Privacy
Adopted: 2/21/2007
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and of the press. This requires the corresponding right to hear what is spoken and read what is written, free from fear of intrusion, intimidation, or reprisal. Confidentiality is essential to protect the exercise of these rights from invasions of privacy. The Library endorses the American Library Association's Code of Ethics. Article III which states "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."
The Hills Memorial Library is an impartial resource providing information on all points of view, available to all persons regardless of age, race, religion, national origin, social or political views, economic status, or any other characteristic. This role must not be compromised by an erosion of the privacy rights of our library users.
"New Hampshire State Law, RSA 91-A:5 and RSA 201-D:11, and the Hills Memorial Library protect the privacy of library users. Confidentiality extends to information sought or received, and materials consulted, borrowed, or acquired, and includes registration records, circulation records, database search records, reference interviews, interlibrary loan records, and all other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, or services.
The privacy and confidentiality policies of the Hills Memorial Library shall comply with the applicable federal, state and local laws. Records will be made available in the event that a duly authorized request is received from a law enforcement agency.
- If there is a subpoena, search warrant or a court order...
We will provide information to law enforcement personnel if presented with a court order, search warrant or subpoena. If a court order, search warrant or subpoena is issued, before complying, the library will consult legal counsel to assure the document is in proper form. - Pursuant to the USA Patriot Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005, the Library may be required to produce library user records in the course of an investigation if an appropriate order under the Act was issued. In that instance, the library would be prohibited from disclosing the fact that there were records sought and the nature of the records provided pursuant to such an order. The library will consult legal counsel to assure any order is in proper form.
- If it's an emergency situation...
Special circumstances, such as emergencies involving public health/safety, may require an immediate decision. In such cases, the Director, or other designated staff member will be contacted, and legal counsel will be consulted when possible.
Internet users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users' activities.
Protecting the privacy of the very young is especially important to us. We urge that parents supervise their children's use of the Internet, especially when a child wishes to give out personal information online. Parents may wish to refer to Child Safety on the Information Highway, which is produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as a further guide.
