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Protecting the rights of library users to view and read materials
without fear of intrusion, intimidation or reprisal is a core value
for all librarians.
Penrose Library considers patron
records and borrowing information confidential and private. Library
Staff will not give out any information regarding library users
or the information resources they consult. This means we tell no
one (including faculty, parents, spouses, and other family members)
what a person has checked out. Also, we cannot give out the personal address or
phone number of any library user or staff person.
The University Privacy Policy is located at http://www.du.edu/privacy/. The Library
also endorses the American
Library Association’s Code of Ethics which includes a statement
on library user's right to privacy and confidentiality.
Release of Information to Law Enforcement Officials
The library will only release library patron information if legally
mandated by law enforcement investigators with an appropriate warrant,
subpoena or court order. In October, 2001, Congress passed the
“Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools
Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism” (USA PATRIOT Act)
which broadly expands law enforcement’s surveillance and investigative
powers. More about this Act can be found at the American Library Association USA PATRIOT Act and Intellectual Freedom.
The Library does not keep extensive records on individual patrons,
but in the event of a valid court order the following information
would be available to law enforcement:
- The patron’s record that includes information like name, address,
phone, email and ID number
- Any items a patron currently has checked out or requested
- Any reading history a patron chooses to save
- Any items a patron had checked out that still carry unpaid fines
- The last (most recent) patron who checked out an individual
item
- The patron’s record of interlibrary loan requests
If you have questions about Penrose Library’s Privacy Policy please
see the Access Services or Reference Librarian.
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