Confidentiality of Library Records

Protecting the rights of library users to view and read materials without fear of intrusion, intimidation or reprisal is a value recognized by the American Library Association in Item 3 of its Code of Ethics which provides:

3. 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.

To safeguard the privacy of individuals in their use of the library, Fondren Library maintains the confidentiality of library records. Student records, including library borrowing records, are additionally protected by federal privacy laws.

The patron and circulation records of Fondren Library are confidential. Patron records include any information the library requires users (faculty or staff members, students, alumni, or other borrowers) to provide in order to become eligible to access or borrow materials. Such information includes addresses, telephone numbers, and campus ID numbers. Circulation records include information that identifies materials borrowed by library patrons and fine or billing records.

No library employee shall reveal the identity of a borrower to any requestor.

Except in accordance with proper judicial order and with permission of the University Librarian, Library Director, or University General Counsel's Office, no person shall make known in any manner any information contained in such records listed above. In the absence of such judicial orders or permission, those to whom information will be denied include, but are not limited to, faculty, staff (including library staff except in the pursuit of their assigned duties), parents, students, campus security, law enforcement personnel, and military personnel.

Library staff should refer all requests for records information to the appropriate Department Manager or to the Library Director. Those offices will contact the University General Counsel's Office.

In addition to the records described above, access records are those data concerning entry to the library collected via turnstiles or door card readers or login sheets. These records are maintained by the Rice University Police Office. Requests for access to this data should be made to the Library Director.

June 2003; last updated January 2004