Privacy Policy
It is the policy of the Agawam Public Library to protect the privacy of those who use the library. All information contained in your library record is strictly confidential and will be used only for the proper operation of the library. The general policy of the Library is to retain only the minimum information necessary for the library to establish a patron's eligibility to borrow materials and to respond to patron requests. Your personal records, including items charged or requested will be disclosed only upon your request or with your consent ; or pursuant to a subpoena, court order or when required by law.
In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 78 Section 7: "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 . . ." Agawam Library considers circulation and registration records identifying the names, addresses and telephone number of library patrons, as well as the materials borrowed or accessed electronically, not to be part of the public record.
Although the Agawam Public Library supports the State law which protects this right to privacy and confidentiality, the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-56) supercedes state law and expands the Federal government's authority for access to library records and documents to protect against international terrorism and clandestine intelligence activities. It also expands Federal Law enforcement's authorization to track telephone and electronic communication, including any dialing, routing, addressing, or signaling information and the actual content of the communication.
The Agawam Public Library staff will comply with law enforcement when supplied with legal subpoena or warrant. Upon receipt of a subpoena , the Library Director will contact the Town of Agawam legal department in order to determine if such process is in proper form and if there is evidence of good cause for its issuance. If the subpoena is not in proper form, or if good cause has not been shown, such defects must be corrected before the information is provided. The Library recognizes that a legal search warrant , issued and delivered by an FBI agent must be honored immediately. Some warrants issued under the USA PATRIOT ACT come with a "gag order" automatically attached, preventing staff from telling the patron or the public that information has been requested by the FBI.
Library departments will retain only as much information as required to efficiently provide services.
Last Updated 6/03
