Your Right to Privacy
MWCC Library adheres to the American Library Association Code of Ethics, which includes the following statement: “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.” MWCC Library also follows the Massachusetts General Law Chapter 78, Section 7, which states “that part of the records of a public library which reveals the identity and intellectual pursuits of a person using such library shall not be a public record.” MWCC Library staff strive to protect the confidentiality of each library user’s records. No staff member will disclose any personally identifiable library user records including, but not limited to, circulation records, patron registration records, patron e-mail and computer records, interlibrary loan requests, or reference requests, to any person other than the library users themselves unless:
- The library patron has given informed consent (in writing) for another individual to obtain that information; OR
- An authorized person (MWCC staff member) requires that information for retrieval of overdue library materials or compensation for damaged or lost library materials; OR
- The request is made by a law enforcement official or a court order. The Assistant Dean of Library Services and Technologies will confer with MWCC legal counsel before determining the proper response to any law enforcement request or served court order. All library staff will refer any law enforcement inquiries regarding patron confidentiality to the Assistant Dean of Library and Academic Support Services.
