Library Policies - Information Disclosure

The Dixon Public Library is committed to establishing and maintaining a library environment that provides:

• a safe and crime-free place
• a place for learning, and for the pursuit of knowledge and information on any topic
• a place where library users can ask any question and discuss any topic
• a place where user privacy and confidentiality is protected to the full extent of the law.

To foster such an environment in general, and to specifically protect user privacy and confidentiality, it is library policy that no records of patron activity (such as, but not limited to, database search records; circulation records; computer use records; inter-library loan records; reference interviews) will be kept past the "normal point of completion," which is understood to be:

• database search records (online public access catalog) – at end of user session (software automatically deletes);
• circulation records (online library system) – when patron has returned all materials and has paid any fines, fees, etc.;
• computer use records – at log-off;
• inter-library loan records – when patron has returned all materials and has paid any fines, fees, etc.;
• reference interviews – when patron request is fulfilled.

The Dixon Public Library supports efforts to continue to preserve and protect the many hard-won freedoms enjoyed by Americans during this time of national concern over security. All public libraries face the responsibility of protecting the privacy of patrons while also meeting the demands of legitimate national security inquiries. The Library will comply with law enforcement requests for information which are presented in the manner specifically authorized by law.

Approved by the Library Commission on 15 March 2004

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