Recently Asked Questions (RAQs)

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.”

In this RAQ’s section 2, “Libraries, Fax Lines, and HIPAA,” you say, there is NO CIRCUMSTANCE under which a public, academic or public library should be engaging in a HIPAA-governed communication.” You also say, “If your library is not transmitting this type of information, you can stop sweating about HIPAA, even if patrons are using your fax to send it.”

Just so that we are crystal clear: this means that if patrons need to use a fax machine to correspond with a doctor’s office, it’s okay as long as they are the ones who physically use the fax machine? If they require help, can staff tell them how to use the machine as long as we don’t handle the physical documents?

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? 

A school district public library is considering installing closed-circuit cameras and thinking of enabling sound recordings, too. Is it legal to record sound, thinking it is a violation of patron privacy? Can board members review the tapes?

As part of a town bicentennial celebration, the committee wants to create a map of historic properties. There would be a description of the property noting its historic significance, the address, and ideally a photo. Many of the properties are privately owned. Do owners need to give permission for their property to be included? We would publish the address and describe the history of the property, but current owners' names would not be disclosed. We want to share history, but respect privacy. What legalities should we be aware of?