Confidentiality of Library Records

Patrons of the library have certain rights with regard to their use of library facilities and services.  Records of patron use of library materials or services are confidential per NJSA 18A:73-43.1.  Library records which contain the names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of the Library are confidential and shall not be disclosed except in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:73-43.2.

Records of patron use of library resources may include:

• Circulation records
• Workstation and server logs
• Security videos
• Information sought or received
• Database search records
• Interlibrary loan records
• Reference requests
• Program registration information
• Signup sheets
• Patron material complaint forms
• Patron suggestion forms
• Emails
• Voicemails
• Correspondence about patron’s library use
• Any other such record with personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, programs or services as may be accumulated in the course of doing library business

The Library will do all within its power to protect each user’s right to privacy with respect to all information required for registration and for information sought or received, and materials consulted, borrowed or acquired. Such records will not be made available to any individual, organization or government agency except pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A: 73 43.2 which reads: “Library records which contain the names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of libraries are confidential and shall not be disclosed except in the following circumstances:

• The records are necessary for the proper operation of the library;
• Disclosure is requested by the user; or
• Disclosure is required pursuant to a subpoena issued by a court or court order. L.1985, c 172, s. 2, eff. May 31, 1985.”

Adopted: September 10, 2026