Library Records Policy

Confidentiality of Library Records

The confidentiality of library records is central to intellectual freedom and directly related to the ability of patrons to use library materials and pursue information without fear of public scrutiny or intimidation.

The Board of Trustees of the Indianola Public Library affirms that all library circulation records are confidential. Patron rights to privacy includes information sought or received, and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired, or transmitted.  This information includes, but is not limited to database search records, internet and electronic search records, reference questions and interviews, interlibrary loan records, identifiable information about uses of library materials, programs, facilities, or services. 

Information may be released only under the provisions of the Code of Iowa, Section 22.7(13):

 “The records of a library which, by themselves or when examined with other public records, would reveal the identity of the library patron checking out or requesting an item or information from the library.  The records shall be released to a criminal or juvenile justice agency only pursuant to an investigation of a particular person or organization suspected of committing a known crime. The records shall be released only upon a judicial determination that a rational connection exists between the requested release of information and a legitimate end and that the need for the information is cogent and compelling.”

Said records shall not be available to any agency of state, federal, or local government except pursuant to legal process, with proper showing of good cause in a court of competent jurisdiction.

The library director shall be the “lawful custodian of the records.”

Upon receipt of such process, order, or subpoena, the library director will consult with legal counsel, if necessary, to determine if such process, order, or subpoena is in proper form and if there is a showing or good cause for its issuance.  The Library Board of Trustees will be notified of any subpoenas received.

This Library will retain patron use records only for the period needed for retrieval of overdue materials, payment of outstanding fees, and compilation of statistics.  Such records that are no longer needed for these purposes shall be destroyed.

Adopted 2/8/00; revised 9/10/02; reviewed 10/07; reviewed 2/12; reviewed 3/17; revised 2/19; revised 1/22