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York County Library
System
Privacy and Confidentiality Policy
Thank you for
visiting the York County Libraries web site. York County
Libraries are committed to protecting the privacy of our
members, donors, customers, and other contacts. We collect no
personal information about you when you visit our web site unless
you choose to provide that information to us.
Libraries serve as
forums for the pursuit and exchange of knowledge, information,
and ideas. We are impartial resources providing information on
all points of view to all persons. As such, it is essential
that libraries provide the privacy that will free individuals
from fear of scrutiny or intimidation by government power or
others.
The confidentiality
of library records is a basic principle of librarianship. This
principle is reflected in Article III of the
Code of Ethics which states '[librarians] protect each
user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to
information sought or received, and materials consulted,
borrowed, acquired, or transmitted.' Additionally, Pennsylvania
has a
state law that protects the confidentiality of library
records. Confidential information includes database search
records, reference interviews, circulation records, interlibrary
loan records, and other personally identifiable uses of library
materials, facilities, or services.
The libraries of
York County agree to record the minimum personal
information necessary for the efficient operation of
the library. We have in place practices and procedures that
protect personally identifying information. In instances that
private data cannot be protected, we will inform users that
there is some risk involved when they use these services.
The libraries of
York County also recognize that law enforcement agencies and
officers may occasionally believe that library records contain
information which would be helpful to the investigation of
criminal activity. Confidential records will be released only
upon the issuance of a court order in proper form, following a
showing of good cause based on specific facts, by a court of
competent jurisdiction.
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