Circulation Records as Public Records

Massachusetts General Laws are very clear on how public library circulation records are to be handled. __Although libraries are public institutions, the circulation records of library patrons are not public records.__

Here are links two links to Mass Gereral Laws for you to read and comprehend:

Public Libraries: Establishment by cities and towns; records Mass General Law Chapter 78, Section 7
Record as defined by clause Twenty-sixth of section seven of chapter four

Because library circulation records are not public records and are exempt from the public records laws of disclosure, there special circumstances under which we reveal circulation information to non-library personnel. These “circumstances” are also known as warrants and court orders for probable or just cause.

Please read Policy concerning Confidentiality of Personally Identifiable Information about Library Users from the American Library Association for a clearer understanding.

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