The South Hadley Public Library respects the right of library
users to privacy and confidentiality, in accordance with MGL c. 4,
§ 7, cl. 26 and MGL c. 78, § 7, which state that
circulation and registration records identifying the names, addresses,
e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of library users, and the
materials borrowed, are not public records. The intellectual pursuits
of individuals using library materials or library computers are considered
confidential information.
In accord with the law, the policy of the library is not to
reveal the borrowing records, holds, or fine records to any person
other than the owner of the library card. The library does recognize
that it may be necessary for a parent or legal guardian to be provided
with information about a minor's library records (e.g., when
a child's library materials have incurred fines or are lost).
In these cases, the parent or legal guardian who is financially responsible
for the child's library materials will be supplied with the pertinent
information.
Patrons are encouraged to obtain a personal identification number
(PIN) through the C/WMARS online catalog so that they can access their
borrowing record privately from home, work, or a library computer.
The library respects the rights of users to privacy and confidentiality
in their use of library computers. The library will not release the
names of persons using internet computers or information accessed
during individual computer sessions except as required by law.
No records can be made available to any inquiries, governmental
or otherwise, unless a subpoena has been served by a court of competent
jurisdiction and the library administration has consulted with Town
Counsel to determine if it is proper to release the requested information.
A. Such records shall not be made available to any individual or agency
except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized
under the authority of, and pursuant to, federal, state, or local
law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures
or legislative investigative power.
B. Upon receipt of such process, order, or subpoena, the Director will
notify the Chair of the Library Trustees and consult with Town Counsel
to determine if such process, order, or subpoena is in proper form
and if there is a showing of good cause for issuance. If the process,
order, or subpoena is not in proper form or if good cause has not
been shown, such defects must be corrected.
The USA Patriot Act supersedes state law and expands the federal
government's authority for access to library records and documents
to investigate matters of national security. It also expands federal
law enforcement's authorization to track telephone and electronic
communication. This law also prohibits library staff from informing
patrons if federal agents have obtained records in their name.
Library staff should refer all formal requests for circulation,
registration, or computer records to the Library Director.