Privacy in the library

Lauren Thiery
To You Editor, Fused

Act 455 of 1982, commonly known as “The Library Privacy Act,” applies to establishments that receive federal funds, such as public elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities. This means that North is also subject to this act.

The Library Privacy Act makes certain library records confidential and provides for the selection and use of library materials. According to the Act, “library record” means “a document, record or other method of storing information retained by a library that contains information that personally identifies a library patron, including the patron's name, address or telephone number, or that identifies a person as having requested or obtained specific materials from a library.”

This does not include materials which don’t identify any particular library patron that may be gathered to study or evaluate the circulation of library materials.

Because of this act, release or disclosure of library record without consent, procedure or a hearing is prohibited—meaning that the Act is not subject to the freedom of information act of the Public Acts of 1976.

Though the Act may be a hassle if a teacher or student simply wants to know if another library patron has checked out specific material due to overdue fines or to find the location of the material, it can be very beneficial.

If someone were to ask an employee of a library about a particular library patron’s record, and in doing so found out information they didn’t like about that person, many problems could arise. For example, by merely judging the titles of the material disclosed, a person’s religion, political opinions or general interests could become evident. And not necessarily everyone may agree with them.

Not every school completely respects its students’ rights of privacy granted to them by the First Amendment. This is why North, as well as any other school subject to The Library Privacy Act, should be aware of and appreciate every little thing that helps protect their privacy.