materials are returned on time, they are removed from the patron's record at the time of
check in. "Last patron" information is attached to each library item after checking in, to help the
library determine responsibility for damages and missing parts.
• Interlibrary Loan records are shredded one month after the items are returned.
• We retain no long-term records of the materials and equipment patrons have used
and returned.
•Patrons may opt in to saving their reading history for their convenience.
Revised and Approved 6/26/2003 and reviewed by the Library Advisory Board and approved
again by the Library Advisory Board on 4-19-2018