Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Skip to content

Confidentiality of Library Records

The policy of the Wayland Public Library is not to reveal the borrowing, reserve, or fine records to any person other than the owner of the library card to which they are assigned. The library recognizes that all circulation records; records identifying names of users with specific materials; and all library registration files identifying names, addresses, and telephones with a library-assigned registration number, are confidential. All staff members must support this policy of confidentiality. No records can be made available to any inquiries, governmental or otherwise, unless a subpoena has been served by a court of competent jurisdiction and the library administration has consulted with legal counsel to determine if it is proper to release the requested information.

This prohibition applies to the release of information to the parents or guardians of minors who have their own cards. However, the Wayland Library recognizes that instances may arise when it may be necessary for a parent or legal guardian to be provided with information about his or her child’s library records (for example, when a child’s library materials have incurred fines, or the materials have been misplaced). In this case, there are procedures that will enable parents, or other parties who are financially responsible for the child’s library materials, to obtain information about the records of a minor child age eight years or under. Upon statement of the above reasons, the parent or legal guardian will receive the information verbally or printed out. It is advised that parents encourage children, who have library cards, to obtain a PIN (Personal Identification Number) at the library, so that the child can access his/her borrowing record privately at a library or online home computer.

This policy is based on recommendations of the American Library Association and Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 78, Section 7 which states, 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.

Approved, 4/20/00