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Policy on
Privacy, Subpoenas, and Search Warrants
The Jacob Edwards Library strives to protect the privacy of
patron information that is not considered a public record
under General Laws, c.78, §7. This statute states library
records “that reveal the identity and intellectual pursuits of
a person shall not be considered a public record.”
Accordingly, the Library considers circulation and
registration records with identifying information such as
name, address, telephone number and email address, as well as
materials borrowed or accessed electronically, not to be part
of the public record. Nevertheless, pursuant to a subpoena,
search warrant, or as otherwise required by law, such records
may be disclosed to proper authorities. No confidential
information on library patrons will be revealed to authorities
without presentation of a subpoena or search warrant.
The Jacob Edwards Library will retain only as much information
about library patrons as required to provide services.
Personal information on patrons will be discarded as soon as
it is no longer needed. The library keeps no permanent record
of Internet sites visited, electronic databases used, or
searches performed by patrons. While the Library will
endeavor to protect the privacy of patrons’ use of library
computers, patrons should be aware, when using Library
computers that the Library cannot and does not guarantee
privacy. Patrons should not have an expectation of total
security in a networked system of shared public-access
computers.
Approved by the Jacob
Edwards Library Board of Trustees
January 15, 2004
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