SCLD Policies / Confidentiality of Customer Information and Customer Privacy Policy

It is the policy of Spokane County Library District 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 RCW 42.56.050, Invasion of Privacy, and is exempt from public inspection and copying consistent with RCW 42.56.310, Library Records. It is also the District’s policy that library facilities are public places 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 lists, financial information, and computer booking records. Public inspection and copying also includes any requests, oral or written, for information contained in these records.

Without permission of the library user, the District 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 District 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.

Adopted by the Spokane County Library District Board of Trustees:
January 8, 1976.
Latest Review and Revision: April 21, 2009