Last Chance to donate - Friends Book Donation Day Friday 3/14, 10am-1pm
Confidentiality
The Richards Memorial Library strives to protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality. In order for patrons to make full and effective use of the library, they must feel unconstrained by the possibility that others may become aware of the books they read, the materials they use or the questions they ask. Therefore the Richards Memorial Library adheres to the following guidelines and does not divulge information regarding the following:
Any information on a patron which is not readily available in public records (such as a street address or telephone number).
Borrowers’ records and their contents. The Richards Memorial Library will not reveal the borrowing record, fines, or reserve records to any person other than the owner of the library card to which they are assigned.
The frequency or content of a patron’s lawful visit, and they will not disclose to any individual, institution, or government agency without a valid process, order or subpoena. The library shall resist until such time as is proper showing has been made in a court or competent jurisdiction.
However, parents or legal guardians who are responsible for a child’s library materials may obtain information about the records of that child.
Confidentiality Law
Chapter 78, Section 7 of the Massachusetts General laws
As Amended by Chapter 180, Acts of 1988
Section 7. A town may establish and maintain public libraries for its inhabitants under regulations prescribed by the city council or by the town, and may receive, hold and manage any gift, bequest or devise therefore. The city council of a city or the selectmen of a town may place in such library, the books, reports and laws which may be received from the commonwealth.
That part of the records of a public library which reveals the identity and intellectual pursuits of a person using such library shall not be a public record as defined by clause Twenty-sixth of section seven of chapter four. Library authorities may disclose or exchange information relating to library users for the purposes of inter-library cooperation and coordination, including but not limited to, the purposes of facilitating the sharing of resources among library jurisdictions as authorized by clause (1) of section nineteen E or enforcing the provisions of sections ninety-nine and one hundred of chapter two hundred and sixty-six.re responsible for a child’s library materials may obtain information about the records of that child.
