Recently Asked Questions (RAQs)

We got a question from a school library...

I was wondering about student privacy when substitutes are in the library. When I started here, subs were able to use the circulation desk to check out material. However, since September we have had one substitute who is also a parent looking up their children’s accounts. We also had another issue with a different substitute looking up material to see what students were checking out. When I found this out it made me uncomfortable and I am no longer allowing subs to circulate materials. I have had some pushback from subs about the sudden limitations. I was thinking that the information would be along the same lines as an adult volunteer. However, I did not know if subs had more privileges to access student accounts because they are district employees. I would like something in writing to reference if admin ever asks.

Should librarians who use student or parent volunteers have them sign a statement on protecting patron privacy? If so, what would the wording look like?

Maybe something like this?

“As a library volunteer, I agree to follow all the policies and practices of the school library including ensuring patron privacy. What patrons check out or research in the library is confidential. I will not tell others, students or adults, who has what materials checked out or comment on what is being checked out. I understand that lack of privacy and confidentiality has a chilling effect on users’ selection, access to, and use of library resources. All users have a right to freely use the library and have their privacy protected. I will let the librarian know if I think I have violated any policies.”

I am a school librarian represented by the teachers’ union. What should my union leaders know to advocate for me?

I am a school librarian, and just found out my school district is using student-device monitoring software. The software uses AI to check for searches and content that could indicate consideration of self-harm. I am concerned the software will monitor access to school library content and violate student privacy. What can I do? 

I’d like to ask this as generally as I can so that the answers are as applicable as possible, but I’m writing from a small college library in NY, so I’d like to get a sense for myself and my staff about what our rights, obligations and protections for students and patrons are as Librarians in the event of a “visit” or raid by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

We haven’t received guidance from our institution and we’re a small place, but want to be prepared in case our students or staff are targeted.

What are we required to do? What is ICE currently allowed to do on a college campus or in a library? How can we protect our students from these actions by ICE?

I don’t know and wouldn’t ask about a student’s immigration status, but I know for instance that we have graduate assistants and Faculty who are here on visas and who are non-white.