Hearst Free Library Privacy Policy

It is the policy of The Hearst Free Library that any library record, the primary purpose of which is to maintain control of library materials, or to gain access to information, which discloses or could be used to disclose the identity of a library user, is considered private, consistent with MCA 22-1-1101 (Montana Library Records Confidentiality Act) and is exempt from public inspection and copying.

It is also the Library's policy that the Library's facility is a public place in which library users have no expectation of privacy beyond the content of library records.

For purposes of this policy, such library records include but are not limited to registration records, circulation records, materials request forms, financial information, and computer use records. Public inspection and copying also includes any requests, oral or written, for information contained in these records.

The Library will not release exempt library records to any individual, organization, or to any agency of federal, state, or local government except pursuant to a valid court order under applicable state or federal law. The Library will make reasonable efforts in its routine service provision to avoid making information available that might inadvertently link use of specific library materials and resources to an individual.

The Library Director is responsible for establishing administrative procedures necessary to carry out this policy.

This policy is pending approval by the Hearst Free Library Board of Trustees

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