Privacy of Borrower Registration and Circulation Records Policy:
A. Borrower registration and circulation records of the San Juan Island Library District are to be considered confidential, regardless of the source of inquiry (exceptions outlined in B through E, below), and exempt from public inspection and copying, as set forth in RCW 42.56.310:
Any library record, the primary purpose of which is to maintain control of library materials, or to gain access to information, that discloses or could be used to disclose the identity of a library user is exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
Borrower registration and circulation records shall not be made available to anyone except through such process, order or subpoena as may be authorized by law. Upon receipt of such process, order or subpoena, the District’s lawyer shall be consulted to determine if such process, order or subpoena is in proper form. Any notable defects must be cured before records are released. The Director may release borrower registration and circulation records without process, order or subpoena if, in her/his judgment, a condition of grave emergency exists which can be remedied by the release of such circulation records.
B. In the case of a dependent ages 17 years and younger, parents/guardians listed on the account have full access to the dependent’s account. Parents may opt out of having access to information on the account, but will still remain financially responsible for the account.
C. In the case of an adult user with a designated legal guardian, such information may be released to a legal guardian and/or caregiver.
D. Circulation information on patron accounts may be disclosed to other people a library card holder indicates are authorized users on the account. No registration information will be shared with authorized users.
E. Patrons who fail to return materials in a timely manner will be deemed to have waived their right to confidentiality insofar as is necessary for the Library to retrieve the missing material or secure appropriate compensation for its loss.
F. Any problems or conditions relating to the privacy of borrower registration and circulation records which are not provided for in the policy statement shall be referred to the Director for resolution. If these problems or conditions cannot be resolved, an appeal may be made to the Library Board.