Privacy Policy Statement
Background, Philosophy, Rationale
The American Library Association, in its Code of Ethics, states that libraries in the United States are in a position to ..."Influence or control the selection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information. In a political system grounded in an informed citizenry… (libraries are) committed to intellectual freedom and the freedom of access to information."
Libraries have a responsibility to foster the free flow of ideas and information in their communities. The Dorothy Alling Memorial Library takes most seriously this responsibility to ensure intellectual freedom, and recognizes the critical need to protect the privacy and confidentiality of its users.
Policy on Giving Information About Library Users
Without binding legal demand, and/or written permission of the patron involved or formal request by custodial guardian of a patron under 16 years, Dorothy Alling Memorial Library and its staff will not provide user information requested by a third party.
Policy on Records Creation and Retention
The library does not collect or retain user information beyond what is needed for essential library operations or to protect the library collections (e.g., information necessary for contacting someone about materials he or she currently has signed out or for which a bill might be outstanding). Only staff has access to personally identifiable information stored in the library’s computer systems.