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Privacy Policy

Confidentiality of Library Records

The Palos Verdes Library District adheres to the American Library Association's (ALA) recommendation that recognizes the confidentiality of information sought or received, and materials consulted, borrowed or acquired by a library user. These materials may include database search records, circulation records, interlibrary loan records and other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, programs or services, such as reference interviews. It is Library policy that Internet sign-up records and Internet use history are confidential.

Library circulation and registration records kept for the purposes of identifying the borrower of items available in the library are confidential and shall not be disclosed to any person, local agency or state agency, except as follows in accordance with California Government Code Section 6267:

(i) By a person acting within the scope of his or her duties within the administration of the library;

(ii) By a person authorized in writing, by the individual to whom the records pertain, to inspect the records; and

(iii) By order of the appropriate Superior Court.

As used in this Policy, the term "circulation records" includes any information which identifies the patrons who have borrowed particular books or other materials. The term "registration records" includes any information which the library requires a patron to provide in order to become eligible to borrow books and other materials.

Notwithstanding previous provisions of this Policy, records of fines imposed on borrowers and the name of persons against whom such fines have been imposed may be disclosed to a person making such request, provided advance authorization is obtained from the District Director. (Government Code Section 6267.)