Staff Policy:
Protecting the Privacy and Confidentiality of Patron Records

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Policy

The Libraries of Florida International University respect and promote the individual's right to privacy concerning use of library resources and materials. Library accounts are maintained with the highest degree of security. Information within library accounts may be used only for the purpose of providing library services. This information is not shared with any other individual, including family members. Library staff will not reveal the identify of patrons or materials checked out, except as required by law (Florida Statute Section 257.261).

Patron's Rights of Privacy & Confidentiality

The Rights of Privacy and Confidentiality include but are not limited to these services:

Materials checked out at the Circulation and Reserves Desk
Interlibrary Loan and Intercampus Loan
Reference questions, interviews, and consultations
Database search records
Use of library facilities, equipment, or services
Discussions with library staff concerning your account, fines, and money owed

Procedures for Enforcing this Policy

In order to protect the privacy and confidentiality of patron records, staff should be aware of the following:

This policy applies to all library staff -- faculty, staff, and student assistants -- as well as specifically applying to service points: Check Out Service Desk (Circulation, Course Reserves), Reference Services Desk, Government Documents Service Desk, Electronic Resource Center, Information Desk, Interlibrary Loan Office, GIS, Audio Visual, and the Library Administration Office.
Should you be approached by a law enforcement official or a member of the general public and asked or instructed to divulge information located within a library patron's account, you are directed to inform the law enforcement official that you will immediately contact your supervisor, the department head, or the Library Director's office.
Do not respond to their demands for patron information without first contacting a higher authority such as your supervisor.
Although you should not, by law, interfere with a law enforcement investigation, a search warrant is required for access to patron accounts. Be aware that investigations regarding library records, accounts, and patron activity require a search warrant.

If you have questions about this policy or any issue related to the protection of patron records, please see your supervisor.

http://library.fiu.edu/services/patronprivacystaffpolicyt.html

Staff Policy:Protecting the Privacy and Confidentiality of Patron Records

Policy

Patron's Rights of Privacy & Confidentiality

Procedures for Enforcing this Policy

Staff Policy:
Protecting the Privacy and Confidentiality of Patron Records