Privacy Policy

The Milne Public Library strives to protect the privacy of its patrons and guests, in accordance with both Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 78, Section 7 and with the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics,
Article 3, which states: “We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.”

Library records subject to this policy include:

• Information an individual provides in order to be eligible to use library services or borrow materials

• Information that identifies an individual as having requested or obtained specific materials or materials on a specific subject

• Information that is provided by an individual to enable staff to assist in answering a query or finding a particular library resource

The library keeps no permanent record or history of the use or “checking out” of physical resources, including books, after the item has been returned. The library keeps no permanent record of internet sites visited,
online resources used, or searches performed by patrons. Library records including books currently checked out, bills due, and holds placed, are protected by law and library policy.

When using the library’s services, including online services, patrons may be required to provide their name, e-mail address, library card number, phone number, and/or home address. This information will only be used to fulfill
patrons’ service needs and to help the library improve and target its services effectively. Patrons’ personal information will be discarded when it is no longer needed.

The Milne Library is a member of the CW MARS network (www.cwmars.org) which provides the library’s catalog, circulation system, and some online resources. Circulation, borrower registration, and usage

records are managed by CW MARS and the library also observes their privacy policy.

Library records shall not be made available to any government agency, to any organization, or to another individual, except as pursuant to the following:

• For patrons younger than 10 years of age, a parent or legal guardian may request information about titles checked out, holds placed, and money due. Guardians may be required to provide identification to get this information.

• The library allows you to designate individuals to pick up your holds and/or to borrow materials on your behalf, at your explicit request. These individuals will need to have access to some of your information.

• In the case of a valid order, subpoena, or warrant, the library may be required to share your information with the relevant authorities. No confidential information on library patrons will be shared without presentation of a subpoena or search warrant.

• For library administrative purposes, patron record information is available to the Board of Trustees members and employees of the library for use in the ordinary conduct of library business. Information may be shared with individuals and corporations outside the library, such as automation vendors in the normal course of database

• creation and management or agencies utilized in the collection of overdue materials and outstanding fees. The library does not provide patron information for commercial uses.

Adopted May 3, 2023

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