Privacy Policy

I. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to affirm the Bernie Public Library's dedication to the principle of confidentiality of library patron records and expectations of privacy when using library materials. We will identify limited circumstances under which information regarding a patron's use of the library will be released.

II. Scope

The Board of Trustees of the Bernie Public Library accepts and endorses the Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records of the American Library Association and strictly abides by all local, state, and federal laws that govern privacy and confidentiality as defined by Mo. Rev. Stat. Title XL & 182.815 & 182,817 (2014). A "library record" refers to any documents, records, or other method of storing information that identifies a person as having requested use. No employees of the library that receives, transmits, maintains, or stores library records shall release or disclose a library record outside the operation of confidential Library business unless pursuant to federal, state or local law where a proper showing of good cause has been made in a court of competent jurisdiction. Moreover, any cost incurred by the library in any search through patron records, even under court order, shall be charged to the entity demanding such a search. The confidential patron library records referred to in this Policy, whether print or electronic, include but are not limited to:

•  Circulation records from any library branch;
•  Library & Registration records;
•  Loan or patron material (holds) requests;
•  Event Registration and attendance records;
•  Reference requests received in person or via email or telephone;
•  Donation records, including the donor's personal and financial information.

Patron computer, internet, library database, or website use records.  This includes subjects reserved, materials consulted, individual titles borrowed, Patron Library card numbers, address, phone number, email, DOB, financial transactions, and all other unique identifiers.

III. Third-Party Partners

Any third-party partners, providers, or services contracted by The Bernie Public Library District will be bound by this Privacy Policy as well as by the laws of Missouri and any and all other relevant local, state, or federal laws governing privacy when collecting, storing, or utilizing any patron data or library records required for the administration, delivery or fulfillment of the library service(s) they are contracted to provide

Adoption

This Privacy Policy was adopted by the board of The Bernie Public Library at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on June 2023